Five players the Cowboys should target in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft

The Dallas Cowboys lost in shocking fashion at home to the Green Bay Packers in 2024 playoffs, leading to the controversial decision to retain coach Mike McCarthy.

The Cowboys have the 24th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and should have plenty of options for improving the team and a likely focus on drafting the best player available.

Here are five players the Cowboys should target in the draft.

1. Terrion Arnold, Alabama

The Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback is a rising star who is still growing as a player.

The Cowboys need depth in the secondary to prevent what happened against Romeo Doubs, Jordan Love and the Packers in the playoffs, where Doubs torched them for 151 yards and a touchdown and Love completed 16-of-21 passes for 272 yards and three touchdowns.

Arnold would add size at 6-feet, 196 pounds, along with coverage and leadership skills.

2. Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma

Guyton is an offensive tackle with versatility to play either side of the line. He has been mocked to the Cowboys recently and would be a great pick in the first round.

He's 6-foot-7 and 327 pounds with a world of potential, but his absence from the 2023 All-Big 12 Team suggests he still has a ways to go to make good on that potential.

3. Amarius Mims, Georgia

The 6-foot-7, 340 pound Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle prospect would add much needed youth and depth to the Cowboys' offensive line.

The Cowboys finished 14th in the NFL in rushing last season, a number not befitting of the rushing talent of Tony Pollard. Mims can help immediately.

4. Cooper DeJean, Iowa

DeJean could slide to the back of the first round or even into the second due to an injury he suffered late in the season. Whoever gets the talented Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back is going to be overjoyed with the pick. 

DeJean can play cornerback or safety and is a talented return man on kickoffs, punts and interceptions.

5. Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois

An athletic and agile defensive tackle, Newton has the size to hold up in the interior along with the playmaking skills to slide over, defend the edge and rush the passer.

He would add a plug-and-play player to the Cowboys' defensive line who would help the team excel from day one.