NFL Mock Draft: 3 first-round mistakes Cowboys can’t afford to make

The Cowboys need to take pressure off Micah Parsons via the Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Cowboys need to land an impact player in Round 1 of this year’s NFL Draft. That means Dallas must avoid making any of these three mistakes. 

If the Cowboys want to emerge as viable Super Bowl contenders they need to find an impact starter in Round 1 of April’s NFL Draft. At the very least, Dallas needs to make sure they don’t blow their opportunity to add a future building block with the No. 26 overall selection.

The good news for Cowboys fans is that the roster isn’t beset with glaring holes. Adding another pass-catcher for Dak Prescott would be advisable but doesn’t have to be addressed in Round 1. It’s reasonable for the team’s front office to head into the draft with the mindset that they’ll take the best player available.

Falling into any of the following three traps would be a significant misstep for the Cowboys’ front office. The list begins with one position group that should deserve strong consideration with the team’s first draft choice.

NFL Mock Draft: 3 mistakes Cowboys can’t afford to make in 2023 NFL Draft

3. Failing to consider adding another edge rusher

Micah Parsons has exceeded all expectations the team had for him coming out of Penn State. They knew he could become a top-quality linebacker, but his pass-rushing prowess has been nothing short of remarkable.

The challenge for the team’s higher-ups is not to take Parsons’ brilliance for granted. He needs more help if he’s going to continue to wreak havoc on opposing backfields. Landing another edge-rusher in Round 1 could help him do just that. The Cowboys don’t have to reach for a young sack artist, but if they get the chance to nab someone like Miles Murphy or Calijah Kancey they should strongly consider pulling the trigger.