Prospect visit list could hint at the Cowboys' draft strategy

The list, posted Tuesday on "X" by Nick Harris of DallasCowboys.com, includes three offensive linemen: Duke's versatile Graham Barton, Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson and Oregon State tackle Taliese Fuaga.

Dallas, which has the 24th pick in the first round, has a huge need at offensive tackle and center due to the departures in free agency of former starting center Tyler Biadasz (signed with the Commanders) and former starting tackle Tyron Smith (signed with the Jets).

The list could mean Dallas is focused on improving its offensive line high in the draft, possibly in the first round.

However, if a team selects an offensive tackle before the Cowboys' pick, Dallas could slide left guard Tyler Smith to the outside and bolster their line later in the draft. The Cowboys could also draft one of the top centers available.

Per Pro Football Focus, Powers-Johnson is the top interior offensive lineman in the draft and Barton is ranked second.

When asked about Tyler Smith, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones left that door open, telling Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News: “I’d say that’s a good, viable thing. … Keep the idea there. Don’t dismiss that idea."

At the league meetings, head coach Mike McCarthy largely echoed his boss' thoughts.

"We’ll keep him at guard right now, see how it unfolds," he said, per Gehlken, adding, "Let’s fill out the room, and then we’ll look at it.” 

The 2024 NFL Draft is April 25-27 in Detroit.