NFL Draft Rumors: Could the Dallas Cowboys Select a Tight End in 1st Round?

The Dallas Cowboys biggest needs are on the defensive side of the ball, but that doesn’t mean they won’t use their 1st pick in the 2017 NFL Draft on a tight end.

Even as Jason Witten’s career continues, the Dallas Cowboys can count the tight end position as a team need. Witten is the only proven commodity on the roster– especially with Gavin Escobar visiting the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Cowboys will have an opportunity to address this need in the 2017 NFL Draft thanks to the depth at the position. They could target one of the elite tight end prospects like Miami’s David Njoku or Alabama’s O.J. Howard.

Another option would be for them to wait a little longer and draft a less proven prospect with a mid-round pick. Some of those options would be Virginia Tech’s Bucky Hodges, Clemson’s Jordan Leggett and Louisville’s Cole Hikutini.

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This is a complicated situation because Dallas’ most pressing needs are on the defensive side of the ball. They have holes in the secondary, at linebacker and along the defensive line. It wouldn’t be crazy to see the Cowboys use all their picks on defensive players.

However, Jerry Jones and company aren’t afraid to take risks in order to add an offensive playmaker. Someone like David Njoku would be a major addition to the roster and help the development of Dak Prescott.

Njoku is an athletic freak who features excellent length and strong hands. He’s a major mismatch and someone opposing defenses will struggled to cover. Njoku also shows good effort as a run blocker which will fit in nicely with the Cowboys’ style.

This is going to come down to Dallas weighing the value of the prospects available when they’re on the clock.