The Dallas Cowboys have had a rough 2020 NFL season so far, to say the least. After being considered a potential Super Bowl favorite coming into the season, Mike McCarthy has led the franchise to a 3-8 record in his first year as head coach. Now, the team is looking ahead to the future and the 2021 NFL Draft as they look to re-tool for next season.
CeeDee Lamb was a big pickup for the Cowboys in the 2020 NFL Draft. They were also able to snag Trevon Diggs. Jerry Jones and company need to nail the next draft as well.
As of right now, the Cowboys would hold the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 draft. Barring a major turnaround, they are going to have a top-five pick.
All of that being said, let’s dive in and take a look at four potential targets the Cowboys should look at in the first round.
Patrick Surtain II, Cornerback, Alabama
One of the main needs for the Cowboys will be finding more help in the secondary. That has become clear this season with opposing teams being able to throw all over them. Surtain would be a solid addition high in the 2021 NFL Draft.
So far this season with the Crimson Tide, Surtain has racked up 27 total tackles, an interception, a defensive touchdown, and seven defended passes.
Surtain’s father had a ton of success in the NFL and he is expected to have the same. Landing with the Cowboys would give him an instant role alongside fellow young cornerback Trevon Diggs. This duo could lead the Cowboys’ defense long-term.
Micah Parsons, Linebacker, Penn State
In theory, the Cowboys should be just fine at the linebacker position. Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch are both big-time talents, but they simply have not been producing well. If the Cowboys want to bring in another impact linebacker, Parsons could be their guy.
He is currently projected to be a top-10 pick. Dallas could very well scoop him up and hope that he can become the leader of the defense. Trading either Smith or Vander Esch for more value if this pick is made would make sense.
Parsons had a great career with the Nittany Lions. In two years, Parsons recorded 191 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, and five defended passes. He is very athletic and would be a nice addition for the middle of the Dallas defense.
Caleb Farley, Cornerback, Virginia Tech
Let’s add another cornerback to the list of potential NFL Draft targets for the Cowboys this season. In addition to Patrick Surtain II, Farley could be a potential option.
Farley played two seasons for Virginia Tech before opting out of this season. He ended his career with the Hokies totaling 56 total tackles, one sack, six interceptions, one defensive touchdown, and 19 defended passes.
McCarthy and company would have an immediate impact player and a guy who could very well become a top-notch playmaker if they draft Farley. Surtain may be their first choice, but Farley would be exactly what the doctor ordered for the secondary as well.
Trey Lance, Quarterback, North Dakota State
Finally, this is the most intriguing route the Cowboys could possibly go in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Taking a quarterback following Dak Prescott’s gruesome ankle injury would be a big storyline. Jones has yet to give Prescott the big contract that many thought he would get last offseason.
Lance could come in and be a backup for a couple of years or could be a fallback option if the Cowboys don’t want to pay up for Prescott. He has only played in one game this season, completing 50 percent of his passes for 149 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.
Last year, Lance had huge and impressive numbers for North Dakota State. He completed 66.9 percent of his attempts for 2,786 yards, 28 touchdowns, and no interceptions. There are some concerns about his lack of competition played against, but Lance could be an intriguing pickup for the Cowboys.
