Cowboys' seven likeliest third round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft according to the data

With no fourth rounder at their disposal this year, the Dallas Cowboys' third round draft pick will be one of the most important ones they make this year. Obtaining the right value while hopefully addressing one of their many, many needs will be one of the hardest tasks they undertake this offseason.

ESPN Analytics counts with a "Draft Day Predictor" that assigns a probability value to prospects who are the likeliest to be taken at any given selection. The mathematical model "is based on prospect grades from Scouts Inc., expert mock drafts, and team needs along with a few other factors. The Predictor considers these factors in proportion to how accurate they have been in the past."

Using this tool, what are the Cowboys' very likeliest picks at 87th? Here they are ranked from one to seven. It's worth noting each of these guys is ranked at below 3% likelihood, so expect the unexpected!

1. RB Trey Benson, Florida State

• Consensus ranking: 54th
• A to Z Sports analyst James Foster's ranking: 64th

It seems the Cowboys could get optimal value at running back in the third round, where they won't be passing up on better players like they might if they do it in the second round, for instance.

Finding Benson in the third would be tremendous value. He's got patience and vision just like Jonathon Brooks and reliable hands with zero fumbles in his career. He's drawn comparisons to DeMarco Murray.

2. RB Jaylen Wright, Tennessee

• Consensus ranking: 85th
• A to Z Sports analyst James Foster's ranking: 73rd

With a 4.38 40-yard dash, Wright's speed ranks in the 95th percentile among running backs. He's got explosion to show off, as well and might be one of the best big-play threats the Cowboys could get in the NFL Draft.

"Tennessee's offense provided abundant amounts of breathing room & space to break outside," writes James Foster in his Big Board as a potential negative.

3. OT/iOL Dominick Puni, Kansas

• Consensus ranking: 72nd
• A to Z Sports analyst James Foster's ranking: 55th

A potential third round steal, Puni might be seen by many teams as a guard due to his arm length (sub-33 inches, 19th percentile for OTs).  He's got heavy hands and would be a great depth addition for Dallas.

4. iOL Zak Zinter, Michigan

• Consensus ranking: 102nd
• A to Z Sports analyst James Foster's ranking: 138th

Per Foster, Zinter is a lineman with "above average play strength & stopping power, looks for work & finishes adjacent blocks in pass protection, and is an effective puller with outstanding target location."

Zinter might drop during the NFL Draft because of a season-ending injury versus Ohio State as he broke his fibula/tibia.

5. OT Christian Jones, Texas

• Consensus ranking: 113th
• A to Z Sports analyst James Foster's ranking: 94th

Jones is one of the most experienced players in the draft, and will be a 24-year-old rookie in the league. He's got four years of starting at tackle in Texas, with the most career snaps at tackle in this class.He'd be a savvy pick for the Cowboys especially if the team isn't able to grab a quality tackle earlier in the draft. A finisher familiar with zone blocking, he could be a hidden gem in the third.

6. LB Junior Colson, Michigan

• Consensus ranking: 56th
• A to Z Sports analyst James Foster's ranking: 69th

Colson has drawn comparisons to Sean Lee thanks to his high-IQ on the field which allows him to quickly diagnose what offenses are doing on the field. That's the kind of play Mike Zimmer wants in his linebackers so this could be a great fit and at 87th, Colson would be a steal.

The question is if he'll be there in the first place.

7. WR Devontez Walker, North Carolina

• Consensus ranking: 84th
• A to Z Sports analyst James Foster's ranking: 105th

Walker's route-running and yards after the catch skills need work but he's a speedy wide receiver who even beat Nate Wiggins for a 40+ yard catch and the Clemson cornerback will likely be taken in the first round.

Walker has the athletic testing to support him as well, with a 92nd percentile 40-yard dash (4.36) and 84th percentile arm length (33.25 inches).