The Dallas Morning News predicts what the Cowboys do at No. 24 in the 2022 NFL draft

After the usual cavalcade of mocks, predictions and Cowboys brass pre-draft press conferences, the 2022 NFL draft is finally here. The first round is set to start Thursday at 7 p.m.

Those at The Dallas Morning News who cover Jerry, Stephen and the Cowboys on a regular basis have done plenty of mocking and predicting themselves, but the time has come for them to officially put it on the line: What will Dallas do with the 24th overall pick in this year’s draft?

Trade up? Trade down? Draft for need, or the best player on the board? Here are the official predictions from the DMN experts on where the Cowboys go with No. 24:

Tim Cowlishaw

Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson

Jerry Jones can say all the proper things about Kelvin Joseph, but the Cowboys have to be realistic about their cornerback position. It was soft even before Joseph met with police, and the club can drastically use a solid cover man.

Booth was a three-year playmaker at Clemson, coming out after his junior year, and is fully capable of knocking off Anthony Brown for the starting spot opposite Trevon Diggs.

Michael Gehlken

Zion Johnson, G, Boston College

Whatever Johnson’s ceiling may be as an NFL player, he has the work ethic, maturity and intelligence to reach it. That is based on conversations not only with Johnson but those close to him. The 312-pound football sponge is a plug-and-play option at left guard who impressed at center during Senior Bowl week.

David Moore

Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M

Would the Cowboys prefer Zion Johnson? Sure. But the same can be said of a few other teams when it comes to the Boston College interior lineman. Green is a fine consolation prize. He’s a big, physical presence who plays with an edge. He won’t back down. Green would step in immediately at left guard to address one of the team’s biggest needs on offense.

Kevin Sherrington

Zion Johnson, G, Boston College

A first-round pick generally means taking the best athlete available, but if you’re getting the best at his position, you’ve accomplished the same. Smart, inquisitive and powerful, Johnson would immediately start next to his idol, Tyron Smith. Or he could end up as the Cowboys’ center. His position flex makes him invaluable as the Cowboys rebuild their offensive line.

Calvin Watkins

Zion Johnson, G, Boston College

He’s projected to play guard for the Cowboys but could potentially move to tackle down the road. A safe pick that makes sense.

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