Expert NFL draft predictions: Whom will Dallas Cowboys select with the 24th pick?

The NFL draft is finally here.

After a quiet free agency period, the Dallas Cowboys are looking to make a splash in the NFL draft.

Dallas owns the 24th overall pick in Thursday’s first round and could use it to fill one of multiple needs.

Which way will the Cowboys go?

Here’s what The Dallas Morning News’ columnists and beat writers see the Cowboys doing in the first round.

Tim Cowlishaw

Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU: The Cowboys have a predilection for drafting offensive linemen in the first round even when the need is not great. With the loss of two starters in free agency and no fourth-round pick, they have to get on it right away to keep the offense viable. They might like Amarius Mims here, but with the Eagles picking two spots ahead and their love for Georgia players, the Cowboys will be satisfied if they land the big tackle from BYU, allowing Tyler Smith to remain at guard.

Michael Gehlken

Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia: Obviously, it is impossible to know who will be available at No. 24. If the Cowboys are intent on keeping Tyler Smith at guard, a tackle like Amarius Mims makes more sense. If they are focused on versatility, go Graham Barton. But Frazier, with an off-the-charts blend of physicality, maturity, smarts and toughness, is wired exactly the way a Cowboys lineman should be. Maybe the team trades back to land him, as done with Travis Frederick, or simply selects him and reaps the rewards.

David Moore

Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma: The first wave of offensive tackles are likely gone when the Cowboys are on the clock. If interior linemen Graham Barton and Troy Fautanu are gone as well, the club will take Tyler Guyton or look to move back

Kevin Sherrington

Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia: The Cowboys trade down in first, pick up a fourth and still get a starter at LT. Mims is the perfect heir to Tyron Smith: huge, with the wingspan of a 747 and tremendous upside. Like Tyron, also been hurt a lot. He’s worth the risk.

Calvin Watkins

Graham Barton, OT/G/C, Duke: Barton played tackle in college but he projects as a center/guard in the NFL. Does Barton solve the center position? Yes, he does. It’s unclear what his selection would mean for Tyler Smith, who could move from guard to tackle.

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