While the Dallas Cowboys have been relatively active in free agency, it would be nice to see them make a couple more moves over the next couple of weeks. As currently constructed, the roster still has far too many pressure points for our liking going into the draft.
That doesn't mean the front office can't sign players after the draft or even right before training camp, but it doesn't take an NFL expert to recognize Dallas' work is far from finished.
Based on the Cowboys' moves in free agency, wide receiver, cornerback, running back and defensive tackle are shaping up to be their primary focuses in the draft.
But what about linebacker? While the additions of Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn vastly improve the depth, surely defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus isn't satisfied with the room. It wouldn't surprise if drafting a linebacker is in play in round three and beyond.
It seems at least one LB is on Dallas' radar. According to FOX Sports insider Jordan Schultz, South Carolina talent Demetrius Knight Jr. met with at least five linebacker coaches, including the Cowboys and Eberflus.
South Carolina LB Demetrius Knight Jr. held his Pro Day today and met with at least five LB coaches, as well as the #Cowboys and DC Matt Eberflus, per source. He’s been mentioned as a likely top-50 pick in April’s draft. pic.twitter.com/xQozxNWnSw
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 19, 2025
Cowboys DC Matt Eberflus personally met with South Carolina LB Demetrius Knight Jr.
A former quarterback prospect, Knight played in college for six years, spending his first four seasons at Georgia Tech before transferring to UNC-Charlotte and then South Carolina, respectively, for his final two years. You won't be surprised to learn he's an older prospect - he'll turn 25 years old before his rookie season.
In two seasons with the Gamecocks, Knight compiled an astounding 178 tackles, 14 of which registered a loss, 3.5 sacks, four interceptions and three forced fumbles. Given his age, though, it's fair to question how much more development he has left.
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Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network calls Knight a good, but not great, run defender. Per Fowler, the former Gamecock can shoot the gap with the best of them, but struggles to shed and stack blocks and at times doesn't fit his crease as early as he should.
While Fowler noticed some tackling inconsistencies in Knight's tape, he is enamored with Knight's coverage ability.
"Man or zone, he’s instinctive and smart in the middle of a defense with as much range at the position as any LB in the class," Fowler writes.
Knight might have more flaws than the Cowboys are comfortable with for an older prospect, but he has the instincts and athletic ability to immediately improve a defense. The only issue is Dallas doesn't own a fourth-round pick and they may not want to spend the No. 73 overall pick on a linebacker depending on what needs remain after its first two selections.
While linebacker is a need, cornerback, wide receiver, running back and defensive tackle should be prioritized in the first three rounds. It also couldn't hurt to replenish the offensive line after losing future Hall of Famer Zack Martin to retirement.
With all of that said, the Cowboys are clearly interested in Knight so he is someone to watch as we inch closer to April 24.