Mailbag: Is taking BPA in draft off the table?

(Editor's Note: Time to check the mail! The DallasCowboys.com staff writers answer your questions here in 'Mailbag' presented by Miller Lite.)

The Cowboys have always stuck to best player available in the draft. Is this the year that's finally off the table? If an offensive player at a skill position is considerably higher on their board, and a trade isn't available to them, do they pass? – Rob Riggieri/Rutland, MA

Kurt: We annually hear talk about just grabbing the best player available but positional needs are always taken into consideration. Some have Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq ranked among the top 12 prospects, but would the Cowboys really add to a position that is already in good shape when there are so many other glaring concerns?

I'm not saying the Cowboys absolutely won't take an offensive skill position. If Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is available, there will likely be some discussions, although I hope they don't go that route. A sidekick to Javonte Williams on an already high-powered offense would seem a luxury at this point.

But fortunately for the Cowboys – in terms of the draft, at least – they need so much for Christian Parker's new defense that there will likely be plenty of good talent on that side of the ball still available when they go on the clock.

So yes, they can indeed pass on a skilled offensive player and probably should. Because Dallas simply has to improve its defense if the team is to have any hope of a lengthy playoff run in 2026.

Nick: Well, as I type this ... it's still March. How can anything be off the table? I get what you're asking because it's basically saying that defense is such a need that there's no way you can justify taking another offensive player.

I don't know if I agree with that. Now, let me add this ... I've never been a huge fan of BPA. I think for the reason you're talking about, I always like to call it BAN (Best Available Need). So for that reason, I can see that defense should be the pick.

But if you get to No. 12 and the best defensive guys are off the board and the players that make the most sense based off the grades are on offense, then I think it's the right thing to do to at least address it. You can't ignore the positions especially because drafts aren't just for this year, but down the road. So what if it's a receiver? No, Carnell Tate from Ohio State might not be around, but if he is, you have to at least figure out what the plan is at receiver. What's going on with Pickens? Only the Cowboys really know what the long-term plan is, if a deal isn't signed right away. If there is a chance at all the Cowboys might consider parting ways with Pickens after next year, then you have to consider all options.

And are we 100 percent convinced Tyler Guyton will be the left tackle for years to come? I'm not right now. If the best player on the board is a left tackle, then why not go there? I just feel like fans sometimes look at this year's depth chart only and try to decide what to pick at No. 12 and No. 20. These are picks for the future as well. Sure, defense makes sense but I don't think they should reach for any defensive player and pass up on the best guy they can get.