We're still basking in the glow of the Dallas Cowboys landing WR CeeDee Lamb at the 17th pick last night. But rather than hope another great talent falls to them in the 2nd Round, should the Cowboys consider trading up to draft one of the best available players at cornerback, safety, or defensive end?
We went into the 2020 NFL Draft with defensive backs, receivers, and pass rushers the consensus top needs for the Cowboys. They satisfied that WR need in a big way in the 1st Round, and now it's time to turn their full attention to the defense.
Fortunately, there are still some players available that we might've been okay with Dallas drafting at #17 last night, or at least trading down for:
- DE A.J. Epenesa, Yetur Gross-Matos
- CB Kristian Fulton, Jaylon Johnson, Trevon Diggs
- S: Xavier McKinney, Grant Delpit
The Cowboys' 2nd-round pick is 51st overall, meaning 18 players will come off the board before their next selection later tonight.
Do you play the odds and hope one of these guys falls, or do you make a move up the board to acquire superior talent?
The situation is reminiscent of how Dallas drafted DeMarcus Lawrence back in 2014. They were at the 47th pick and gave up that and their 3rd-round pick to move up to 34th and select Tank.
If the Cowboys wants to make such a big leap in 2020, giving up their 3rd-round pick this year would be the asking price. To get to the top of the 2nd Round, they might have to throw in one of their two 5th-round picks as well.
Dallas' hope now is that the early 2nd Round will have a run on offensive players and push these defensive options on down the line.
If some of these players are available in the 40-45 range, the Cowboys might be able to keep their 3rd-round pick and move up using just their 4th and perhaps one of their 5ths.
My prediction is that Dallas will see how things play out in the early part of the round. If there's a quick run on defensive talent, perhaps they do sacrifice their 3rd to move up before all of their favorite targets are gone. But if we see a lot of RB, WR, and OT picks early than the Cowboys could get more comfortable with waiting and playing the odds.
Does one potentially special talent help this defense but than two lesser prospects? That's the great debate for the Cowboys as they decide how to handle the 2nd Round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
