Probably the biggest theme to the Cowboys 2022 offseason so far has been their lack of aggressiveness in free agency. But could Dallas be saving its big moves for the upcoming NFL Draft? Jerry Jones comments earlier today may be a clue.
Speaking to the media during a press conference regarding a new business venture, Jerry couldn't help but talk about football activities. With the 2022 Draft just two weeks away, Jones made a very specific statement regarding Dallas' positioning.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to us just now: “I would trade up this draft.”
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) April 13, 2022
Jerry Jones said the Cowboys are willing to trade up from No. 24 in the first round for the right guy. pic.twitter.com/wnHcoHrsLk
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) April 13, 2022
Just how far up would Dallas be willing to go? And what prospects might they be willing to sacrifice assets to acquire?
You never know who might fall. Every year there's a least a couple guys you thought were Top-10 picks who go well below the projection. If such a talent were to fall closer to the Cowboys' 24th-overall pick, Jerry is suggesting that his team may be willing to strike.
What about a guy like Georgia DT Jordan Davis, who'd fill a need position in Dallas and provide a likely upgrade over any of their current talent. Or what if they have their hearts set on a certain WR prospect like Ohio State's Chris Olave, or a premiere OL talent like Alabama's Evan Neal?
Of course, any talk of the Cowboys trading up in a draft immediately make fans cringe with memories of Morris Claiborne in 2012. But as the saying goes, “scared money don't make money.”
One reason Dallas may be willing to sacrifice additional picks to move up is that they have several positions which are arguably set for 2022. When you look at the current talent at QB, RB, CB, S there doesn't feel like a need for a premium pick to be used. Even spots like TE, OT, and DE are reasonably well stocked, though upgrade opportunities certainly exist.
Multiple grains of salt should be taken with anything that comes out of Jerry's mouth, especially in the days leading up to a draft. But if his comment was genuine, the Cowboys may be more aggressive in the early rounds of the 2022 Draft than they've been during this first month of free agency.
