The Dallas Cowboys have done a pretty solid job this offseason filling holes to the roster, which pretty much frees them to do whatever they want in the 2020 NFL Draft. They can choose to stand pat with each of their seven draft picks or move up or down as they please. They could even pull off a jaw-dropping trade, say for Jamal Adams!?
The Dallas Cowboys tried to pry the Pro Bowl safety away from the New York Jets prior to the 2019 trade deadline last year, but wouldn't give into the Jets demands. With a year less left on Jamal Adams' contract now, the asking price should come down which could cause the Cowboys to reopen those trade discussions.
Now, I haven't heard of any “sources” indicating the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets have opened up the lines of communication regarding a Jamal Adams trade, but with the 2020 NFL Draft a little over a week away that could change in a hurry. That's why decided to take a look at how a Jamal Adams trade could impact the Cowboys draft strategy.
Let's take a look…
Projected Cost of Trading for Jamal Adams
Before even considering what the Dallas Cowboys would have to give up in order to acquire Jamal Adams via trade from the New York Jets we first have to understand the price involved. We all know it's going to take quite a bit of draft capital, but we also have to take into account Adams is seeking a new contract which will likely make him the highest-paid safety.
Before we get to the draft side of this equation, let's take a look at the money involved.
The Cowboys could technically get two years of service out of Jamal Adams before having to extend his contract if they exercise his fifth-year option. However, it's probably in their best interest to pay him as soon as possible. Look no further than what's currently going on with Dak Prescott because they waited too long.
Jamal Adams asking price will likely be around $14.6 million per season, which is what the Chicago Bears are currently shelling out for Safety Eddie Jackson. That's probably the baseline, but it could be much more considering Adams is younger and arguably the better player. For a player who can have the kind of impact he does on the field, that's not a bad price tag and something the Cowboys can afford.
That brings us to the draft capital it would take to pry Jamal Adams away from the New York Jets.
Scenario #1
Cowboys send Picks 17 and 51 to Jets for Jamal Adams
Brian Costello of the New York Post believes the New York Jets might be willing to trade Jamal Adams for the Dallas Cowboys first and second-round draft picks in 2020. That's still a steep asking price for just one player, but something the Cowboys would likely pull the trigger on.
Scenario #2
Cowboys send 2020 1st & 2nd, 2021 2nd to Jets in exchange for Jamal Adams and the first of their two 2020 3rd-round picks (No. 68)
K.D. Drummond is the brain trust behind this scenario and I think it's pretty realistic. This hypothetical trade scenario mutually benefits both the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets.
Basically, the Cowboys are really just giving up a 2020 first-round draft pick and a 2021 second-rounder. Then they are swapping Pick 51 for Pick 68 this year to acquire Jamal Adams from the Jets. That's just smart business in my opinion.
Cowboys Remaining Draft Needs
Under the assumption the Dallas Cowboys are somehow able to acquire Jamal Adams via trade from the New York Jets, it eliminates one of their biggest “needs”. With a line now drawn through the safety position, what are the other Cowboys “team needs”?
- Edge Rusher
- Cornerback
- Wide Receiver
- Offensive Tackle
- Center/Guard
- Linebacker
With Jamal Adams on board, I think the Cowboys biggest needs are edge rusher and wide receiver. Losing both Robert Quinn and Randall Cobb are big losses and ones that currently really haven't been addressed as of yet.
I know it will be an unpopular opinion, but I don't think CB is as big of a need as it's made out to be. Yes losing Byron Jones hurts, but I don't see another corner capable of starting over what the Cowboys currently have on the roster outside of the first-round. The same can be said for LB as well.
That brings us to the offensive line. The Cowboys need a new swing tackle and more depth along the interior at either guard or center. It's not a huge “need”, but probably needs to still be addressed at some point.
With all of that in mind, let's turn to the 2020 NFL Draft and the Dallas Cowboys updated draft capital after the hypothetical Jamal Adams trade.
Dallas Cowboys 7-round Mock Draft
* For this mock draft we will use K.D. Drummond's scenario #2
Round 1 (17), Round 2 (51) – Jamal Adams, Safety
Jamal Adams is a huge upgrade from not only a talent standpoint, but from an attitude one as well. The Cowboys defense would take on an entirely different swagger due to his leadership and on-field play.
Round 3, Pick 68 – Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Florida
Jonathan Greenard is an athletic EDGE rusher with intriguing size and length. He would fit in nicely in the Cowboys DE rotation and could become a starter in a year or two.
Round 3, Pick 82 – Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina
Bryan Edwards is a big, physical WR capable playing inside or out. With the Cowboys he would be an excellent “big slot” target in the passing game, which is where he seems most comfortable.
Round 4, Pick 123 – Reggie Robinson II, CB, Tulsa
Reggie Robinson would provide much-needed depth and size to the Cowboys CB position. He could be a spot starter as a rookie before taking over full-time in a year or two.
Round 5, Pick 164 – Davion Taylor, LB, Colorado
Davion Taylor is arguably the most athletic LB prospect in this year's draft class not named Isaiah Simmons. He's still really raw, but would provide much-needed depth at LB and on special teams.
Round 5, Pick 179 – Braden Mann, P, Texas A&M
Braden Mann is the best punter in this year's draft class and would be an immediate upgrade over Chris Jones. He is a premium field-flipper and can serve as the kickoff specialist as well.
Round 7, Pick 231 – Cordel Iwuagwu, OG, TCU
Cordel Iwuagwu is likely a reserve/backup player with upside if he can clean up his technique and balance issues. He's somebody the Cowboys have already shown an interest in (video interview).
