Recently, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has expressed interest in moving up from the No. 24 pick in this year’s draft. It would be a rare move for Dallas, as the last time this happened was in 2012 (Cowboys traded up from No. 12 to No. 6 to select LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne).
There’s logic in moving up, given Dallas’ need for some high-end talent after losing some this offseason. Holes at wide receiver, guard and defensive tackle all need to be filled, with many intriguing prospects scattered throughout. Whether this is a possibility or not is debatable. But if it is, here are some ways the Cowboys can make it happen.
Scenario #1: Cowboys trade with Patriots for No. 21 pick
Given this only moves Dallas up three spots, it doesn’t seem like much. However, it makes sense with wide receivers like Ohio State’s Chris Olave and Arkansas’ Treylon Burks being available and the Packers and Cardinals sitting above them at picks No. 22 and No. 23.
By jumping Green Bay and Arizona, the Cowboys potentially select the receiver they want if they choose to go that route. The Cardinals could also potentially select a guard, and Dallas would be able to pick Boston College’s Zion Johnson or Texas A&M’s Kenyon Green before them with this move.
The Patriots have many needs going into the draft, and moving back would give them more assets to fill those needs. Again, moving up three spots isn’t much. But, it provides Dallas security over teams above them with similar needs.
Potential Trade: Cowboys receive No. 21 pick in exchange for No. 24 pick and the No. 129 pick (4th round)
Scenario #2: Cowboys trade with Eagles for No. 15 or No. 18 pick
They’re a division rival, but the two teams traded with each other in last year’s draft. Who’s to say it can’t happen again? The Eagles have sought after long-term draft capital for the future, and trading back would align with that goal. With this trade, the Cowboys would also give themselves a surefire chance to select one of the top five wide receivers, interior offensive linemen or edge rushers.
Both teams have similar needs, so why not try to move ahead of Philadelphia? If Dallas wants an edge rusher, this would be the perfect place to select Florida State’s Jermaine Johnson or Purdue’s George Karlaftis. Any wide receiver from USC’s Drake London to Alabama’s Jameson Williams could also fall here. Like the last trade, this ensures Dallas the chance to select who they want. Those chances significantly increase by moving into the top-20.
Potential trade: Cowboys receive No. 15/18 pick in exchange for No. 24 pick, No. 88 pick (third round) and a 2023 fourth-round pick
Scenario #3: Cowboys trade with Jets for No. 10 pick
With possession of the No. 4 pick, the Jets can afford to trade down from here to pick up a day two pick. A trade with the Cowboys would give them a rare top-10 choice, one it hasn’t held in six years.
This pick can be used almost anywhere. Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson would be an excellent choice at wide receiver. His skill set is the most diverse of any receiver, and he’ll do wonders for any team that selects him. One of LSU’s Derek Stingley Jr. or Cincinnati’s Ahmad Gardner will certainly be available here to fill the need at cornerback. Also, safety is a need. Could Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton fall to this spot? Who knows, but the chances of him landing in Dallas would increase with this pick.
Potential trade: Cowboys receive No. 10 pick in exchange for No. 24 pick, No. 88 pick and No. 178 pick (fifth round)
Scenario #4: Cowboys trade with Panthers for No. 6 pick
This is very ambitious, but huge trades during draft night have happened before. By moving up to No. 6, Dallas gives Carolina much-needed draft capital in the middle rounds (the Panthers don’t pick again until the fourth round). It also allows the Cowboys to select a top-tier player that can put them back in double-digit win territory.
There’s so much Dallas can do with this pick. Do you need a cornerback? Stingley Jr. or Gardner could be there. How about an edge rusher to replace Randy Gregory? Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux and Georgia’s Travon Walker could be there. What about a tackle to replace La’el Collins? Ikem Ekwonu and Charles Cross would be options there.
The chances of this happening are small, but it would be a statement move for Dallas.
Potential Trade: Cowboys receive No. 6 pick and No. 244 pick (seventh round) in exchange for No. 24 pick, No. 56 pick (second round), No. 193 pick (sixth round) and a 2023 fifth-round pick
