Trading down in the first round could also be an option if the Dallas Cowboys look to acquire more draft capital with a deep draft.
DALLAS — The 2024 NFL Draft is knocking on the door, and the Dallas Cowboys are putting more eggs in their roster improvement basket in light of that outcome. With seven total picks, the team has plenty of options, but there are two drawbacks as the draft approaches.
A year after winning their district and making the playoffs, they acquired a first-round pick in the mid-20s, but it was never the best spot to land a top prospect. This is a minor issue since the current No. 24 overall pick is supposed to be a starter, but his impact may not be the same as a player taken in the top 15 of the draft.
The bigger problem is that the team lost five starting pitchers and only has three premium picks (selections in the first three rounds) to make up for that loss. They don't have that round pick, having traded a fourth-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers for quarterback Trey Lance last offseason. For teams with multiple needs, missing out on a pick at any point puts them in a difficult position.
However, the Cowboys could support themselves by trading back to acquire additional picks and increase their draft capital. The team has never been hesitant to pull the trigger on a trade on draft night, but this could be another case of Trader Jerry (Jones) making the call. Dallas will definitely be open to the possibility of a trade in this draft after almost taking a step back last year.
If the Cowboys want to deal, they have the luxury of having some of the more offensive teams in the league behind them, and those teams need a later pick to move up to No. 24 overall. may be willing to give up. The Cowboys likely won't move beyond the first round as they retain a fifth-year rookie contract option with their first pick, but that could happen if Jones gets the right deal.
Here are the most likely teams and scenarios for the Cowboys to sign and move back from their first-round draft slot.
Kansas City Chiefs: Cowboys acquire No. 32 (first round) and No. 95 (third round) overall picks.
The two teams almost came to an agreement last year, so it wouldn't be surprising if the Chiefs called him up, but the Cowboys abandoned that move and selected Maji Smith with the top pick of the first round, No. 26.
The Chiefs have always been aggressive and stepped up to acquire coveted players, and the Cowboys will likely get a third-round pick back to give them another chance to fill holes on the roster.
One downside is that the Chiefs appear to be looking for help on the offensive line, which is also a spot the Cowboys are looking to strengthen. Moving eight spots back is a gamble, but Dallas needs more volume in the draft class and Kansas City would be a strong partner.
Baltimore Ravens: Cowboys acquire picks 30th overall (1st round) and 93rd overall (3rd round)
The Ravens are one of the most complete teams in the league with a history of draft success, but they could be looking for one of the missing pieces to top the list at No. 24. It would be a risk to move six spots down, as Jackson's weapons, which could be a wide receiver to complement Lamar, or personnel to strengthen the offensive line are both things the Cowboys need.
However, this would be a more attractive trade than the one with the Chiefs, as they would be able to acquire two more spots in the first and third rounds. For the Cowboys, a less dramatic drop feels easier to swallow.
San Francisco 49ers: Cowboys acquire No. 31 (first round) and No. 94 (third round) overall picks.
It's always a little difficult to make a deal with a team that is expected to be in the playoffs every season and is in contention, but like the Ravens, the 49ers only need a few pieces to complete their team. Perhaps they believe they can get a key player with the No. 24 pick, allowing them to trade to a conference rival and give up a third-round pick for a better deal.
The teams struck a similar deal in 2013, when the Cowboys returned and drafted future All-Pro center Travis Frederick and received a third-round pick in exchange, but they didn't expect that player to be useful. It turned out to be wide receiver Terrence Williams.
Dallas won't be able to acquire as many third-round picks as they used to, but acquiring another third-round pick could help the team's cause. A mid-draft pick from San Francisco would give the Cowboys back the pick they gave up for Lance, but they were one round better.
Carolina Panthers: Cowboys acquire 33rd overall pick (2nd round) and 65th overall pick (3rd round)
This is an interesting alternative that would give the Cowboys even more options. They will lose the fifth-year option given to first-round picks, but they will also gain first-round picks in the second and third rounds. That would give the team a full day to deliberate on who to select with the No. 1 pick on the second day of the draft, while also trading the No. 33 overall pick to gain even more draft assets. You can probably keep making offers.
This trade has more flexibility, but an organization that tends to overthink things for an entire day could do just that before the second day of the draft begins. It would also give the Cowboys a better pick in the third round. Nearly 30 picks in the third round is a huge difference and could benefit the team in terms of available talent.
These are quality, realistic options for the Cowboys, who have the opportunity to trade back every year but haven't done so recently. The team has turned down trade-back opportunities over the past two years, but with multiple holes on the roster, it seems likely Dallas will accept a similar offer this time. They'll need to find a team willing to trade him, but that doesn't seem to be an issue.
The only question is whether the Cowboys are ready to take a step back and take a risk to get more shots in the 2024 draft. Jerry Jones and others will have to answer this question in the coming days as the draft begins on April 25th.
Do you think the Cowboys should trade down in the first round of the NFL Draft? Share your thoughts with Ben on Twitter @BenGrimaldi.
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