The Dallas Cowboys will enter the 2024 NFL Draft with several key needs, but what if Jerry Jones and co decide to take center stage? Can the Cowboys move up from No. 24 overall to land a blue-chip player they think will be unavailable? This certainly feels like an appropriate strategy for Dallas' playmaker, especially considering the potential for teardrops within the top 20 selections at wide receiver and offensive line.
What exactly would the Cowboys need to let go of in order to make a game-changing move up the standings at the end of this month? Let's consider a realistic scenario that could play out in Dallas in the coming weeks.
Ahead of the Cowboys, a team known for wheel-and-deal picking is ranked 15th overall. Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard believes he needs to accumulate more dart throws to have a chance to hit in the NFL Draft. Since taking over in 2017, Indianapolis has fallen more than 60% of the time. And Indianapolis appears to be an ideal target for Dallas to pursue for a possible promotion, as it will need to address a variety of needs after its free agents become inactive.
November 25, 2023. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. LSU Tigers wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) makes the catch.
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Imagine the possibilities for Dallas' offense if they were able to pair CeeDee Lamb with another alpha go-to wideout on the opposite hash. LSU's Brian Thomas Jr. checks a lot of boxes the Cowboys covet in a high-octane offense headlined by Lamb. Last season for the LSU Tigers, Thomas led the NCAA in touchdowns with an astonishing 17 of them. Thomas will develop slowly in his first year behind Brandin Cooks and could hit the gas pedal in 2025.
According to Rich Hill's value chart, the Cowboys would likely sacrifice a second-round pick to move up nine spots from No. 24 to No. 15. Will the Cowboys intend to move up to No. 56 overall to acquire Thomas or another potentially intriguing player? I wouldn't be surprised by this ploy if Jones et al believe it's the right decision. Please.
If the Cowboys are truly “all in,” as Jones said earlier this offseason, now is the time to spend money and trade up to become a big winner in the opening round of the NFL Draft.
