Should the Dallas Cowboys Trade Down in NFL Draft?

Feb 25, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive back Calvin Pryor catches a pass during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The rumors have been out in full effect as we inch closer to the 2014 NFL Draft, and one team that has been in the news the most is the Dallas Cowboys. Jerry Jones always seems to have an odd strategy, but this year’s blueprint might make a whole lot of sense. If the Cowboys want to make a big splash, their best bet might be to actually trade down.

Benefits of Trading Down:

• The team would be able to likely grab one of the top two safeties – if they are looking to go in that direction. Calvin Pryor would likely still be there, and with a little bit of luck, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix might be too. The Baltimore Ravens (#17) may want to look at an offensive playmaker like Eric Ebron, so passing on Clinton-Dix and Pryor is likely.
• They have a possible suitor in the New York Jets (#18). New York wants an offensive playmaker, but the Baltimore Ravens may choose to go in that direction as well. If a guy like Ebron or Marquise Lee is on the board, the Jets may want to jump ahead of the Ravens to get their guy. Don’t count out the fact that New York needs cornerback depth – something the Ravens also could use.
• Draft picks are very valuable and a move like this would give Dallas some extra selections, likely still getting “their guy” as well.
• This draft has a ton of depth. If the Cowboys are able to pick up a second or third round selection, they have the ability to get late first round talent with that pick. The more picks in this draft, the better.

Risks of Trading Down:

• The Ravens could easily snatch a safety if just one is on the board. Pryor has been linked to the Ravens, something Dallas would have to monitor closely.
• They couldn’t go any further than #20, as the Green Bay Packers (#21) and Philadelphia Eagles (#22) both are in need of safety help.
• If they slide back to #20, the Miami Dolphins may grab a defensive playmaker just ahead of them. While an offensive pick is likely, help is needed on the defensive side of the ball.

Should the Dallas Cowboys Trade Down?

A case could be made either way. If the team does decide to get a few more draft picks by trading down, I would call it a successful move. The 2nd and 3rd round picks in this draft will go a very long way. The class has depth – it’s up to the Cowboys to decide how they want to take advantage of that.

Potential Targets in the mid-First Round

• Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
• Calvin Pryor
• Kony Ealy
• Aaron Donald
• Timmy Jernigan
• Zack Martin
• Anthony Barr
• Mike Evans