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<\/a><\/p>\nPro Football Focus<\/p>\n
Why it works: Getting Mansoor Delane would be an instant upgrade to Dallas\u2019 secondary. The former LSU Tiger profiles as a day one starter at cornerback and would give the Cowboys some much-needed insurance in case Daron Bland or Shavon Revel are unable to stay healthy. After getting a top talent at pick 12, Dallas can take some chances on players with higher ceilings and lower floors, like edge Keldric Faulk.<\/p>\n
Why it may not: As good a player as Delane is, Dallas would be relying heavily on the long-term projection of Faulk in this draft scenario. While the Auburn edge may end up having a productive career, Dallas needs someone who can come in and make an impact rushing the passer right away, something Faulk may not be able to do. Also, waiting on a linebacker until the third round would likely force Dallas to sign an outside free agent at the position, as Deontae Lawson may not be able to step in and start right away.<\/p>\n
Path #2: Aggressive Trade Up<\/p>\n
In this scenario, the Cowboys make an aggressive move to ensure they will land one of the top defenders in the draft class. Dallas targets the Cleveland Browns at pick number six, sacrificing plenty of draft capital to move up and select Texas Tech edge, David Bailey.<\/p>\n
Cowboys Trade Picks 1.12, 1.20, and 4.112 to Browns for Picks 1.6 and 2.39<\/p>\n
Cowboys Trade Value – 2120<\/p>\n
Browns Trade Value – 2110<\/p>\n
Pro Football Focus<\/p>\n Why it works: While Dallas is sacrificing both of its first-round picks in this move, acquiring one of the best defenders in the draft class may be worth the steep cost. Bailey would be a perfect fit in Dallas\u2019 defense and is the difference-making pass rusher they so desperately need. Along with Bailey, the Cowboys would add two talented Texas Longhorn defenders in linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and cornerback Malik Muhammad.<\/p>\n Why it may not: As amazing as it would be to acquire Bailey, sacrificing pick 1.20 would be hard to swallow. Even though Dallas has added some decent players in free agency, they still need multiple starting-caliber defenders if they want to be a competitive defensive unit next season. Bailey would certainly be that, but moving your second first-round pick lessens the chance of adding two day one starters in the draft. While both Hill and Muhammad have some projectable traits, neither is as much of a sure thing as the player Dallas would select at pick 20.<\/p>\n Path #3: Aggressive Trade Back<\/p>\n In this scenario, all of the top defenders are off the board, putting the Cowboys in a tough spot. Instead of sticking and picking a player with some question marks like Jermod McCoy, Dallas takes advantage of a team looking to move up, making a significant trade down in the draft. The Chargers, looking to add receiver Jordan Tyson or Makai Lemon, make the Cowboys a good offer to move up 10 spots to pick 12.<\/p>\n Cowboys Trade Pick 1.12 to the Chargers for Picks 1.22, 2.55, and 4.123<\/p>\n Cowboys Trade Value – 1200<\/p>\n Chargers Trade Value – 1179<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n