ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 6: Randall Cobb #18 of the Dallas Cowboys (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
In this 7-Round mock draft the Dallas Cowboys are trading out of the first round completely and targeting value rather than reaching early.
The more I assess the 2020 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys place in said draft, and the players Dallas has been interviewing, the more I believe they are intent on trading down. Three players on their interview list have clear first round grades: Henry Ruggs, C.J. Henderson, and K’Lavon Chaisson. The bulk of the players reside somewhere in the 25-55 range.
While it’s wise to prepare for anything (including bargains that may fall into your lap in Round 2) it appears other things afoot in Dallas. Like Dallas is targeting a lower range of player. Why would Dallas willingly move back and draft a lesser player? Simple, to accumulate more picks.
The Dallas Cowboys have a lot of needs they need to address this year in the draft and the best way to fill those needs is by getting more darts to throw at the board. If the Cowboys can move back they can pick up extra ammo in the top-100. Who might they be willing to do business with?
Anyone searching for a QB.
The Indianapolis Colts are without a long-term answer at QB and also without a first round pick. That’s a less than optimal situation for the franchise. Scouring their blogosphere it’s clear they have an affinity for Jordan Love, a prospect widely considered QB4 in this year’s draft.
Given the weight of the position, QBs typically go far before their actual player ranking dictates. As such, waiting until the second round may not be an option for the Colts to get their signal-caller of the future. Especially not with the New Orleans Saints and Jacksonville Jaguars on the scent and well positioned to take him in the first round.
According to the numbers, both of those teams are favorites to land Love, with the Colts a distant third. If Indy wants a shot, they’re going to have to trade up into the first round. Luckily they’re absolutely loaded with picks outside the first.
In exchange for Pick 17, Dallas gets 34 and 44 in return (Draft Trade Chart). Dallas loses the value of the fifth-year option, but they gain an extra starter and now have four picks in the top-100 (three of which are in the top-51).