The Dallas Cowboys have put forth a masterclass of drafting over the first three rounds. Between Alabama guard Tyler Booker, Boston College EDGE Donvoan Ezeiruaku and East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel, Dallas got three of the top 30 players in this class.
It is arguably the best class of any team. Even with slightly reaching on Booker in round one, the overall value of the class is ridiculous.
With all of that said, day three did not start kindly for the Cowboys.
Not only was running back target Bhayshul Tuten the second pick of the fourth round, but the Panthers got a potential steal with the fourth-round pick they got from Dallas in the Jonathan Mingo trade in Georgia RB Trevor Etienne.
Cowboys' Jonathan Mingo trade looks worse after Panthers draft Georgia RB Trevor Etienne
The #Cowboys fourth round pick that they traded to the Panthers for Jonathan Mingo turns into Georgia RB Trevor Etienne.
— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) April 26, 2025
In fairness to Mingo, he's yet to play a game with Dak Prescott under center. Prescott was ruled out for the season by the time the Cowboys acquired Mingo in November. Prescott suffered his hamstring injury in the Week 9 loss to the Falcons on Nov. 3.
The trade actually materialized two days after Prescott's injury, which made it even more head-scratching. The front office knew the severity of the injury and still chose to trade for an unproven receiver. Nothing about the deal added up.
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Now, it is very possible that Mingo proves everyone wrong. Perhaps the Panthers didn't cater to his skill set. However, there are a lot of holes in his game. He struggles creating separation in press coverage and has averaged a lowly 0.72 yards per route run in three seasons.
There is definitely a player in there, though. We're talking about a receiver who caught 112 passes for 1,785 yards and 12 touchdowns in the SEC. He's an impressive athlete, too, posting a 4.46 40-yard dash, 10-9 broad jump and 39.5-inch vertical, per PFF.
Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said after the conclusion of day two that Mingo can become the team's WR2. He said the same about Jalen Tolbert and Ryan Flournoy, so those comments don't inspire confidence.
The Cowboys still need a running back and just like last year there's been an early run on the position in the fourth round. Virginia Tech's Bhayshul Tuten, Arizona State's Cam Skattebo and now Etienne are already gone and Dallas doesn't pick until No. 149 overall in round five.
The Mingo trade has aged like milk so far.