Since hiring Christian Parker, the Dallas Cowboys have been building toward a revamped coaching staff and defensive identity to match his vision. They may have missed out on veterans like Maxx Crosby and Trey Hendrickson, but the NFL Draft still offers plenty of avenues to upgrade the defense.
The draft figures to be the Cowboys’ best path to adding defensive talent, but some analysts have started projecting an offensive pick instead. It would be a stunning direction for Jerry Jones, yet it’s a scenario that’s gaining traction for reasons that don't have a shred of sense.
In his most recent mock draft, NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter had the Cowboys taking Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate at No. 12, which feels asinine given that CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens form one of the league’s best duos.
"It's unclear whether George Pickens will be traded or play in Dallas on the franchise tag. If Pickens stays, adding Tate on the outside and moving into the slot would be a beautiful setup for quarterback Dak Prescott."
The Dallas Cowboys drafting a WR at No. 12 would be malpractice
The ripple effect of Seahawks star Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s new contract could benefit Pickens in future negotiations, but it will come at a steep cost for Dallas. Jerry Jones should have learned that lesson after losing Micah Parsons, and he needs to show that same urgency with Pickens.
Whatever happens, there are options to ensure that Pickens can stay, and drafting a WR like Tate wouldn't be necessary.
Trading Pickens would obviously make this an entirely different conversation, but the Cowboys haven't shown any incentive to deal Pickens. With the roster as currently constructed, though, the last thing Dallas needs is another pass-catcher. Passing on a defender to take Tate would make it that much harder for the defense to play a complementary level.
Reuter also has the Cowboys selecting Miami pass rusher Hakeem Mesidor at No. 20. That would be a fantastic pick, which makes the Tate projection all the more maddening.
Dallas lessened the need for a cornerback by signing Cobie Durant, Derion Kendrick, and Corey Ballentine, but it should be a priority in Round 1 alongside linebacker and pass rusher. Whatever position isn't addressed at No. 12 and No. 20 should be the focus at No. 92.
Tate would be a tremendous pick in nearly any other circumstance. He has tremendous deep speed and can pinpoint the ball in the air, a lot like Pickens. However, he doesn't need to be on the Cowboys' draft board unless they have genuine plans to trade Pickens.
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