In any draft, the Dallas Cowboys are at the mercy of teams picking ahead of them. What makes this one especially compelling -- beyond Dallas holding two first-round picks and having a razor-thin margin for error -- is that NFC East rivals pick before them, with the New York Giants at No. 5 and the Washington Commanders at No. 7.
That alone is chest-pain-inducing, but both teams have been linked to many of the same prospects as Dallas, including Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, Mansoor Delane, and Rueben Bain. What the Giants do at No. 5 could shape Dallas' entire draft.
Well, the latest buzz suggests John Harbaugh and company will play right into Jerry Jones' hand. Here's what ESPN Giants reporter Jordan Raanan is hearing about Big Blue's strategy:
"Staying at No. 5, the three players who seem to be most squarely on their radar are Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles and [Caleb] Downs. Coach John Harbaugh and the Giants are especially high on Love. If he's available, it's hard to see them passing up that opportunity. Guard, defensive tackle or cornerback are likely targets on Day 2."
The Dallas Cowboys should be rooting for the Giants to draft Jeremiyah Love at No. 5
Jeremiyah Love is arguably the best player in the class. The No. 5 player on FanSided's Big Board, Love is considered the best running back prospect since Bijan Robinson, who's established himself as one of the best offensive weapons in the NFL, regardless of position.
Love has a similar dynamism with his ability to catch passes out of the backfield and line up as a receiver. It would not be fun facing him twice a year, but it'd be a worthwhile sacrifice if it means one of Downs, Bain, Styles, or Delane slides to No. 12.
And wouldn't it hurt more if the Giants stole one of those defenders? You bet. Jerry Jones would be doing backflips in the Cowboys' War Room if Love goes to New York.
It's really this simple: the Cowboys are hoping for an early offensive run. The more offensive players taken, the further defenders slide, increasing Dallas' chances of landing one of those names.
The sheer unpredictability has many fans clamoring for a trade up from No. 12. Whether it’s a jump to No. 6 or a modest move to No. 9, eliminating the risk of getting wiped out feels like the logical play.
The Cowboys can’t afford to be locked into a plan. Trading up only to watch a top defender fall to No. 12 anyway would be a disaster. But if there’s an early run on defense, and the Giants take Styles or Downs, a move up probably becomes necessary
And if the Giants take Love instead? Sit tight. The board might finally break Dallas’ way.
Add us as a preferred source on Google