It's impossible to overstate how much is riding on the upcoming NFL Draft for the Dallas Cowboys. Following one of the worst defensive seasons in the franchise's history and another dormant free agency, Dallas has zero margin for error with its two first-round picks.
The Cowboys could certainly change the complexion of their defense by standing pat and picking at No. 12 and No. 20. However, there are growing rumblings that they could trade up from the 12th pick to land one of the draft's premier defenders.
Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey is a reported target, but he’s widely projected to go No. 2 or No. 3 overall. The cost to move up that high may be too rich for Jerry Jones.
That could change if Bailey falls. If not, ESPN draft insider Jordan Reid has heard the Cowboys have two other stud defenders on their radar in a potential trade-up scenario: Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr.
"Trading up continues to be a possibility, especially if there's a player they have high on their board who backslides a tad. Safety Caleb Downs (Ohio State) and edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) are believed to be players whom the Cowboys would maneuver for, as Dallas reportedly sees both as instant-impact game changers on defense."
ESPN connects the Dallas Cowboys to a possible trade-up for Caleb Downs or Rueben Bain Jr.
Simply put, Cowboys fans would be partying like it’s 1995 if the team comes out of Round 1 with either Downs or Bain.
If Dallas feels that trading up is necessary, the Cleveland Browns, who pick at No. 6 overall and are seemingly keen on moving back, are one potential partner. A popular package making the rounds on social media is the Cowboys trading Nos. 12 and 20 for Nos. 6 and 39.
Recent mock drafts suggest that Bailey and Ohio State linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles will be unavailable by the sixth pick. However, Dallas could have its pick of the litter between Downs, Bain, and LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane if they move up to No. 6.
Why would that be so significant? The Washington Commanders (No. 7), Kansas City Chiefs (No. 9), Cincinnati Bengals (No. 10), and Miami Dolphins (No. 11) could easily justify taking a defensive player. If the Cowboys stay put at 12, they could get completely wiped out, leaving them to potentially reach on Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman or Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor.
On the flip side, some mock drafts have had Downs and Bain fall to Dallas. ESPN's Peter Schrager, who typically releases the most accurate mock of any analyst/insider, projected Downs to the Cowboys in his first mock that went out this week. Trading up may not be necessary. That's what makes this debate so complicated.
Our two cents? If Parker and company really view Downs and Bain as "instant-impact game changers", then go get one of them. The cost shouldn’t be prohibitive, and Dallas has the draft capital to pull it off.