The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for one of their more anticipated NFL Drafts in recent memory, as fans expect Jerry Jones and Co. to invest heavily in the defense on Thursday night.
memorable Day 1 draft nights in recent memory, and fans anticipate that Jerry Jones will be defense-heavy come Thursday night.
The main subject of the NFL over the weekend became Dexter Lawrence, as he was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals for the No. 10 pick in the draft. A great move for New York, but they may have opened up a window for Dallas that appeared glued shut.
Caleb Downs is arguably the best player in this draft, and John Harbaugh has had his eye on him for a while. However, the trade could push the Giants to use picks No. 5 and No. 10 on both offense and defense. That could be the break the Cowboys need to land the All-American safety.
Dexter Lawrence trade may actually help the Dallas Cowboys draft Caleb Downs
The Lawrence trade gave the Giants more draft capital, and while Cowboys fans may see that as bad news, there’s a chance Harbaugh splits his first-round picks between offense and defense, which would help Dallas’ chances of landing Downs.
Despite Downs being a do-it-all safety, Harbaugh’s priority should be protecting his franchise quarterback, Jaxson Dart.
Francis Mauigoa from Miami is expected to be the first offensive lineman drafted, even with ESPN’s Adam Schefter reporting he has a herniated disc in his back. It’s not expected to be a significant issue, and his value isn’t changing overnight.
If Harbaugh wants to develop Dart into an elite quarterback, there aren’t going to be many chances after this year to draft a star offensive lineman.
Meanwhile, Jordyn Tyson has been viewed as possibly the best receiver in this draft, and a pairing with Malik Nabers would form one of the most exciting young WR duos in the league. Tyson is expected to be picked in the 8–10 range. If he's unavailable for New York, USC’s Makai Lemon may be the next best option as a new target for Dart.
Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese are big-time linebackers in the draft, and both are much more likely to be picked at No. 5 than No. 10. The former Buckeyes are considered versatile at their position and can be easily inserted as Week 1 starters.
Positional value still matters in any draft, and safety is considered a non-premium position, which is exactly why the Giants are now tempted with more options on both sides of the ball.
Even before the Lawrence trade, there was still a strong hope that Downs would be picked in the 10-20 range, simply because teams value offensive linemen, edge rushers, and receivers. The teams between No. 5 and No. 12 -- Cleveland, Washington, New Orleans, Kansas City, and Miami -- are in dire need of other positions way more than a safety.
The Giants are thinner on offense than Dallas, giving them every reason to split their picks between offense and defense, which could help Jerry Jones land his dream target in Downs.
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