Is it fair to say the Dallas Cowboys crushed day one of the NFL Draft? It certainly is. While Tyler Guyton is probably the seventh-best tackle in the class, Jerry Jones and Co. orchestrated a textbook trade-back with the Lions, moving from the No. 24 pick to No. 29 overall to get Guyton.
The Cowboys love Guyton as a prospect and believe his athleticism and experience blocking for a lefty quarterback at Oklahoma will buoy his transition to left tackle. Guyton might not shine immediately, but he has all the tools to develop into Dallas' cornerstone blindside protector.
With an extra pick in hand, all eyes turn to day two of the draft. The Cowboys now have three selections at their disposal on Friday thanks to their first-round trade: No. 56 overall, No. 73 overall and No. 87 overall.
The expectation is that Dallas will take a running back on day two. When asked about Texas phenom Jonathon Brooks, Jerry Jones couldn't help but gloat about the player. Jones got so carried away that vice president of player personnel Will McClay had to remind the owner that Brooks hasn't been drafted yet.
It is difficult to tell what the Cowboys think of former Texas RB Jonathon Brooks.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) April 26, 2024
He has yet to be drafted. pic.twitter.com/qNRgMqZeSD
Jerry Jones basically tells NFL that the Cowboys will draft RB Jonathon Brooks
"In my 30 years, I thought he [Brooks] was the best interview that I've ever had with a player. He's outstanding. He's a great football player and we got him high, high [on our board]. "
Even Stephen Jones interrupted the owner to say that Brooks is still on the board. Unlike his father, the Cowboys' executive vice president gave a diplomatic answer about Brooks. It's never a good sign when Stephen Jones is the voice of reason, but the elder Jones got really carried away with his praise of Brooks.
Jerry Jones essentially told the entire league that the Cowboys are going after Brooks. That's begging to blow up in their face. Widely expected to fall to Dallas at No. 56 overall, Jones' quote could influence RB-needy teams ahead of them to take Brooks. It could also force the team's hand in terms of trading up for the former Longhorn. If you don't think the Joneses are that crazy, think again.
Cowboys insider Jane Slater of NFL Network noted after round one that the Cowboys have extra stock to "play with" to get Brooks earlier in the second round. With the whole NFL aware of Dallas' affinity for the young RB, a trade-up might be necessary to ensure he doesn't slip through their fingertips.
Maybe it all works out and Brooks falls to the 56th pick. That's the best-case scenario, but Jones opened the door for absolute disaster to occur on day two by not holding back his evident Brooks crush.