2 trade-down options for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2023 NFL Draft
In it, he had the Cowboys trading down with the Indianapolis Colts. The move from 26 to 35 would net them two fourth-round picks (one this year and one in 2024).
I love the idea of a trade down this year and here’s why: with only one pick in each of the seven rounds, the needs the Cowboys have outweigh their draft capital.
The Cowboys did a great job of patching major roster holes in the offseason, but the path to significant snaps is available at numerous positions. Those positions include wide receiver, running back, tight end, offensive line, defensive tackle, and linebacker.
They also have multiple expiring contracts at defensive end, cornerback, and safety, which could create needs as early as 2024.
Those positions could also be addressed in this draft.
Add in the team stating they want to add a developmental quarterback, and you see why only having seven picks can be an issue.
When reading a mock draft or doing a mock draft simulator, there are usually between nine to eleven players who I like, but none I’m thrilled about selecting.
In other words, there are rarely players at 26 whose value outweighs the benefit of trading back to gain additional picks in the middle round.
A small trade-down wouldn’t result in much of a drop-off in talent. Heck, they might still be able to get the player they were going to pick at 26 as they did when they traded down from 10 in 2021.
Instead of just picking Micah Parsons at 10, they were able to move back to 12, pick him and gain an additional third-round pick.
Being able to turn 26 into two (or more players) with one being a later first or early second and the other(s) being where the draft is strong in the middle rounds is a recipe for success.
With that being said, there are four prospects, who rarely, but occasionally, make it to 26 in those mock drafts simulators that I wouldn’t trade away from if they fell.
They are:
Outside of those four, I’m rolling the dice and trying to move out of the pick.
It takes two to tango so let’s look at two logical trade partners who might be looking to trade up.
Teams who trade up are often doing so to move ahead of teams with similar needs. To determine needs, I will reference this article by Pro Football Network’s Dalton Miller.
I will use the Rich Hill Model of the Trade Value Chart on drafttek.com to balance the trade compensation.
