The Dallas Cowboys have several needs heading into the NFL season, and there’s a scenario where trading up or down could help them maximize their assets. If the Cowboys are targeting a running back in the first round, there’s a chance none will be available when they pick.
However, if a quality player is still on the board early in the second round, Dallas could explore a trade to move up and secure their preferred choice.
Sayre Bedinger of Lombardi Ave proposed a potential trade in which the Cowboys send the 44th and 76th picks to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for the 33rd and 124th picks.
“The Browns and Cowboys could end up being willing trade partners with the Packers for a variety of reasons. For the Browns, it could be a move up the board for Jaxson Dart or Jalen Milroe. For the Cowboys, it could easily be a run on running backs in round one that causes them to want to move up to the top of round two to secure the guy they want at that position,” Bedinger wrote.
If top running backs come off the board earlier than expected, this type of move could allow Dallas to grab their preferred target without waiting and risking missing out.
What Does Dallas Need?
If one of the top running backs falls to the Cowboys in the second round, making a trade like this could be a smart move. On paper, running back is Dallas’ biggest need, but reaching for one in the first round may not be the best approach.
The Cowboys made some offseason additions, but their backfield still lacks a true difference-maker. As The Athletic’s Jon Machota pointed out:
“Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders were fine additions to the RB room, but is either an upgrade or even a match for Rico Dowdle (signed with Carolina)? The Cowboys should target a running back within the first two days of the draft.”
The question remains whether Dallas would consider a running back as early as pick No. 12 if someone like Ashton Jeanty is available, or if they’d prefer to trade back and address the position on Day 2.
WR Also a Need
The Cowboys have clear needs at both running back and wide receiver, and how they address those spots in the draft will be interesting. While CeeDee Lamb is an elite WR1, the team lacks a proven No. 2 option for Dak Prescott.
Jon Machota of The Athletic pointed out:
“CeeDee Lamb is one of the best in the NFL. The Cowboys have potential behind him, but no clear-cut player who looks ready to be Prescott’s No. 2 target. Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin are key contributors, but Jones could be looking at receiver as early as the first round to give the offense a burst it has been missing.”
With needs at multiple positions, the Cowboys have flexibility in how they approach the draft. Trading up in the second round for a running back could be an option, but if the right wide receiver falls, that could also be the move. If Dallas doesn’t trade for a veteran WR before the draft, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them target one early.