Dallas Cowboys: 5 Possible Draft Day Trade Scenarios

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
2 of 4
New Orleans Saints
Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) and Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) in action during the game at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Scenario 2: Premium Edge Rusher Slides

This scenario, unfortunately, is based more off Jerry Jones’ willingness to make a flashy move for a flashy player than the merit of a trade-up. Since the defensive end class is so deep this year, we are looking at three to four defensive ends worthy of top-10 selections. Odds are that at least one will slide out of the top 10. If that were to be the case, I could see the Dallas Cowboys jumping up 15 picks or so to snag who they believe could be their “war daddy.”

More from NFL Spin Zone

The move would be cost prohibitive. According to the Jimmy Johnson Draft Value Chart, picks 10-15 are worth anywhere from 1000-1300 points. To move up from 28, the Cowboys would have to give up their first-, second- and third-round picks. To me, that just seems too expensive.

Scenario 3: Second-Round Double Dip

This scenario has a similar downside to the previous one, in that the Dallas Cowboys are likely giving up picks to make it happen. But, if the value is there, it might prove to be a fruitful trade.

The second round is loaded with starting caliber players this year, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Depending on how the Cowboys stack their board, they could have several players targeted in the mid-to-late second round.

If Jerry Jones believes he is going to lose out on a player his front office is targeting, don’t be surprised if he gives up some later round picks to double dip in the second round. Players like Josh Jones from NC State, Carl Lawson from Auburn and Cordrea Tankersley from Clemson all come to mind as possible trade-up targets in the mid-40s range.