Every year, it seems like just about every NFL fanbase wants its team to trade down in the first round of the draft. This week, Dallas Cowboys fans might just get their wish.
With no fourth-round draft pick and so many needs to take care of, the Cowboys could actively seek an opportunity to move down the order. The Kansas Chiefs, who will likely be looking at wide receivers in the first round, could be the perfect trade candidate on Thursday night.
One year after both teams were close to making a deal before the Cowboys learned the Chiefs were targeting Mazi Smith, ESPN's draft analyst Jordan Reid put together a mock draft in which he called for a trade between the two sides.
Cowboys and Chiefs engage in mock trade
Reid has the Cowboys sending the 24th overall pick in the first round in exchange for the Chiefs' 32nd (first round), 95th (third), and 159th (fifth) picks. Below is his breakdown of the move:
Kansas City GM Brett Veach isn't shy about moving up for prospects that he likes in Round 1. We've seen it in past years, with K.C. trading up for players such as Patrick Mahomes and Trent McDuffie. So why not do it again for a reliable pass-catcher? And Dallas would likely be game for this considering it has seven picks and could use the draft capital to tackle some needs.
Although 95th would be near the end of the third round, the Cowboys would essentially be getting back that value they lost when giving away their fourth rounder for Trey Lance in August of last year. On top of it, they get a fifth rounder in this scenario that could then be used to move around in Day 3 as well.
Dropping from 24th to 32nd does pose a risk, however. Many teams in the late first round could be targeting linemen, wide receivers, and edge rushers, all of which the Cowboys could use. However, in this case, Dallas gets a plug-and-play offensive lineman.
Cowboys' mock pick at 32nd overall after trading down within first round
Reid has the Cowboys taking OL Jordan Morgan out of Arizona for the last pick of the first round. Morgan could play tackle like he did in college but his size might mean he'd be a better guard. This is up to debate as he does have 82nd percentile arm length at over 34 inches.
Dallas needs multiple starters on both sides of the ball after a quiet free agency period, but the extra draft picks from our simulated trade would help. The Cowboys can start by getting Morgan, a dependable blocker who has the ability to play tackle or guard. That gives Dallas options with Tyler Smith, who can also play tackle or guard. Morgan has power to his game and can start from Day 1 in the NFL.
"Jordan Morgan is what many teams covet from modern tackles, especially on the right side," writes A to Z Sports' Rob Gregson on his scouting report. "A highly developed prospect that displays creative technique and functional athleticism, building upon his anchor will make him a solid starter for years in the NFL."
Adding Morgan would be intriguing as he thrived in zone blocking at the collegiate level and the Cowboys would have to answer the complicated question of whether or not they'd play Morgan at tackle to leave Tyler where he's best: left guard.
In the mock, Reid also has the Cowboys picking RB Jonathon Brooks from Texas, a popular second round choice for Dallas. Here's the full class Reid mocked to the Cowboys:
- 1.32: OL Jordan Morgan, Arizona
- 2.56: RB Jonathon Brooks, Texas
- 3.87: DT Mekhi Wingo, LSU
- 3.95: LB Cedric Gray, North Carolina
- 5.159: C Matt Lee, Miami
- 5.174 EDGE Javonte Jean-Baptiste, Notre Dame
- 6.216: WR Cornelius Johnson, Michigan
- 7.233: CB Isaiah Johnson, Syracuse
- 7.244: S Trey Taylor, Air Force
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