Should the Cowboys Trade Down in the Draft?
The Cowboys have several options at their disposal heading into the 2025 NFL draft. With them currently holding the 12th overall pick, they could opt to draft an offensive weapon to help Dak Prescott and Co. They could also look at drafting a defensive player, either on the defensive line or the back end, to shore it up. The truth is they could still make these choices, but just not at pick number 12. With a history of trading down under Jerry Jones, the Cowboys could choose to continue that trend and gain more draft capital in the process. It might not be a process widely appreciated by the fans, but history says otherwise.
The Cowboys have recently had several instances of trading down, even doing so this past draft. They swapped pick number 24 with the Detroit Lions for pick number 29 and an extra third-round pick, where they then chose Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe, two future cornerstones of the offensive line. The most notable instance of Dallas trading down occurred in 2021, when they traded with the Philadelphia Eagles, enabling them to draft Micah Parsons and acquire additional draft capital. The Cowboys have had success with trading down in the first round, so should they consider doing it again?
There is no question that the Cowboys need help at several spots on the roster because they certainly do. With an impressive hit rate in the first round, the Cowboys should be fine in selecting a player lower than pick number 12. This upcoming draft class is also widely considered to stretch throughout the first round; there is talent all across the board that can help the Cowboys. Dallas could consider trading down to select an offensive lineman while also gaining additional picks in the process, similar to their strategy last year. A name that has sparked interest recently is offensive tackle Josh Simmons. Another lineman who has generated interest in trade discussions is Texas lineman Kelvin Banks Jr., who can play along the offensive line. Whether the Cowboys do trade down in this year's draft, it should be safe to trust their decision.
