Commandment No. 3: Thou shall not covet trading 1st rounders
One of the most fun exercises leading up to the real thing is the mock draft, and one of the most fun aspects is trading back to get more picks.
Only, the Cowboys don’t really trade first-round picks anymore.
Between 2007 and 2013, the Cowboys traded, either up or down, six out of the seven first rounds. They moved back in 2007 and 2013, moved up for a better pick in 2008, 2010 and 2012 and traded the pick away in 2009. 2011 was the only year in that span they stayed put, and selected franchise left tackle Tyron Smith.
However things have changed recently. In the last four drafts, Dallas has stayed put where their slot was. In 2014 they stuck at No. 16 and rolled with guard Zack Martin. 2015 saw them remain at No. 27 for Byron Jones and they refused to move off No. 4 in 2016 to snag Ezekiel Elliott. In 2017 they stayed at No. 28 for Taco Charlton.
They traded away the 2019 first rounder for a stud veteran, so those who hope No. 17 (and another pick) turns into Jamal Adams, there’s still hope. But outside of that? It’s likely Dallas will be at No. 17 and choose from what is available.
Commandment No. 4: Thou shall use first pick on draft’s best player at his particular position
This was on the shelf last year without a first rounder, will it return in 2020?
This has always been one of the more fascinating trends and has held up remarkably well. No matter where Dallas picks in the first round, they want to select a prospect who was ranked No. 1 at his position on their draft boards.
In 2016 they selected Elliott who was not only their top RB, but their top overall player. In 2015, Byron Jones was picked at No. 27 and was seen as the most versatile DB in the draft. In 2014, Zack Martin was the top guard. In 2013, Travis Frederick was the top center. In 2012, Morris Claiborne was the best corner (and they traded up to acquire him). 2011, Tyron Smith was the best offensive lineman and tackle. 2010, they traded up to get the best WR Dez Bryant (though not the first off the board due to character concerns).
Picking No. 28 in 2018, this was impossible to hold up. At No. 19 it was difficult, but the way they locked onto Leighton Vander Esch it can be reasoned they felt he was the best linebacker in the class even though he was the third one taken.
This year will be tough again, but there are some clear options. Using our Composite Big Board, here’s a look at players who may be within Dallas’ range at No. 17 who may be considered the top-rated prospect at their position:
No. 10 DT Derrick Brown / No. 14 DT Javon Kinlaw
No. 12 Slot WR Henry Ruggs
No. 17 Sam/Rush Linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson / No. 32 Zack Baun
No. 21 S Xavier McKinney / No. 27 S Grant Delpit
No. 22 RB D’Andre Swift
No. 24 C Cesar Ruiz
Continue…
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