2014 NFL Draft: Trades Dallas Cowboys should make
By Mike Dyce
The Dallas Cowboys enter the NFL Draft with the 16th overall pick in the first round after winning a coin flip against the Baltimore Ravens. The Cowboys defense was ravaged by injuries and players departing in free agency, and the Cowboys have many needs to address so here are a couple of ideas for draft-day trades for the Cowboys.
Trade Up:
The Dallas Cowboys sit a handful of picks behind their divisional rivals the New York Giants, and they’re looking to address similar needs. They need to package some lower round picks with their first-rounder to get ahead of the Giants, specifically to draft Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman Aaron Donald. The Cowboys lost defensive tackle Jason Hatcher in free agency to the Washington Redskins and defensive end DeMarcus Ware to the Denver Broncos, also in free agency.
This was already an injury plagued unit in 2013 that struggled at time with depth before these players left. Sure, they signed Henry Melton in free agency, but they need to address that need and acquiring Donald will help shore up that position for years. Also with defensive line guru Rod Marinelli running the defense, a player like Donald could thrive in Dallas’ defense.
Trade Tony Romo for Draft Picks:
This is an idea that local radio host and long time columnist Randy Galloway has floated for a while, but after NFL Network’s Mike Mayock released his mock draft it could be an idea gaining momentum amongst fans. Mayock has the Cowboys drafting Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel at No. 16, because Mayock says Jerry Jones wouldn’t be able to resist. There is some truth to that and starting quarterback Tony Romo is 34 years-old and coming off two back surgeries.
So if you have Manziel on your roster, why not let him step in right away and ship off Tony Romo to a quarterback-needy team to compile draft picks to address multiple needs. If you could get a first and second-round pick, you could address your defensive line and maybe wide receiver all by the end of Friday night. You’d also cut out some of Romo’s mammoth contract.