The NFL draft is a time for hope, a chance for teams to add young talent and build for the future. For teams at the top of the draft, it’s an opportunity to select a potential franchise cornerstone. But what about teams like the Dallas Cowboys, who find themselves in the unfamiliar position of being a good team with a late first-round pick? Should they consider making a bold move to trade up for the No. 1 overall pick?
This intriguing question was posed by a fan in the Dallas Cowboys Mailbag, asking if the team should consider trading key players like Micah Parsons or CeeDee Lamb to the Chicago Bears for the coveted top spot. It’s a hypothetical scenario that has sparked debate and divided opinions among Cowboys fans.
The Case Against Trading for the No. 1 Pick
The overwhelming consensus among Cowboys experts is against making such a drastic move. Trading away established stars like Parsons or Lamb, who are considered cornerstones of the franchise, for an unproven rookie, even with the potential of the No. 1 pick, is seen as too risky.
Nick Eatman, a Dallas Cowboys writer, argues that the draft is structured to help struggling teams rebuild. Trading away the core players who have contributed to the Cowboys’ success would contradict this principle. He points out the example of the Carolina Panthers, who surrendered a hefty package of draft picks and a star receiver to move up to the No. 1 spot in the previous draft.
Kurt Daniels, another Cowboys analyst, echoes Eatman’s sentiment, emphasizing the importance of building around a young, talented core rather than sacrificing them for an uncertain future. He draws a parallel to the legendary Herschel Walker trade in 1989, where the Cowboys, then a struggling team, traded away their star running back to amass draft picks and rebuild. However, Daniels highlights a crucial difference: the Cowboys are currently a good team, not in need of a complete overhaul.
The Allure of a Franchise-Altering Talent
While the arguments against trading up are compelling, the allure of landing a generational talent at the No. 1 spot is undeniable. Imagine the Cowboys securing a franchise quarterback or a dominant defensive force that could elevate the team to new heights. The possibility, however slim, is enticing.
The success of teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, who drafted Patrick Mahomes, and the Cincinnati Bengals, who drafted Joe Burrow, highlights the transformative impact a top-tier quarterback can have on a franchise. It’s this tantalizing prospect that fuels the debate and keeps fans wondering “what if?”
The Importance of Building Through the Draft
Despite the allure of the No. 1 pick, the Cowboys have consistently maintained that they believe in building through the draft, even from a later position. They have found success in recent years by identifying and developing talent in later rounds, proving that a team doesn’t need to pick at the very top to find impact players.
The Cowboys’ current roster is a testament to their drafting prowess, with players like Dak Prescott, Trevon Diggs, and Dalton Schultz all emerging as key contributors despite being drafted outside the first round. This philosophy of finding value throughout the draft has served them well and is likely to continue guiding their decision-making.
The Verdict: A Risky Proposition
In conclusion, while the idea of trading for the No. 1 pick and landing a generational talent is tempting, the risks far outweigh the potential rewards for the Dallas Cowboys. Trading away established stars like Parsons or Lamb would be a major gamble that could set the franchise back.
The Cowboys are better served by focusing on building around their young core, continuing to draft strategically, and exploring free agency to address areas of need. The path to a Super Bowl is built on sustained success and a commitment to a long-term vision, not on a risky move for a single player, even one with the potential of the No. 1 pick.
