K.D. Drummond
March 31, 2024 5:28 pm CT
The Dallas Cowboys front office appears just fine with possibly resetting at the quarterback position in 2025. They still have 11 months to work out an extension with quarterback Dak Prescott, and odds are the two sides eventually come to an agreement before next league year. The fanbase, up in arms over another of Jerry Jones snake oil sales pitches, this one invoking the misleading “all-in” claim, is tired of the club not bringing in any help from outside the organization. This are worse as there have been several defections this offseason in free agency as Tyron Smith, Tyler Biadasz, Tony Pollard and Michael Gallup are gone from the starting lineup on offense while key sub Dorance Armstrong left from the defense.
Regression seems evident, though with Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Tyler Smith, Zack Martin, Trevon Diggs, Daron Bland, DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons still in house, pretending the cupboard is bare is a huge overreaction. All have made Pro-Bowls and most have made All-Pro teams. But what if all of those players weren’t there? What if Dallas were to trade a couple of stars to usher in a new era? What would the haul look like and how would the first two rounds of the draft fall out?
In this iteration, with the Pro Football Focus mock draft simulator controlling the other 31 clubs, Dallas looks for and finds a trade partner for their two biggest offensive stars who haven’t yet received extensions, Prescott and Lamb. We look at the trades they could make if they were really willing to reset the franchise, with seven rounds of picks, along with a first-round mock for the entire league.
Cowboys Pre-Draft Trade No. 1: Dak Prescott to the Las Vegas Raiders
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Trade Parameters: Cowboys send QB Dak Prescott to Raiders in exchange for QB Aiden O’Connell, picks 1.13, 2.44, 4.112, 2025 1st, 2025 3rd, 2026 2nd. The returns are similar to what the Detroit Lions got when they traded Matt Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a more accomplished quarterback in Jared Goff.
Through their first eight seasons as pros, Prescott has outplayed Stafford, so getting equal compensation following a runner-up MVP campaign is not out of the question. Of course this trade is contingent on Prescott approving the destination, which he could.
Why the Cowboys do it: If Dallas isn’t going to sign Prescott to an extension, why would they keep him for just a single season and only get a third-round compensatory consideration (the pick isn’t guaranteed) in 2026? If Dallas doesn’t draft a QB in this draft, they have O’Connell compete with Trey Lance for QB1 status in training camp. Having two first-round picks in 2025 allows them to use them to find a future QB or add high-pedigree youth, which is what they do best as an organization.
Why the Raiders do it: Antonio Pierce gets to convey his message to his team without having to go through the growing pains of a young QB. Instant credibility and a quarterback who makes them the biggest divisional threat to the dynasty-chasing Kansas City Chiefs.
Cowboys Pre-Draft Trade No. 2: CeeDee Lamb to the Pittsburgh Steelers
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Trade Parameters: Cowboys send CeeDee Lamb to the Steelers in exchange for 1.20 and 3.84. The compensation is similar to what the Eagles sent to the Tennessee Titans in 2022 for A.J. Brown (1.18 and 3.101).
Why the Cowboys do it: If Dallas is going young at quarterback, signing Lamb to a long-term deal makes little sense. Instead, this adds more draft capital to a rebuilding offense. Dallas now has three first-round picks in the 2024 draft along with a ton of cap space moving forward with only Micah Parsons in need of a top-of-market extension.
Why the Steelers do it: The Steelers acquired both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields this offseason, seeing if the former can regain what made him special or the latter can ascend to his ceiling. Adding a First-Team All-Pro receiver goes a long way to unlocking both scenarios. Lamb of course would be offered a top-of-market wideout salary in this scenario.
1. Chicago Bears (from CAR): QB Caleb Williams, USC
Jan 2, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) in action during the game between the USC Trojans and the Tulane Green Wave in the 2023 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
2. Washington Commanders: QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) makes a pass against East Carolina during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023.
3. New England Patriots: QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
Oct 14, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) looks to the bench as his team plays the Miami Hurricanes in the second half at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports
4. Arizona Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
Nov 12, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) celebrates a first down catch during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch
5. Dallas Cowboys: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
Quarterback Jayden Daniels 5 as the LSU Tigers take on Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, November 25, 2023.
TRADE DETAILS
- Los Angeles Chargers receive 1.13 (LAV), 1.24, 2025 4th (1150 + 740 + 40)
- Cowboys receive 1.5, 4.105, 2025 3rd (1700 + 84 + 100)
The plan was originally to sit out the QB position in this draft and use picks to get up to No. 1 in next year’s draft, allowing the next head coach to choose their own QB. But that was under the assumption Jayden Daniels was off the board. When Washington and New England went McCarthy-Maye in this simulation, that changed things from the mock-front-office perspective.
6. New York Giants: WR Malik Nabers, LSU
Jan 2, 2023; Orlando, FL, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs with the ball after a catch during the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
7. Tennessee Titans: WR Rome Odunze, Washington
Oct 22, 2022; Berkeley, California, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) catches a pass against the California Golden Bears during the second quarter at FTX Field at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamash*ta-USA TODAY Sports
8. Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama
Nov 12, 2022; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner (15) reaches out to try to tackle Ole Miss Rebels wide receiver Dayton Wade (19) at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Alabama won 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
9. Chicago Bears: LT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
Jan 1, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Joe Alt (76) defends against Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive end Brock Martin (9) in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
10. New York Jets: CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
Dec 2, 2023; Detroit, MI, USA; Toledo Rockets cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) breaks up a pass intended for Miami (OH) Redhawks wide receiver Gage Larvadain (10) in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
11. Minnesota Vikings: EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State
Oct 14, 2023; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Jared Verse (5) against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports
12. Denver Broncos: OL Troy Fautanu, Washington
Oct 22, 2022; Berkeley, California, USA; Washington Huskies offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (55) prepares to block California Golden Bears linebacker Braxten Croteau (52) during the third quarter at FTX Field at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamash*ta-USA TODAY Sports
13. Los Angeles Chargers (from LAV, via DAL): DL Byron Murphy II, Texas
Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) celebrates after a play during the second quarter in the 2024 Sugar Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
14. New Orleans Saints: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama defensive back Terrion Arnold (DB02) works out during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
15. Indianapolis Colts: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
Georgia tight end Brock Bowers (19) drives down the field after pulling in a pass from Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) during the second half of a NCAA college football game against Kentucky in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023.
16. Seattle Seahawks: OT JC Latham, Alabama
Jan 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman JC Latham (65) against the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2022 CFP college football national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA
Sep 16, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Laiatu Latu (15) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the North Carolina Central Eagles during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
18. Cincinnati Bengals: OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
Oct 8, 2022; Stanford, California, USA; Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga (75) blocks Stanford Cardinal linebacker Levani Damuni (3) during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamash*ta-USA TODAY Sports
19. Dallas Cowboys (via LAR): LT Olu Fashanu, Penn State
Penn State offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu
TRADE DETAILS:
- Cowboys receive 1.19, 3.99
- Rams receive 1.20, 3.87
The Cowboys get their replacement for Tyron Smith, allowing Tyler Smith to stay inside at left guard.
20. Los Angeles Rams: OLB Chop Robinson, Penn State
Nov 5, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Chop Robinson (44) rushes Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Jack Tuttle (14) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
21. Miami Dolphins: Tyler Guyton, OT Oklahoma
Oct 28, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Tyler Guyton (60) at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas Jayhawks during the game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
22. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
Nov 25, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) smiles after breaking up a pass to South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor (8) during the fourth quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Clemson won 16-7. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
23. Minnesota Vikings: WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (5) catches the ball for an first down against Kansas State Wildcats cornerback Jacob Parrish (10) in the. First quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, November. 4, 2023, in Austin, Texas.
24. Los Angeles Chargers: CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean (3) catches a punt at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, October 21, 2023 in Iowa City. DeJean returned the punt for a touchdown and it was later called back after review ruled he fair-caught the punt.
25. Green Bay Packers: OL Graham Barton, Duke
Nov 27, 2021; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils offensive tackle Graham Barton (62) celebrates a point during the first half of the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Wallace Wade Stadium. at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
Alabama defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) gestures in celebration after Tennessee failed to convert a 4th down in the fourth quarter of a football game between Tennessee and Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.
27. Arizona Cardinals: Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri
Sep 23, 2023; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Darius Robinson (6) sacks Memphis Tigers quarterback Seth Henigan (2) in the first quarter at The Dome at America’s Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-USA TODAY Sports
28. Buffalo Bills: WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
17. Jacksonville Jaguars -- Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
29. Detroit Lions: T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State
Iowa State defensive back T.J. Tampa stands for a photo during media day at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Friday, Aug. 4, 2023.
30. Baltimore Ravens: DT Johnny Newton, Illinois
Oct 21, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton (4) tackles Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
31. San Francisco 49ers: OL Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
Oct 21, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) signals against the Washington State Cougars in the 4th quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports
32. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Amarius Mims, Georgia
Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Amarius Mims (65) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Full Cowboys 2024 Draft Haul
Dallas Cowboys CEO and Executive Vice President Stephen Jones, his son John Stephen Jones, Assistant Director of Player Personnel Will McClay, and Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer Charlotte Jones-Anderson wait to make the team’s first pick in the NFL football drave, Thursday, April 26, 2018, in Frisco, Texas. (Ashley Landis/The Dallas Morning News via AP)
Look, we know Stephen Jones could never be this savvy when it comes to handling the draft trades, but every once in a while it’s good to show what could be possible if he was adept at this part of team building.
- 1.5 – QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
- 1.19 – OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
- 2.44 – OC Zach Frazier, West Virginia
- 2.56 – WR Keon Coleman, Florida State
- 3.84 – RB Jaylen Wright, Tennessee
- 3.99 – WR Jacob Cowing, Arizona
- 4.105 – LB Marist Liufau, Notre Dame
- 4.112 – Safety Calen Bullock, USC
- 5.174 – NT Jordan Jefferson, LSU
- 6.216 – LB Jaylan Ford, Texas
- 7.233 – RB Rasheen Ali, Marshall
- 7.244 – LB Jordan Magee, Temple
- 2025 1st round pick (Raiders)
- 2025 3rd round pick (Raiders)
- 2025 3rd round pick (Chargers)
- 2026 2nd round pick (Raiders)
