Purpose of Cleveland Trade Last Year

During the last NFL Draft the Cowboys traded out of the 1st round to the Cleveland Browns, and in doing so, the Cowboys picked up an additional first round pick for this year’s upcoming draft. Jerry and the rest of the braintrust in Dallas were NOT thinking these two picks would enable them to give up the house to draft Darren McFadden. This ridiculous notion is still floating around on the airwaves, and while its entertaining, its not reality.

Go back to the 2004 draft, the Cowboys traded out the first round with Steven Jackson falling into their lap. Instead they trade out, receive the Bills first pick for 2005. The Cowboys had needs on defense, and were going to use BOTH picks on players that could help the Cowboys. We hit on DeMarcus Ware, and missed on Marcus Spears.

Back to the 2007 draft, I see the Cowboys using BOTH their first rounders, because that WAS the purpose of the trade out last year. The purpose was to get two picks that will need to be impact players in our weakest areas. I still stick by CB and WR as the weakest areas, and the  areas with big questions marks with depth.

Let’s break this thing down. I’m going to look at the most likely position combinations we’ll be drafting with our #22 and #28 picks. I’ll assign a percentage reflecting the likelihood of that combination being selected.

First Scenario 80%: #22 – CB, #28 – WR

In my mind, the secondary lost the most depth this offseason, and we’re still looking for a solid unit back there. With this being said, #22 should be CB, and DRC would be a perfect fit in Dallas. After the secondary, the receiving corps have a lot of question marks in my eyes. Yes, there’s Stanback, the experiement we’re hoping pans out, but who REALLY knows, can he stay healthy? I’m not sure Terry Glenn remains on the team. #28 goes to receiver here with James Hardy, his size is what Garrett wants in this offense, and Hardy has the measurables, and fits the bill.

Second Scenario 75%: #22 – WR, #28 – CB

Similar to the first scenario, the only difference here will be predicated on how the Cowboys are valuing this year’s crop of receivers over this year’s cornerbacks. If their tall receiver falls to them at #22, like a Malcom Kelly or Limas Sweed, then they take WR, then with #28, they can still get a solid pick like an Antoine Cason or Justin King.

Third Scenario 65%: #22 – CB, #28 – DE

Basically same logic as the first scenario with CB; however, in this scenario, #28 could goto a defensive end. I’m sold on Canty, as are the Cowboys, but on the other side, you have Marcus Spears, who probably won’t be here once his contract expires. I really like Jason Hatcher, and think he should be the starting DE over Spears for sure. Question is, do the Cowboys think Hatcher is ready? In addition, depth at DE will need to be addressed eventually assuming Spears is gone after this year, and solid depth at DE is an obvious must. This being said, don’t be surprised if the Cowboys take a flyer on a player like Quentin Groves, Lawrence Jackson, or Calais Campbell.

Fourth Scenario 50%: #22 – CB, #28 – LB

Basically same logic as the first scenario with CB; but, the Cowboys could be looking for an upgrade at MLB. Ayodele is serviceable, but upgradeable, Zach Thomas is just old, and one concussion away from an in-season retirement. Kevin Burnett has durability issues. Bobby Carpenter is your mulipurpose LB and who knows what the coaches are doing with him this year. With injuries, and player defections, LB depth could become an issue very fast, and LBs are a premium in an aggressive 3-4. Phillips could go after another LB with the #28 pick.

Sixth Scenario 45%: #22 – CB, #28 – RB
Basically same logic as the first scenario with CB; however, there’s always a possibility of the Cowboys drafting a RB in the first. I’ve been against this idea since the start, and I still think this combination doesn’t make much sense on the surface. Unless there are issues going on behind the scenes that we are not aware of, (ie. Barber extension problems) I doubt we draft a RB, but you never know. At #28, a solid running back can probably be had, like Felix Jones, or Chris Johnson.

Sixth Scenario 40%: #22 – CB, #28 – S

Basically same logic as the first scenario with CB; but, with the possibility of Hamlin being unaffordable or the possibility of Roy Williams being released after this year, safety would become a major concern. Kenny Phillips, DaJuan Morgan, and Reggie Smith could be the players to look at with the #28 pick.

Trading out of the first round does not makes sense to me, because of the whole reasoning for trading out last year was to gain more picks to USE in the first round this year.