This time of the year, every fan and content creator wants their favorite team to trade down. It’s the NFL Draft tradition.
But heck, lacking a fourth round pick for the second consecutive year, the Dallas Cowboys could be legitimately interested in moving back. The roster has plenty of needs and it would be a similar approach to what they did last year before landing Tyler Guyton in the first round.
But if they move back, who could be on the board when they go on the clock? Below are seven players that make too much sense if the front office strikes a deal before picking.
WR Tetairoa McMillan
McMillan’s draft stock has had more ups and downs than your favorite roller coaster. Right after the college football season ended, he was in the mix for WR1. Ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine, the wide receiver out of Arizona was a big riser in the eyes of the media. However, multiple insiders have since suggested the league might not be as high on him. Combine that with controversial testing in February and his stock has taken a hit.
Per Grinding the Mocks, a website that uses data to predict draft positions, McMillan’s expected draft position has fallen below 12th overall. At this point, not only is he a possibility for the Cowboys at No. 12, but he might be on the board if they trade back a few picks.
RB Omarion Hampton
NFL Draft insiders Daniel Jeremiah and Mel Kiper Jr. have made it clear Omarion Hampton could be a target for the Cowboys as early as the No. 12 overall pick. However, the North Carolina’s running back expected draft position currently sits in the 20s.
Even if the Cowboys miss out on Ashton Jeanty, running back could be the route they take through Hampton and if they get to net a third or fourth rounder while doing so, the front office would love it.
WR Emeka Egbuka
Egbuka has surprisingly fallen in many people’s rankings. He’s currently projected to go late in the first round and could be a prime target for Dallas if they move back. Egbuka is a well-rounded receiver that could immediately thrive as the No. 2 behind CeeDee Lamb.
In addition to his pass-catching skills, the Cowboys could be very excited about his run blocking.
OL Tyler Booker, Alabama
If there’s one thing we know about the Cowboys is they don’t shy away from using first-round capital in offensive line. Booker could provide Brian Schottenheimer’s offense with an upgrade at right guard. Though the team seems to believe in Brock Hoffman, Booker could be a long-term project they consider, specially if it’s later in the first round.
WR Luther Burden, Missouri
Another prospect whose stock seems to be declining, Burden’s skillset in the slot could help Lamb stay outside and on the move. His size could limit him to only playing inside but that not might be the worst thing in the world as Lamb has proven to be extremely dangerous outside and the Cowboys could still find ways to efficiently use both inside.
EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia
You can never have too many edge rushers in the NFL. And if the Cowboys can get one at a discount, you just can’t rule it out. That might happen with Mykel Williams following a slow-ish 40-yard dash, as A to Z Sports’ college football managing editor Travis May pointed out recently:
It’s hard to tell if Williams’ speed results from his NFL Pro Day will actually have a significant impact on his actual draft stock, but many seem to believe he won’t be an early first round selection anymore. If the NFL does indeed let him drop very far there’s a chance Williams turns out to be an absolute steal given his impressive physical traits. Let’s hope he silences the doubters, and soon.
OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
Simmons is projected to go late in the first round but he fits the kind of player the Cowboys like very well. Having suffered a season-ending injury in 2024, Simmons could be a premier tackle for the future. Considering Dallas is in a slight rebuild mode with a new coach, it could make sense.
Truthfully, I enjoyed Simmons’s film. He has some of the best tools in this class, and his technique looked much improved from last season, particularly in pass protection. I wasn’t exaggerating when I said he might be the best pure pass protector in this tackle class.
– AJ Schulte’s scouting report of Josh Simmons