The Dallas Cowboys are at a crossroads regarding their strategy for the upcoming NFL draft, particularly concerning their 20th overall pick. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com recently released a mock draft that explored various options for the Cowboys, who are looking to enhance their defense.
In his latest mock draft, Jeremiah predicted that the Cowboys would utilize their 12th pick to strengthen their secondary by selecting cornerback Jermod McCoy from Tennessee. The intrigue, however, lies in what Dallas might do with the 20th pick, which they acquired through the trade involving Micah Parsons and Green Bay.
Jeremiah suggested that the Cowboys could target edge rusher Akheem Mesidor from Miami to bolster their defensive line. While Mesidor might raise some eyebrows due to his age—he will be a 25-year-old rookie—his performance during Miami”s College Football Playoff run was exceptional. Jeremiah noted, “After taking a CB at No. 12, the Cowboys nab an edge rusher. Teams might have to get comfortable with Mesidor”s age, but he was dominant during Miami”s run.”
Another intriguing possibility involves trading the 20th pick for a veteran cornerback. Jeremiah proposed that if the Kansas City Chiefs would be willing to exchange cornerback Trent McDuffie, the Cowboys could solve their secondary issues quickly. McDuffie, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, has been instrumental in Kansas City”s championship-caliber defense and is currently looking for a long-term contract after the Chiefs exercised his fifth-year option.
Throughout his four seasons, McDuffie has started in 56 games, accumulating 246 tackles, 34 pass deflections, eight forced fumbles, and three interceptions. The Cowboys must weigh the benefits of trading one of their first-round picks to acquire experienced talent that could significantly enhance their defense.
As the draft approaches, it remains to be seen how the Cowboys will navigate these options and whether they will prioritize immediate impact through trades or invest in promising young talent.
