Cowboys' Mock Draft: Trading Down Pays Off

0:00On April 22nd, in this mock draft, the Cowboys smartly trade down from their early first round spot at 12 overall. They swap with the Jets for the 16th and 44th picks, then snag Miami-Ed Russia Akim Mesador right there at 16. This guy's got blue chip production with 12.5 sacks last year, even if his age and injury history make him a hot debate. Four picks later, they trade down again. This time with Miami for the 30th, 75th and 151st picks. That nets them a versatile linebacker in Francisco Rodriguez, who's got the instincts to step in and start right away. These moves fill their two biggest holes on defense while grabbing back a second rounder they lost before and adding more mid-round value. Fans and analysts are buzzing because it shows how trading back can pay off big if the top blue chips are gone early. No shame in it, Dallas gets an instant rotational pass rusher and a starter at linebacker. Plus, they offset picks they gave up in pass deals like four.

1:03Quinnon Williams. Later rounds bring developmental gems with that reclaimed second rounder going to Indiana corner, D'Angelo Ponds, a speedy undersized playmaker who fits the new defensive coordinators vibe on smarts oversized. Then at 75, USC Nickel-Kamari Ramsey adds reliability in the slot and Miami Tackle Mark El Bill brings raw upside at 346. Pounds with no sacks allowed as a starter. Bottom line. If the board falls this way, trading down turns a thin draft into a hall of immediate help and long-term builders, making it the best. Play for Dallas's rebuild.