While the Dallas Cowboys don't have a resolution on George Pickens, there might be a different direction the team can go to.

Chad Reuter, an NFL draft analyst, projected that the Dallas Cowboys could use their No. 12 pick on Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, giving quarterback Dak Prescott a dynamic new weapon.

Reuter noted, “If Pickens stays, adding Tate on the outside and moving CeeDee Lamb into the slot would be a beautiful setup for quarterback Dak Prescott,” highlighting how Tate could fit into Dallas’ offense.

Tate has played 38 career games, accumulating 1,872 receiving yards at an average of 15.5 yards per catch and totaling 14 touchdowns, with 2025 being his best season. And if he joins the team, the passing attack could be on another level. Even if Pickens later chooses to leave, the team could still stay strong.

The Cowboys used the franchise tag to keep George Pickens this offseason, but a long-term deal grew more expensive after Jaxon Smith-Njigba signed a four-year, $168.6M contract, including $120M guaranteed.

That's why staff writers of the Cowboys' website have briefly discussed the mentality of the team about the Pickens trade, "While the Cowboys remain actively engaged in trying to get a deal done sooner than later, they aren't exactly sweating bullets right now."

But There's Another Option For The Team

Likewise, ESPN's Field Yates projects Dallas to take Tennessee Volunteers cornerback Jerod McCoy at No. 12, to also boost the defense.

"One of the true wild cards in this draft is McCoy, as he's a top-10 talent. At his best, McCoy is the top coverage cornerback in this class, with exceptional length (77-inch wingspan)".

Jermod McCoy has played across two seasons, finishing his college career with 75 combined tackles, 6 interceptions for 88 yards (14.7 avg) and 16 passes defensed, recording the 2024 season as his standout year.

For a Cowboys team ranked near the bottom in pass breakups, these numbers are exactly what they need, though speculation around a Pickens trade continues as no official moves have been made.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar