With many roster questions left unanswered, amid the ongoing trade speculations, the Dallas Cowboys may get a clear picture this upcoming draft. This may also push certain players out by bringing in players to fill the need. 

According to SI.com, the Dallas Cowboys could part ways with three notable players, suggesting their current contributions may not match the potential impact of incoming draft picks at their respective positions.

The major defense that the Dallas Cowboys have to fix in this draft is at the linebacker position. With multiple mock drafts linking Sonny Styles to the Dallas Cowboys as a potential linebacker addition, Shemar James could face increased competition for his position

Over 14 games played with the Dallas Cowboys, James recorded a total of 91 tackles (40 solo), 2 tackles for losses and 1.5 sacks.

And as he enters his 2nd year with the Cowboys', his position would be sustained based on his offseason performances and adaption to Christian Parker's new defensive scheme.

Malik Hooker, defensive back of the Dallas Cowboys has played for 5 seasons and 76 games for the Cowboys.

By adding safeties Jalen Thompson and P. J. Locke, and a projected addition of Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs, Hooker’s position may be pushed down the depth chart with players overshadowing him. 

While Hooker brings experience and versatility, including recent seasons with solid tackle production of 289 tackles (180 solo), 14 passes defended and 9 tackles for loss with the Cowboys , his role could diminish significantly in a younger, retooled secondary.

And the final player on the list is Luke Schoonmaker, and reports suggest that if he is left early before his unrestricted free agency next season, the team can end up adding a rookie tight end through the draft.

Across 51 games, Schoonmaker has recorded 49 receptions for 438 yards (8.9 yards per catch) and three touchdowns, with 23 first downs. His production, which is roughly one catch for 8.9 yards per game, positions him as a complementary piece rather than a primary offensive weapon.

Ans amid the uncertainty surrounding their draft strategy, the Cowboys can be expected to move as the board unfolds. That makes their potential pick at first-round – No.12 and No.20 more intriguing.

Dallas Cowboys Exploring a Bold Move Up the Draft Board

The Dallas Cowboys have frequently been projected to trade up to No. 6 by experts, potentially packaging their two first-round picks in a deal with the Cleveland Browns.

The target of this trade-up scenario is Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, whom experts believe is the only elite prospect at his position.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr and The Athletic’s Dane Brugler projected that the Dallas Cowboys would send both their first-round picks, No.12 and No.20, potentially receiving a No.6 and No.39 in return, from the Cleveland Browns.

With multiple mock drafts releasing till the day of the draft, nothing is certain about how the board will unfold.

Who do you think the Browns will retain among these?

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi