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Cowboys Head-Turning Draft Day Trade Projection Sounds 'Aggressive'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Anthony Goss | Last updated Apr 24, 2025 1:34 PM ET

FRISCO — The NFL Draft buzz is heating up as the hours wind down until the first selection. When commissioner Roger Goodell steps to the podium Thursday night, there is a general consensus as to whose name will be called first when the Tennessee Titans get things started.

After that, this draft could turn any number of ways. The next 10 picks have a seemingly infinite number of possibilities, leading into the Dallas Cowboys' first selection at No. 12.

Like their competitors the Cowboys head into draft day with their options open and the ability to pick according to best available more so than best fit. Tetairoa McMillan and Matthew Golden look to be the favorites, meaning the Cowboys may assess their No. 2 receiver need early on.

There is a chance that at least one of them will still be on the board at No. 12, but Thomas Valentine of Pro Football Focus believes the team should trade up instead.

"It’s reasonable to believe they could be big admirers of Tetairoa McMillan or an athletic freak on the edge like Shemar Stewart. It’s just as reasonable to believe both could be gone within the first 10 picks.

"Dallas might feel a sense of urgency to trade up for its desired prospect, sending the 12th, 76th and 247th picks to the Jets for the seventh and 186th picks in this mock deal. That gives the Cowboys, essentially, first refusal at one of the top players on the board once the draft opens up."

Whoa. Dallas trading up? For guys who some NFL experts think carry "Does He Love Football?'' baggage? (See the Fish Report on McMillan and Stewart below.)

FISH #COWBOYS LIVE!
Trade Plans. Mock Draft. 7 Red-Flag Guys?https://t.co/YajAFt5szw
— fishsports ✭ (@fishsports) April 24, 2025

That's "aggressive.'' But it doesn't fit CowboysCountry.com's reporting.

Multiple teams are rumored to be in trade talks heading into the draft with the Cowboys among that contingent. However, any move the Cowboys make should move them in the opposite direction on the draft board.

And our Mike Fisher reports that is exactly what Dallas is doing.

An aggressive play to move into the top 10 will cost additional draft capital that frankly the Cowboys need to utilize the next few days. Alternatively, a trade back could add more to their treasure chest of picks while keeping themselves in position to take a contributing player in Round 1.

Some may want the aggressive play. After all, that is the more exciting move. But the Cowboys have not gambled much in the draft in recent years and this time around does not give them much evidence that shows a change of course is necessary.

Even if that means missing out on McMillan or another prospect they want, they are still much better suited to either take a solid prospect at No. 12 or trade back, add a pick and still nab a solid player on the first day.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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