What's happened
The Dallas Cowboys have traded with the Dolphins to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 11, strengthening their secondary. The Dolphins moved down to No. 12, acquiring fifth-round picks. The move follows the Cowboys's recent signing of star wide receiver George Pickens to the franchise tag.
What's behind the headline?
The Cowboys' decision to trade up for Downs indicates a clear focus on bolstering their pass defense, which has been a weakness. Downs's transfer from Alabama to Ohio State has positioned him as a top safety in this draft, and his All-American recognition underscores his potential impact. The trade reflects the Cowboys' aggressive approach to improve their secondary, which is crucial given their recent defensive struggles. Meanwhile, the Chiefs' move to draft Delane fills a critical gap after trading away McDuffie, but it also highlights the volatility in their secondary, especially with Watson's departure. The Dolphins' trade down suggests they are prioritizing offensive line depth, which could influence their offensive strategy this season. Overall, these draft moves demonstrate a strategic shift among these teams to address specific weaknesses, with the Cowboys and Chiefs focusing on defensive upgrades and the Dolphins on offensive line strength.
What the papers say
The NY Post reports that the Cowboys have traded up to No. 11 to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, aiming to improve their secondary after a poor defensive season. The NY Post also details the Chiefs' trade to acquire LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, filling a key defensive hole following their trade of Trent McDuffie. AP News highlights the Chiefs' move to draft Delane, emphasizing his All-American credentials and the trade's impact on their secondary. Contrasting opinions from these sources suggest that while the Cowboys are making a bold move to strengthen their defense, some analysts may view their strategy as risky given their recent performance. The Chiefs' trade is seen as a necessary step to rebuild their secondary, but it also exposes vulnerabilities after losing McDuffie and Watson. The Dolphins' decision to trade down indicates a focus on offensive line depth, which could be a strategic move to protect their quarterback and improve offensive consistency. Overall, these moves reflect a broader trend of teams addressing specific positional needs through aggressive draft strategies, with some experts questioning whether these trades will translate into immediate on-field success.
How we got here
The Cowboys have been rebuilding their secondary after finishing below .500 last season and allowing the most points per game in the NFL. They hold multiple first-round picks, including one acquired from the Packers in a trade last fall. The Dolphins have been active in the draft, selecting Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor with their pick. The Chiefs also made a significant move by trading up to pick LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, filling a key defensive hole after trading away Trent McDuffie earlier this year.
Go deeper
More on these topics