Cowboys Nowhere with Pickens; Tyson Could Be Answer

Cowboys Face Contract Stalemate with Pickens, Weigh Draft Options

The Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a familiar, yet frustrating, position as the NFL Draft approaches. With a 12-20 record, the team is reportedly nowhere near a contract extension for star receiver George Pickens. Pickens is currently on the franchise tag, and negotiations have stalled, leaving his future with Dallas uncertain.

This contract situation adds another layer of complexity to the Cowboys’ draft strategy. They hold the 12th and 20th overall picks but lack a second-round selection, making each decision critical. The team needs significant help, especially on the defensive side of the ball, but the availability of top defensive talent at pick 12 is a major question mark.

Potential Draft Targets and Trade Scenarios

Analysts are speculating about several defensive prospects who could make an immediate impact. Players like Arll Reese, Sunny Styles, Mansour Delane, and Caleb Downs are mentioned as potential targets. However, experts like Adam Schefter and the ‘Get Up’ crew believe it’s unlikely these top-tier defensive players will still be available when Dallas is on the clock at number 12.

To address this, one mock draft scenario suggests the Cowboys could trade up from 12 and 20 to pick 9 with the Kansas City Chiefs, swapping picks to secure a player like Mansour Delane. This move would also involve sending their 20th pick to Kansas City. This strategy aims to ensure they land a high-impact defensive back, especially with their new defensive backs coach, Christian Parker, coming from the Eagles.

Jordan Tyson Emerges as a Key Offensive Target

Amidst the defensive focus, a new name has entered the conversation for Dallas: wide receiver Jordan Tyson. Reports indicate the Cowboys have a strong liking for Tyson, who is described as an “absolute freak show” with shades of Odell Beckham Jr. His impressive tape suggests he could be a dynamic addition to the offense.

The potential pursuit of Tyson draws parallels to the Cowboys’ 2020 draft strategy when they selected CeeDee Lamb, even though receiver wasn’t their biggest need at the time. The team opted for the best player available, a philosophy that could see them prioritize Tyson if he’s the top talent on their board, potentially strengthening their offense significantly.

Defensive Needs Remain Paramount

Despite the offensive buzz around Tyson, the overwhelming consensus is that the Cowboys desperately need defensive reinforcements. They are looking for help at defensive back, pass rusher, and inside linebacker. With no second-round pick, the team faces a tough challenge in addressing these multiple needs effectively.

The new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker, is a fiery coach who needs talent to execute his schemes. The Cowboys are looking to provide him with the necessary “groceries” – the players – to build a strong defense. Whether they target two solid defensive players with their current picks or make a bold move to acquire one elite defensive talent remains the central question for Dallas in this draft.

Arizona and Giants’ Draft Outlooks

Beyond Dallas, other teams are also facing critical draft decisions. The Arizona Cardinals, holding the third overall pick, are reportedly exploring trade options to gain more assets. Their best-case scenario involves trading down and accumulating more picks, potentially targeting a quarterback like Ty Simpson later in the draft.

The New York Giants, at pick five, are in a strong position to select one of the top remaining defensive talents like Jeremiah Love or Sunny Styles. If they can also land a player like Caleb Downs at pick 10, it would represent a significant boost to both sides of the ball, setting them up for a big jump next season.

The Uncertainty of Positional Value

The current NFL Draft landscape is somewhat in flux due to shifting positional values. While players like Arll Reese and safety Caleb Downs are considered top talents, their draft positions are debated. Running backs, off-ball linebackers, and safeties are seen as valuable, but teams question if they warrant premium top-10 picks.

This uncertainty could create opportunities for teams willing to take risks or trade strategically. The Cowboys, in particular, have a lot to figure out as they aim to improve their roster and contend for a Super Bowl, balancing immediate needs with long-term player development.

Source: The Cowboys are NOWHERE with George Pickens – Adam Schefter 😬 Is Jordyn Tyson the answer? | Get Up (YouTube)