Cowboys Trade Up for ‘Can’t Miss’ Star Defender

Cowboys Trade Up for ‘Can’t Miss’ Star Defender

The NFL Draft is just days away, and Mel Kiper Jr.’s final mock draft is shaking things up, especially for the Dallas Cowboys. Kiper has the Cowboys making a bold move, trading up to the sixth overall pick to select Sonny Styles, a defensive standout from Ohio State. This potential move addresses a major need for Dallas, which struggled defensively last season, often giving up 30 or more points in games.

Kiper believes Styles is one of the best defensive players in this draft, arguably the third-best player overall. Styles tested exceptionally well and had a strong year, even recording more tackles than other top prospects. His transition from safety to linebacker helped reduce missed tackles. Kiper’s reasoning for the trade up from picks 12 and 20 to pick 6 is simple: to secure an elite defensive player that Dallas desperately needs. He notes that after the first 17-18 players, there’s a significant drop-off in talent. Kiper also suggests that Alabama offensive tackle Kadon Proctor, who he has going to Dallas at pick 6 in his mock, might be a better fit for the Cowboys at pick 12, avoiding a reach at number six. This trade would also net Dallas pick 39 in the second round, giving them more assets.

Styles: A ‘Foundational’ Player

The analysts on ESPN’s Get Up debated the Cowboys’ strategy: one elite player versus two good ones. However, those who’ve spoken with people around the league see Styles as a player who can make an immediate impact. Lou Desir calls Styles the “safest player” in the draft, not because of limited upside, but because he’s seen as a professional already. Desir describes Styles as a “foundational player” who could be the centerpiece of an organization, especially at linebacker, where he can be the “command and control center” of the defense.

“This kid’s a pro already. He is a foundational player. He’s the kind of guy that you build an entire organization around at the command and control center at the mic linebacker position.”

Styles’ physical gifts are undeniable, described as an “avatar” and a “freak of nature” athletically. He’s also praised for his A+ character and ability to connect with others, making him a leader from day one. Kimberly Martin highlighted that everyone she’s spoken to raves about his rare measurables and top-tier character. However, Martin also pointed out a common sentiment around the league: the Cowboys are not just one player away from a championship and have many defensive holes to fill. With a new coaching staff and defensive coordinator, acquiring two quality players at picks 12 and 20 might be a more practical approach.

Running Backs in the Top 10?

The mock draft also featured some surprising picks, including Jeremiah Love, a running back, going fourth overall to the Tennessee Titans. Kiper argues that Love is more than just a running back; he’s a “weapon” with elite receiving skills who can play from the backfield, slot, or wide receiver position. He believes Love is arguably the best player in the draft and would be a perfect fit to help young quarterback Cam Ward reach elite status.

This potential high selection of a running back sparked debate. The common argument against taking a running back in the top 10, especially for a team like the Titans that lost many games, is that it’s a luxury pick. However, Kiper and others strongly disagree. They compare Love to elite prospects like Saquon Barkley, Bijan Robinson, and Christian McCaffrey, emphasizing that these players are game-changers who can instantly elevate an offense and support a developing quarterback.

“He’s right in line grade-wise. I’ve come full circle from 30 years ago when I started this crap about don’t take a running back in the first round. I was once started that. Now, I’m defending it. Okay? Because these guys are more than just running backs. They’re much more than just running backs. They are weapons.”

The discussion also touched on the Giants picking Caleb Downs, a safety from Ohio State, at number 10. While some see him as a versatile player with high football IQ who can bring a culture change, others question if he’s a “great player” worthy of such a high pick, comparing him to freak athletes like Sean Taylor. The debate about valuing safeties highly in the draft continues, with arguments about their impact on the modern game.

Wide Receiver Talent in Kansas City

Another notable pick in Kiper’s mock was Jordan Tyson, a wide receiver from Arizona State, going to the Kansas City Chiefs at pick 9. Tyson is considered the most talented receiver in the class, but concerns about his injury history, particularly a hamstring issue, have caused him to slip in some mocks. Kiper believes Tyson is the best talent available and that his injuries are manageable, especially given the context of his competitiveness leading him to play through them.

The Chiefs, coming off a season where they struggled offensively and are dealing with quarterback Patrick Mahomes recovering from an injury, are in desperate need of playmakers. Tyson, described as 6’2″ and 206 pounds of “fury” and “suddenness,” offers big-play ability that could reignite the Chiefs’ offense. Despite the injury risks, many teams, including the Chiefs, might see him as a worthwhile gamble to pair with their star quarterback.

Source: Cowboys should TRADE UP to draft Sonny Styles!? Mel Kiper Jr. says Dallas NEEDS defense 😮 | Get Up (YouTube)