Cowboys 2018 Draft: Three potential second-round trade up options for the Cowboys

The 2018 NFL Draft is almost here! With ten picks this April, it is not out of the realm of possibility that Dallas decides to package a few to move in the draft — whether that be on Thursday night or in a later round.

We recently gave you five prospects that the Cowboys may decide they want to move up for. The likes of Derwin James and Roquan Smith headline the list and both would instantly upgrade the defensive side of the ball. Would Jerry want to make a splash since Roger Goodell and the NFL Draft are in AT&T Stadium?

Today, we’ll look at some potential late first-round-to-early-second-round prospects that are expected to be gone before 50, but that the Cowboys may have interest in moving up for.

Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M Aggies

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Why would the Cowboys want to trade a pick or two to move up for a wide receiver when there are plenty of solid options that should be on the board at pick 50 or even at 81?

Well, aside from maybe Saquon Barkley, Christian Kirk is probably the most explosive athlete in this draft class on the offensive side of the ball. The former five-star recruit starred in College Station and caused terror for SEC defenses each and every Saturday in the fall. No matter what scheme defensive coordinators came up with, Kirk found ways to beat the coverage.

Used as both a wide receiver and a kick and punt return man, Kirk was a threat to score each and every time he got his hands on the football — regardless of where he was on the football field. Playing with two different quarterbacks during the 2017 season, the Arizona native hauled in 71 passes for 919 yards (12.9 ypc) and ten touchdowns — including a 13 reception, 189-yard, and three touchdown performance against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons to cap off his collegiate career.

Kirk was dangerous on special teams during his career for the Aggies, which is an aspect that Jason Garrett and company have loved (ala, Ryan Switzer). The A&M product totaled 814 yards and six touchdowns on 37 punt returns to go along with 1,048 yards and one score off of 48 kick returns during his three-season college career.

Christian Kirk has the ability to play all over the football field — in the slot, on the outside, even in the backfield in some unique formations, and would instantly give this offense a threat on every down. He also fits the bill as someone who could thrive with Dak Prescott — small, quick, speedy, and good hands.

Would you make a move up for Kirk so that he continues to play football in the Lone Star State?

Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan Wolverines

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The Dallas Cowboys spent a first-round selection on a Michigan defensive lineman last year in Taco Charlton. Then, Jourdan Lewis was the pick in the third-round. Could Dallas decide to grab another Jim Harbaugh product in this year’s draft class?

If so, Maurice Hurst is probably the best option.

The 6-foot-2 and 280-pound interior defensive lineman was among the best at his position across college football during his career in Ann Arbor. Hurst recorded 59 total tackles, 13 tackles-for-loss, and 5.5 sacks from the defensive tackle position in Don Brown’s defense last fall. He also added a pair pass deflections and forced a fumble.

Hurst was well on his way to being a lock for the first-round before some health concerns surrounding his heart condition came up at the scouting combine in Indy. The Michigan defender was sent home and, as result, there is legitimate questions on whether or not he will hears his name called on Thursday night. Hurst has since been cleared to play by doctors from both the University of Michigan and Harvard.

Our own DannyPhantom ranks Hurst as the 18th best prospect in this class. Dane Brugler says that Hurst possesses some “NFL-ready traits”.

Brugler: He makes plays in the backfield (25 TFL the past two seasons). He didn’t start as a junior and then played a lot of NT at Michigan as a senior, but was still able to be productive. His surge off the snap and power to break the rhythm of blockers are NFL-ready traits. If the Cowboys want a disruptive one-gapping 3-technique, Hurst is the best option.

If Hurst is still there in the 33-37 range, would you move up for him?

Billy Price, OG, Ohio State Buckeyes

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Out of all the needs that the Cowboys have, many want Dallas to pick up a guard at 19 the most. Our own Tom Ryle says that any of Wynn, Hernandez, or Daniels would be a “slam dunk pick” in the first-round.

My slam dunk pick is actually three names: Isaiah Wynn, Will Hernandez, or James Daniels, because all would solve the left guard issue. I still think that is the one issue the Cowboys have to fix first and with as close to a sure fire starter as possible. All other current needs can be met in round two and later. Give me that stud guard prospect and I will do my happy dance.

Yours truly also went with a guard (Isaiah Wynn, to be exact) as my own slam dunk pick for the Cowboys. But, what if the Cowboys don’t grab a guard on Thursday for whatever reason? Maybe they have other positions higher on the board or a surprise prospect falls to 19. If that happens, then the guard position still needs to be addressed.

So, what if Dallas makes a move for Ohio State prospect Billy Price?

Price, a four-year player for the Buckeyes, played the guard position for three seasons before moving to center this past fall. The 6-foot-4 and 305 pound prospect is one of the best in the “next-tier” of guards after Quenton Nelson and the three other aforementioned first-round guards.

The former Buckeye guard possesses elite-level strength and is a strong run-blocker — which is essential in this Cowboys offense. Price also plays with great leverage, which could help his transition to the NFL level a little easier.

If the top four guards (Nelson, Wynn, Daniels, and Hernandez) are off of the board and if the Cowboys favor Price over Auburn’s Braden Smith, is it plausible that they part ways with one of their compensatory picks for a potential starter at guard?

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Would any of these prospects interest you, BTB?