For the past two weeks, it has been rumored that Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys has his sights on either RB Jeremyiah Love out of Notre Dame, or EDGE rusher David Bailey of Texas Tech, a local kid.
And so, here at Revenge of the Birds, we took that thought and made an article out of it. This is the link:
RELATED: DEEP DIVE INTO CARDINALS TRADE WITH THE COWBOYS FOR PICK #3
All of the thoughts and what-ifs went into this article. We discussed how Dallas could make a trade with the Cleveland Browns
at the #6 overall spot, or skip over the Tennessee Titans at pick #4 in order to secure Love. The Titans have been rumored to also be in love with Love, and certainly need a stud running back.
The Cowboys were the #2-ranked offense last year. They have a great quarterback, a dependable tight end, all of their offensive linemen are in their 20s, and three really good receivers. What they don’t have is that Emmitt Smith style of running back.
Love would solve that. However, the Cowboys select at the #12 and #20 spots in the first round. Love will be gone by pick 12. So would Bailey. By trading with the Browns, Dallas does jump over the Washington Commanders at pick #7, who also need a running back, but not the Titans. In order to be guaranteed to get their specific player, they would need to call Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort and work out a trade.
What would the trade details entail? Taking all of the media scenarios, the average is the following:
- Cowboys get: #3 pick (Rd 1), #104 pick (Rd 4)
- Cardinals get: #12 pick (Rd 1), #20 pick (Rd 1), #114 pick (Rd 4)
Let’s just imagine this trade becomes official. Which players would the Cardinals take with their new positioning in the first-round?
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Round 1: Pick #12
OT Francis Mauigoa (6’-6”, 329 pounds) – Miami
It is quite possible that Mauigoa falls to this spot since he had rumors of a lower back issue. But he went back to Indianapolis last week and was completely clear with no new issues or concerns. Still, if enough teams get scared off and become pick-shy, he may fall just like OT Laremy Tunsil did in 2016.
That would be quite exciting because Arizona has been predicted to take Mauigoa at #3.
OT Spencer Fano (6’-6”, 311 pounds) – Utah
Fano is a very good tackle and would slide right into that right tackle spot opposite Paris Johnson. Currently, free agent signee Elijah Wilkinson is penciled in, but things can change. Fano comes from a family that has NFL ties with four uncles who played in the league.
This is a tight end crammed into a tackle’s body. Exceptional lateral agility and body control. His three-cone time topped all offensive linemen at the Combine. Explosive out of his stance with great balance and is consistent.
Even if Mauigoa is gone, Fano would fill the purchase order for the Cardinals. This is an amazing tackle who can play either side.
OT Monroe Freeling (6’-7”, 315 pounds) – Georgia
One of the highest risers since the college football season concluded. Huge man with exceptional pass protection. Finishes with intent and gets his feet moving downhill. Quick first step off the snap.
His basketball background allows him great balance. Spatial awareness. Active hands with quick punch resets. Marginal recovery ability. Great length with long arms.
CB Mansoor Delane (6’-0”, 187 pounds) – LSU
Best cornerback in the draft. The Cardinals’ CB room looks very good, but can anybody refuse to take another exceptional cover corner? 4.38 speed. Able to position himself in throwing lanes with rare consistency. Ball hawk.
Did not allow a single TD all of last year and gave up just two 20+ receptions. Scheme versatile and is very good in run defense. Eight career interceptions. Very aggressive in man coverage.
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Round 1: Pick #20
OT Caleb Lomu (6’-6”, 313 pounds) – Utah
Rare 4.99 speed for a player that can fill in at right tackle in Week 1. Explodes off his stance and is able to land hands early. His kick slide is smooth, and he is able to cover ground on pulls with his good speed and quickness.
Footwork is fluid and decisive. Lateral agility allows him to have a second gear at the second level. Long body and arms. Natural leader who remains square and upright.
EDGE Akheem Mesidor (6’-3”, 259 pounds) – Miami
Really good disruptive pass rusher with good speed and quickness. Has a huge gamut of pass-rushing moves that keep offensive linemen guessing. Great hand combat skills with the ability to consistently beat blockers to the punch. Exceptional speed off the snap. Can set a stable edge rush.
Has very good technical approach and is a polished pass rusher. Brings legitimate scheme versatility. Above-average run defense.
S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (6’-3”, 201 pounds) – Toledo
This is a big-bodied center fielder with long arms and will absolutely lay players out. Can cover good ground with his quickness and is considered the robber. Fills gaps in run support with decisiveness, anchoring through contact downhill.
Nine forced fumbles in his college career, with a habit of attacking the ball at the contact point. Very competitive athlete. Considered the draft’s second-best safety.
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So, what does a trade with the Cowboys accomplish?
For one, Arizona can still get its right tackle. Three very good tackle prospects with the #12 pick, and another one later at pick #20.
Other exceptional offensive linemen should be available at either pick, including OT Kadyn Proctor of Alabama, Penn State OG Vega Ioane, and OT Blake Miller from Clemson.
Conceivably, the Cardinals could get their new starting right tackle at either pick obtained from Dallas, plus bring in the draft’s best cornerback, the second-best safety, or a stud pass rusher.
What was not listed was the long inventory of available receivers who will be sitting there at both draft pick spots. It is assumed that Arizona does not need to waste a first-round draft pick on an exceptional receiver, but if Ossenfort wishes to pursue this, these players will be there:
Round 1: Pick #12
WR Carnell Tate – Ohio State, ranked #9
WR Makai Lemon – USC, ranked #12
WR Jordyn Tyson – Arizona State, ranked #13
Round 1: Pick #20
WR Omar Cooper, Jr. – Indiana, ranked #24
WR KC Concepcion – Texas A&M, ranked #27
WR Denzel Boston – Washington, ranked #28
