The Cowboys were remarkably active in the first round of the NFL draft, doing two different deals with teams to move both up and down in the order over the course of Thursday night.
But fans shouldn't expect similar fireworks on Friday.
Dallas first swapped opening-round picks with Miami. The one-spot climb from No. 12 to No. 11 allowed them to take Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, but it cost them two of their fifth-round selections.
Later in the evening, they worked a deal with the division-rival Eagles, trading back to No. 23 so Philadelphia could take wide receiver Makai Lemon at No. 20. That move earned Dallas a pair of fourth-round picks and required giving up their seventh-rounder.
After all the wheeling and dealing, it took the team's total draft capital from 2,326 points (on the Jimmy Johnson chart) to 2,346.1. Entering Friday night, they'll have a long 59-pick wait until they come on the clock again at No. 90.
But making more dramatic moves with those new-found fourth-rounders just to jump into the second round seems unlikely.
"What we don't want to do is give up- because we feel that way philosophically- you don't want to be giving up three and four football players for one player," Cowboys co-owner Stephen Jones said Thursday night as part of the Day 1 press conference.
Based on the numbers, that's what it would take to move into Round 2: the team's lone third-round selection plus at least three- and almost certainly more, maybe all- of their five Day 3 picks.
"Obviously, to have draft capital is helpful," Jones continued, "but it'll be a challenge to get into that second round based on where we sit right now with our picks, not unless you're willing to give up a handful of picks for one player."
As it stands, the Cowboys will leave the draft with seven new players instead of eight, but all of them would come off the board in the top 152.
Vice president of player personnel Will McClay suggested that turning those fifth-round selections into fourth-round players will be a bigger deal than the draft slots make it seem.
"I think you're going to add quality players, competition. We're going to strengthen the competition for roster spots," McClay told reporters. "That makes your team stronger, top to bottom."
But this is the Cowboys. And Jerry Jones is still the man in the big office. And with a host of quality players- many of whom have visited extensively with Dallas in the pre-draft process- still available in Round 2, there's always the possibility that the Chief Gambling Officer will want to get back into the action once the picks start flying.
"Would we totally rule it out?" Stephen Jones mused. "Absolutely not. We don't ever rule out anything."
Except, if they are to be believed, one of Thursday night's late-breaking rumors. Despite wide receiver George Pickens signing his franchise tag and therefore clearing the way for the team to use him in a draft-weekend trade, Jones doubled down when asked if that might still be a possibility with 225 picks still to be made and roster holes still to be filled in Dallas.
"We have zero intention of moving [him]."
Caleb Downs, AlabamaCaleb Downs, AlabamaCaleb Downs, AlabamaOhio State safety Caleb Downs (2) intercepts a pass from Michigan quarterback Davis Warren (not in the photo) during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.Ohio State football safety Caleb Downs makes an interception during the third period during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines Saturday, November 30, 2024 in Ohio Stadium.Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.Oct 4, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) enters the field before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn ImagesOhio State Buckeyes safeties coach Matt Guerrieri yells at defensive back Caleb Downs (2) during warm ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) warms up during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) makes ain interception on a pass intended for Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Khalil Dinkins (16) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates after sacking Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) takes the field for warm-ups prior to the NCAA football game against the UCLA Bruins at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 15, 2025.Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesFeb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs (DB34) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn ImagesOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs gets measured during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses with his parents Gary Downs and Tanya Shorter Downs on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images1 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsCaleb Downs, Alabama1 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsCaleb Downs, Alabama2 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsCaleb Downs, Alabama3 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsCaleb Downs, Alabama4 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State safety Caleb Downs (2) intercepts a pass from Michigan quarterback Davis Warren (not in the photo) during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.5 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State football safety Caleb Downs makes an interception during the third period during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines Saturday, November 30, 2024 in Ohio Stadium.6 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.7 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.8 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.9 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOct 4, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) enters the field before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images10 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes safeties coach Matt Guerrieri yells at defensive back Caleb Downs (2) during warm ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.11 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) warms up during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.12 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.13 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) makes ain interception on a pass intended for Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Khalil Dinkins (16) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.14 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates after sacking Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.15 / 26Newest Cowboys safety Caleb Downs' rookie deal has $17.8M first checkOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.16 / 26Caleb Downs already changing Cowboys' thought process: 'This guy is different'Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) takes the field for warm-ups prior to the NCAA football game against the UCLA Bruins at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 15, 2025.17 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsDec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images18 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsFeb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs (DB34) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images19 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs gets measured during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.20 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.21 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.22 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsOhio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.23 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses with his parents Gary Downs and Tanya Shorter Downs on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images24 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images25 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images26 / 26Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb DownsApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesTodd is on X at @ToddBrock24f7. Also, follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys' Stephen Jones: Trading into Round 2 would 'be a challenge'