The NFL and its biggest offseason event got turned on its head when the New York Giants and Cincinnati Bengals completed a blockbuster trade this past weekend. It’s a deal that not only affected the two teams involved but could have ramifications for the Dallas Cowboys and their draft plans.
In the aftermath of the trade, it’s fair to wonder if it’s good or bad news for the Cowboys that defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence was shipped out of the NFC East?
The deal sent one of the best defensive players, and arguably the league’s best DT, to the AFC, where the Cowboys won’t have to deal with him twice a year. However, it also gave the Giants the 10th pick in the draft, giving them two top 10 selections. With the Cowboys currently owning the 12th pick overall, it could alter the team’s draft plans. Here’s a look at what the deal could mean for Dallas.
The Giants owning two picks before the Cowboys are on the clock is not ideal, but when considering the Bengals were overwhelmingly expected to draft a defensive player when they held the 10th pick overall, this may turn out in Dallas’ favor. When the Giants had only the fifth selection, the prevailing thought was they’d likely be choosing a defensive player. The names mentioned were the same ones on the Cowboys’ radar, Ohio St. safety Caleb Downs and linebacker Sonny Styles.
However, John Harbaugh’s new team has recently been heavily rumored to like Arizona St. wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, recently attending his pro day. Couple those reports with them also being linked to running back Jeremiyah Love, who had been the biggest offensive player associated with the Giants throughout the pre-draft process, and the team is clearly looking for offensive playmakers.
Before the trade, the Giants were going to have to decide between one of the Ohio St. defenders, Tyson or Love. The Giants also need help on the offensive line and could go in that direction as well with one of their first-round picks.
If they drafted Styles or Downs, that meant the Giants and Bengals were both likely to select a defensive player, giving the Cowboys one less option with the 12th pick. Now, if the Giants choose an offensive player with either of their top 10 picks, it allows an extra defensive player to fall into the Cowboys’ lap if they don’t trade up.
With Love expected to go in the top 10 regardless, the Giants using at least one of their top 10 picks on an offensive player improves Dallas’ odds to pick one of the top six defensive prospects in the draft.
For how good the trade could be for the Cowboys, it could also turn out to be a disaster. Not only do the Giants now have the option of picking two defensive players, but they can also potentially draft two of the Cowboys’ top targets in Styles and Downs.
Most mock drafts, prior to the trade, had the Bengals drafting a cornerback or a defensive lineman with the 10th pick. Downs was an option, but not the favored selection for Cincinnati, for as much credence that can be given mocks.
Now, the Giants are in position to draft at least one of the Ohio St. star defenders and could select both to ruin the Cowboys’ plan if they stay at pick 12. If the Giants did draft Styles or Downs with the fifth pick, there could be some nervous front office people in the Cowboys’ war room when New York is back on the clock at 10.
Even if they don’t have the option of drafting both Ohio St. players, the Giants could still draft two defensive players, leaving the Cowboys short on options with the 12th pick overall. Not having one of the top six defensive players available when they’re on the clock could be a disaster for the Cowboys, or at least for most Cowboys fans, who are scared what the team will do if the top defensive options are wiped out.
It’s too early to tell, but the trade between the Bengals and Giants trade could wind up ruining the Cowboys’ draft plans.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Giants-Bengals DT Lawrence trade may not impact Cowboys' draft plans