A new polarizing scenario for the Dallas Cowboys’ No. 12 pick is emerging if they fail to trade up
The Dallas Cowboys want to trade up. But if they don’t, picking defense will be a tough thing to do. Can they shock the NFL by picking a wide receiver instead?
Every time I take part in a Dallas Cowboys mock draft—whether it’s a group exercise or a just-for-fun morning mock using our draft simulator—and I’m forced to stay at No. 12, I hate my options when I go on the clock.
That’s one of the biggest reasons why I’m buying into the idea they’re looking to move up come draft day. But if they can’t, and are forced to stick and pick, it’s starting to sound likelier and likelier they bet on an offensive player despite all their defensive woes.
Adam Schefter says ‘there’s love’ for WR Jordyn Tyson in Dallas
The Cowboys aren’t afraid to pass on their biggest needs to take who they believe is the best player available. They did it in 2020 when they picked WR CeeDee Lamb and even last year when they took an offensive guard instead of a wide receiver.
There’s a very high chance the draft’s premium defenders are all gone by the time the Cowboys goes on the clock at No. 12 overall. If Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson is still on the board, could they think he’s too good to pass on?
ESPN’s Adam Schefter seems to believe so. Speaking on the Cowboys’ first-round strategy, he suggested the wide receiver has fans at The Star.
“Let’s see which defensive hole they decide to fill, and they’ve done a good job drafting, probably will do it again,” Schefter said on his podcast. “But I do think there’s some Jordyn Tyson love in there as well.”
Schefter acknowledged the Cowboys priorities lie on defense and that they’ll look to move up. But one of the biggest insiders in the game (and someone who is known to have strong ties to Dallas ownership) mentioning Tyson could be an option can’t be dismissed.
After an encouraging Pro Day last week (which the Cowboys attended, by the way) and the New York Giants trading for another Top 10 pick, Tyson is believed to go early in the draft. But if he slips to No. 12 and Dallas is picking there, he could be in the mix.
Picking a WR would be polarizing but…
Everyone knows how badly the Cowboys need additional defensive help. But if a trade up can’t happen on Thursday night, at some point you have to realize you might be forcing a pick at No. 12.
If Tyson is viewed as an immediate starter at wide receiver alongside Lamb and George Pickens, and the alternative is a developmental defender, what’s the way to go? I’d argue Tyson if we’re talking about the Cowboys as a win-now team.
Ultimately, I expect Dallas’ priorities to be set in moving up. But that’s never a guarantee in the draft. They have to have a Plan B to pick at 12. And I wouldn’t mind them picking Tyson.
Jordyn Tyson scouting report summary
From our very own Tyler Forness: “Tyson is an interesting player to break down. He has a lot of plus abilities that will translate to the NFL, especially his ability to attack the football in the air. He tracks the ball well, attacks it with strong hands, and doesn’t allow the defender to bully him. Tyson’s football IQ is high as a route runner, and he understands when to either flatten or deepen the route.
“Where Tyson’s evaluation struggles is how he plays the game. His frame allows him to be physical, but he chooses to play the game like he’s Justin Jefferson. Tyson doesn’t have that kind of twitch, and he would be better suited to play more to his size. Even with that, Tyson is a first-round wide receiver who would be deserving of going in the top 10-15 picks.”