With 10 picks in the NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys should be in a position to trade back into the first round or early in the second if they wish to. With a defense desperate for immediate help, it could make sense to do so. Plus, it shouldn't be as expensive as one would think. 

With pick #44, the Cowboys should be able to draft a solid defensive player in the second round. But a few prospects come to mind that could be difference-makers for a defense that finished 2020 as the franchise's worst ever.

Below are four defensive players I believe fit that description, and that the Cowboys should consider trading up for.

DT Christian Barmore, Alabama

Barmore is a difficult player to place in this NFL Draft. Chances are if you open two different mock drafts, you'll see Alabama's star defensive lineman in two very different spots. Although he's the consensus #1 defensive tackle in this year's class, he's a raw prospect.

His inexperience as a one-year starter is a concern for some, but Barmore's potential more than makes up for it. In Alabama, he lined up as a three-technique, one-technique, and even as a nose tackle. His explosiveness and violent style of play allow him to consistently beat blockers.

A bad Pro Day might cause Barmore to slip in the Draft, and if he's still there on Day 2, the Dallas Cowboys should seriously consider adding a game-changer to their defensive line. Although Trysten Hill and Neville Gallimore showed promising flashes last year, they're both unproven players and Barmore would likely prove to be an upgrade.

LB Jamin Davis, Kentucky

Similar to Barmore, Jamin Davis is all over the place in mock drafts. Only a few weeks ago, Davis was seen as a Day 2 prospect. But a dominant Pro Day has helped his stock sky-rocket into a first-round prospect. Davis is a smart player with great vision for a middle linebacker.

With only one season as a starter, inexperience might be an issue. But for the Dallas Cowboys, who have Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith, Davis could be a great pick. He's unlikely to make it to pick #44 and if he falls to a certain spot, the Cowboys should consider trading up for him.

Dane Brugler called Davis a "Zach Cunningham clone" in his Draft guide. 

S Richie Grant, UCF

Although this year's safeties are not first-round caliber, the lack of a consensus #1 will make things interesting at the position. Despite bringing in Damontae Kazee and Keanu Neal in free agency, the Cowboys have not solved the long-term need at the position.

Grant might not be NFL-ready. But he could be the prospect to provide the most upside. As a rookie, he can be an important special-teams contributor while competing for starting reps with Donovan Wilson and Kazee.

With his ball-hawk skills and speed, Grant would finally solve the long-standing question at safety for the Cowboys. If the front office has him as a clear #1 at his position, trading up for him a few spots in the second round makes sense. If they're not, however, they should be better off waiting until the 44th pick. More than one solid safety should be there.

CB Asante Samuel Jr., Florida State

Cornerback will be one of the most exciting positions late in the first round and early in the second round. There are plenty of players to choose from and a lot of teams in need of secondary help. Whether or not the Cowboys pick a cornerback at #10, they could very well decide to double down at the position on Day 2.

Or if they pick a non-cornerback at #10, they might be forced to trade up to secure their guy. After all, Dallas needs starters and depth at cornerback.

Asante Samuel Jr. can play both outside and inside plus he's considered a leader by many. His athleticism more than makes up for his 5'10 height.

Jerry Jones talked about NFL bloodlines on Tuesday's press conference and Samuel fits that mold. Asante Samuel Sr. played 11 seasons in the NFL and won a couple of Super Bowl rings as a Patriot.

Featured image via Alicia Devine / USA Today