Cowboys draft: 5 teams that could be interested in trading up for 24th pick

April 12, 2024 dallas city news

To trade down or not to trade down, that is the question?

The Dallas Cowboys seem to be relying heavily on the 2024 NFL Draft to fill their current roster needs after an abnormally quiet offseason. That’s a lot ask of any team, even one who drafts better than most like the Cowboys. There is little doubt they need to hit on more their picks than they miss.

Because of that, this could be a year in which we see them try to trade down in the first-round in order to acquire more draft capital to work with. The last time they traded down in the first-round was in 2021, netting them both Micah Parsons and Chauncey Golston. It worked out well for them then and could potentially do so again this year.

Fortunately for the Cowboys, the 24th overall pick in the first-round could be somewhat of a sweet spot for teams looking to trade up. Several of the teams selecting behind them have similar draft needs, so we could see some leapfrogging taking place on draft day and Dallas could be the beneficiary.

After a little research, we’ve identified five possible teams who could potentially make good trade partners for the Cowboys. Based on current draft capital and roster needs, each team listed below could realistically be interested in acquiring Dallas’ 24th overall pick in the first-round on April 25 when the draft gets underway.

*NFL trade value chart used to determine draft compensation

Buffalo Bills

Cowboys receive 1.28, 4.128, 4.133 — Bills received 1.24

After trading Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans, the Bills currently lack a bona fide No. 1 receiver for Josh Allen to target in the passing game. Because of that, they are WR-needy team who could been interested in trading up for the Cowboys 24th pick in the first round.

A package of the 28th, 128th, and 133rd picks in exchange for the Cowboys 24th is a trade that favors Dallas by approximately three measly points. It’s close enough for both teams should be happy to push this trade through if they so choose.

Dallas would only move down four spots in the first-round and acquire two selections in the fourth round where they currently don’t hold a draft pick due to the Trey Lance trade. Buffalo would then put themselves in position to select Stefon Diggs’ replacement.

Baltimore Ravens

Cowboys receive 1.30, 3.93 — Ravens receive 1.24

The Ravens are a team rumored to be looking to add either a tackle or wide receiver with their first-round pick. In order to do that though they may need to jump a few teams slotted to pick ahead of them, making them a good trade partner for the Cowboys.

Acquiring the 30th and 93rd picks from Baltimore in exchange for their 24th pick is a trade that favors the Cowboys by eight points. That equates to approximately a late sixth-round pick, which the Ravens could ask for to make things as equal as possible or not.

By moving down just six spots Dallas could still land one of the prospects they probably would’ve considered had they stayed put at 24. And by trading up, Baltimore should have the opportunity to draft an OT or WR that likely would’ve been available for them at 30.

Kansas City Chiefs

Cowboys receive 1.32, 3.95, 5.159 — Chiefs receive 1.24

The Rashee Rice situation has really put the Chiefs in a bind. They already needed receiver help prior to this incident and even more so now. It’s unlikely one of the top WRs slide in their lap at 32 in the first round, so they could be looking to trade up.

Their 32nd, 95th, and 159th draft picks in exchange for the Cowboys 24th slightly favors the Chiefs by approximately two points. It’s close enough to an equal trade Dallas would probably be more than happy to accept in order to trade down eight spots.

The Chiefs target would likely be either Brian Thomas Jr. or Adonai Mitchell, two of the remaining WRs with No. 1 potential. The Cowboys would retain a first-rounder and add another Top 100 pick and fifth-rounder as well. Sounds like a win-win for both teams.

Arizona Cardinals

Cowboys receive 2.35, 3.90, 5.138, 6.186 — Cardinals receive 1.24, 6.216

With 11 total draft picks this year, six of which are the Top 100, Arizona is a team who could move up and down via trade this year. Compensation wise, they’d make close to an ideal trade down partner for the Cowboys.

By swapping sixth-round picks with the Cowboys and including their 35th, 90th, and 138th overall selections this year, Arizona can trade up for Dallas’ 24th overall pick in the first-round. This trade favors the Cardinals by one measly point.

Dallas would then have another pick in the Top 100 as well as recuperate a fourth-rounder they currently don’t have after the Trey Lance trade. Arizona on the other hand would be able to acquire another player with a fifth-year option to build around.

Washington Commanders

Cowboys receive 2.36, 3.78 — Commanders receive 1.24

Washington is rumored to be interested in trading up into the latter part of the first round for either a tackle or edge player. The Cowboys could be interested in trading down. Surprisingly enough, they make ideal trade partners.

Washington’s 36th and 78th overall picks are equal in value to the Cowboys 24th overall pick in the first-round (740 points). This trade between division rivals could be a win-win for both organizations.

Dallas would acquire another premium pick in the Top 100 and the Commanders could select a player they’ve showed a significant interest in, Chop Robinson. He was one of their 30 pre-draft visitors and someone Dan Quinn could view as another Micah Parsons.

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Dallas City News