Cowboys Face Draft Decisions After Historic Defensive Struggles

The Dallas Cowboys defense recorded the highest average points and passing yards allowed per game in the NFL during the 2023 season. The team now holds two first-round selections in the upcoming NFL Draft, and some analysis has suggested the possibility of trading up from their current position.

2023 Defensive Performance

During the 2023 NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys defense allowed an average of 30.1 points per game. The unit also allowed an average of 251.5 passing yards per game. Both figures were the highest in the league for the season.

The Cowboys defense allowed an average of 30.1 points and 251.5 passing yards per game in 2023, the highest figures in the NFL.

Draft Position and Background

The Cowboys hold two selections in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft.

• Their own selection is the 12th overall pick.
• They also hold the 20th overall selection, which was acquired from the Green Bay Packers. That pick was part of a trade involving linebacker Micah Parsons, who was not with the team for the 2023 season.

Reported Draft Speculation

Some analysis has suggested the Cowboys could attempt to trade up in the draft. The Tennessee Titans currently hold the 4th overall selection.

• The stated rationale in this analysis is to select ahead of the New York Giants, a division rival who holds the 5th overall pick.
• The hypothetical target mentioned is Ohio State linebacker prospect Sonny Styles. Some analysts have compared Styles to former NFL linebacker Brian Urlacher.
• The analysis notes that acquiring the 4th overall pick would require significant trade compensation from the Cowboys.
• The analysis also states that if the Cowboys do not trade up, they would make their first selection with the 12th overall pick.

Analysis suggests a trade-up could be motivated by the desire to select ahead of division rival New York, but would come at a high cost.