Mock draft season is in full swing, and Rotowire‘s Joe Bartel believes the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers could agree to a massive deal during the big event. In a recent article, the NFL analyst proposed the Cowboys send the 12th-, 76th-, and 211th picks to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for the eighth- and 147th-overall selections. In this hypothetical, the Cowboys will use the earlier first-round pick to select Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, while the Panthers land Georgia edge defender Jalon Walker.
Cowboys, Panthers Agree to Massive Trade In Latest Mock Draft
The Dallas Cowboys currently have one of the most underwhelming running back rooms in football, so it makes sense that this mock draft would address the position. Prior to 2024, Jerry Jones never shied away from investing in the running back position, as he used a top-five pick on Ezekiel Elliott, signed him to a record-setting extension, and then used the franchise tag on the good-but-not-great Tony Pollard. However, last year he allowed Pollard to walk, utilized the cheap Rico Dowdle as his starter, and currently has Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders battling for a starting job.
Fortunately, this is a loaded running back class, and Ashton Jeanty is one of the best prospects in recent memory. Good at just about everything, the Boise State product should hit the ground running and immediately earn the starting job in this backfield. The only question is if the team will give up this much draft capital for a luxury position. While Saquon Barkley’s success with the Eagles invigorated the running back market, it’s still a replaceable position. Jeanty is great, but can Dallas justify investing this much in one player when someone like Quinshon Judkins or Kaleb Johnson will likely be available in the second round?
Panthers Fix the Defense
This mock draft works out perfectly for the Carolina Panthers, as they get additional draft picks from the Cowboys and land a player they probably would have taken with the eighth-overall selection. Quarterback Bryce Young and the offense showed some life down the stretch last year, but it didn’t result in additional wins because the defense was just that terrible. General Manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales added some defensive talent in free agency, but they still need a reliable pass rusher.
Jalon Walker is an athletic freak who can get after the quarterback with ease. Quite frankly, the Panthers don’t have a player like that, and they desperately need one. With Tershawn Wharton joining the now-healthy Derrick Brown, Carolina’s interior defensive line has the potential to be one of the better units in the league. Pairing those two with a gifted rusher like Walker should give the Panthers an adequate pass rush and allow veteran Jadeveon Clowney to thrive in a complementary role.
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