Dallas could go for a top 10 defensive end in the 2022 Draft

The 2022 NFL Draft is getting closer, and expectations around first-round picks continue to grow. In the Cowboys’ case, their #24 pick would target one of two positions: offensive guard or wide receiver. Another position of interest would be defensive end, especially after the departure of Randy Gregory. Due to this, there is a rumor circulating about the intention of Dallas to reinforce said position in round 1.

In its columna Monday Morning Quarterback para Sports Illustrated, journalist Albert Breer reviews some rumors about the 32 teams ahead of the NFL Draft. And, in the Cowboys’ case, Breer points to potential interest moving up the ranks to go after one of the best pass-rushers in this year’s class: prospect Kayvon Thibodeaux from Oregon.

“Dallas could move up in position”says Breer in his column. “I heard last week that their radar was on the lookout for a potential Thibodeaux slide. But the team is more likely to hold its position and take on a traditional linebacker (like Georgia’s Nakobe Dean) or start injecting youth into its aging offensive line. To that end, Texas A&M guard Kenyon Green is a player other teams have connected with Dallas.”

According to @AlbertBreer… it sounds like the #Cowboys have entertained the thought of trading up for Oregon EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux if he were to slide. https://t.co/B9fnqfZpWB

— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) April 25, 2022

As we can see, Breer sees a high probability that the Cowboys will end up taking an offensive guard in the first round. However, his mention of his interest in Thibodeaux caught the attention of many journalists who cover the cowboy team. Of course, this is one of the many rumors that usually circulate in the days leading up to the Draft.

Now, would it make sense for the Cowboys to go after the young defensive end from Oregon?

On paper, the addition of Kayvon Thibodeaux would serve the Cowboys well. The young prospect was unanimously selected for the 2021 All-American. This is supported by his production last season with Oregon: 49 combined tackles, 12 tackles for loss of yards, 7 sacks, two forced fumbles and a pass defensed. All this in 10 games.

If nothing strange happens, Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux will be a top-3 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Some of us met him when he came to the World Bowl in Mexico 3 years ago. If you like, you can get on the ship that we have captained ever since. @RaulGtz and me.

pic.twitter.com/ubnNSsRKw4

— Pete Dominguez (@pedrodomg) September 4, 2021

According to analysts and experts, Thibodeaux aims to be one of the first ten prospects selected in this year’s Draft. He may even be one of the top five according to various mock drafts. However, the pass-rusher is falling a few places in the predictions of some specialists.

This “drop” in interest in Thibodeaux appears to be due to several factors. On the one hand, teams are concerned about his personality and his apparent effort and commitment issues. And, on the other, it is said that the prospect would have other interests in mind apart from football. This could cause the defensive end to drop a few positions below his projections. And that’s where the Cowboys could come into the picture.

DE Kayvon Thibodeaux’s case is complex—and teams interested are a doing a lot of work, because he requires a lot of work. Not overly big physically, so that’s one issue. But it’s more a question of effort, personality, etc. https://t.co/ksaOi5CxQw

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 7, 2022

If Dallas wanted to go after Thibodeaux, they would have to sacrifice their second- or third-round pick for it. To do this, the product from Oregon has to fall outside the top 10. In this way, the Draft capital that the cowboy leadership would have to sacrifice to get it would be reduced.

However, this would complicate the Cowboys’ plan to beef up in this Draft. Using his Round 1 pick at a lower-priority position, plus trading his Round 2 or 3 pick for it, means not adding a guard or receiver in the first three rounds. And seeing as how Dallas is putting all its faith in its picks this year to improve the team, this would make no sense at all.

Again, this is one of the many rumors that usually circulate in the days leading up to the Draft. That’s not to say the Cowboys don’t want to add a defensive end, as they can in Rounds 2 or 3. Now, it remains to be seen whether Dallas prioritizes their needs or goes with “the best player available.” After all, in the Draft anything can happen.