NFL Rumors: Why the Dallas Cowboys Should Look to Trade Down in the 2012 Draft

The Cowboys are in a bit of a pickle with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft. On one hand, Jerry Jones could risk waiting and hope that a guy like North Carolina's Quinton Coples is still available.

Or, the Cowboys could look to trade up and ensure the selection of a Coples, Michael Brockers or Melvin Ingram. However Dallas doesn't need a top 15 prospect to complement DeMarcus Ware.

By that token the Cowboys need to consider trading down, and thus stocking up. And according to Carlos Mendez of the Star-Telegram, Jones has already pondered the decision:

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“In general, and really because of how well we did in free agency, we will be able to draft or trade,” he said. “In other words, we could easily have a situation that’s in our best interest."

"It left us totally flexible there," Jones said of the guard signings [Mackenzie Bernardeau and Nate Livings]. "You might want to move down and pick up a player that’s going to be there rather than being at your 14th. You might not have been able to do that had you not had the success that we had in free agency."

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This obviously comes as good news to Cowboys fans everywhere and increases expectations for 2012.

As for their draft strategy, trading down may turn out to be Big D's best option. In the trade itself, Dallas would swap with the interested team and potentially get an additional 2012 second-rounder and 2013 first-rounder.

Obviously the Cowboys' expectations for compensation will vary depending on the franchise that's interested in moving up to the 14th pick. In any case, Dallas will have the opportunity to upgrade and really makes strides in the no-so distant future.

Round 2 is where Dallas can get Ware his trusty pass rushing sidekick and other solid prospects.

Vinny Curry: DE, Marshall

A true and raw talented pass-rusher to complement Ware, Vinny Curry recorded 23 sacks and forced nine fumbles over the past two seasons.

In addition, Curry collected 171 tackles, blocked three kicks/punts and added 24 total quarterback hurries. Although he's not much of a coverage defender, Curry's ability to win one-on-one blocking situations will greatly benefit the rest of the Dallas defense.

Shea McClellin: DE/OLB, Boise State

A reliable pass-rusher who recorded 15.5 sacks between 2010 and 2011, Shea McClellin has accounted for 79 tackles (25 of which were for loss) in that time and has the quick athleticism to drop into coverage.

Solid at defending the run, McClellin would not only complement Ware as an outside presence but also inside linebacker Sean Lee to give Dallas a complete front seven.

Jayron Hosley: CB, Virginia Tech

A versatile athlete, Jayron Hosley recorded 12 picks, defended 32 total passes and made 98 tackles for the Virginia Tech Hokies between 2010 and 2011. Hosley also forced two fumbles in 2011 and served as the teams punt returner during his tenure.

With 824 yards on 64 returns, including two touchdowns, the Cowboys would have a dangerous threat to put back deep on special teams. Of course, Hosley's field awareness and agility makes for a great complement to Brandon Carr at corner as well.

John Rozum on Twitter.