Jerry Jones shifts strategy: from bold to conservative in the draft

At 82, Jerry Jones remains one of the most recognizable figures in the NFL. As the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, he is renowned for his shrewd business moves. However, critics claim that as he’s aged, Jones has lost his daring streak and no longer takes big risks.

Back in 2012, Jerry Jones was known for bold decisions, betting on radical changes for his team. That season, he signed cornerback Brandon Carr for $50 million in free agency and aggressively traded up in the NFL Draft, moving from the 14th to the 6th spot to select Morris Claiborne. These daring moves did not yield stellar results for the franchise. Claiborne left the team in 2016, while Carr delivered consistent yet unspectacular performances and was released in 2017.

Jerry Jones’ past moves

These strategic plays were aimed at turning the Dallas Cowboys into a winning team. However, the results were underwhelming, and the performance of these players fell short of expectations.

Some argue that Jerry Jones’ bold moves in that season were a failure. Since then, he has refrained from trading up in the first round. Over the past 12 NFL Drafts, his team has instead traded down on three occasions.

Weighing risks

Risk-taking is sometimes necessary, especially when it comes to strengthening a roster with high-potential players. Jerry Jones and the Cowboys have occasionally embraced this strategy during various seasons. Atlon Sports highlights successful trades, such as moving from the 21st to 17th spot to draft Emmitt Smith in 1990 and acquiring Dez Bryant in 2010. However, first-round trades to select players like Shante Carver (28th to 23rd in 1994), David LaFleur (25th to 22nd in 1997), and Ebenezer Ekuban (22nd to 20th in 1999) were complete failures.

Embracing caution

This history has led Jerry Jones to adopt a more prudent, trade-down strategy—less risky yet potentially rewarding. In 2021, the Cowboys drafted Micah Parsons and Chauncey Golston after moving down two spots. Last season, they secured Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe after trading down from 24th to 29th.

Similar trade-down picks have also brought success for Cowboys under Jerry Jones’ leadership. While not guaranteeing triumphs, these careful moves have proven to be advantageous at times.

 

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NFL Draft analysts like Daniel Jeremiah have urged Jerry Jones to revert to a more dynamic approach. “I miss the days when the Cowboys were bold and fun,” Jeremiah remarked. He added, “Add some flair. Trade up and get Travis Hunter.”

Rumors circulate

It’s unlikely that the Cowboys and Jerry Jones will gamble on such bold bets. Ghosts from the past, like Morris Claiborne, seem to hold them back from aggressive plays. However, rumors are swirling, and while Prime Coach Deion Sanders won’t be joining the Cowboys, some speculate that his son Shedeur Sanders might wear the Dallas jersey.

Currently, the Cowboys have Dak Prescott in their arsenal, making it plausible that they won’t add another quarterback to their roster. But Prescott’s injuries are a concern, and with Cooper Rush departing, a replacement doesn’t seem out of the question.

Here’s the scenario: Shedeur Sanders was projected as the third overall quarterback pick for the New York Giants. However, the landscape shifted after the Giants signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. The next five franchises all have solid quarterbacks. At 9th spot sit the New Orleans Saints, who seem satisfied with 34-year-old Derek Carr. Then come Jerry Jones and the Cowboys at the 12th spot. Who knows—could Shedeur Sanders slip through their fingers too?.