The Dallas Cowboys stayed put in Round 1, unable to provide themselves with additional ammunition for Day 2. The team, already short their fourth rounder, did entertain an offer or two, but in the end stayed put at No. 12 and selected Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker. Adding Booker to the fold more than likely removed all OL positions from the potential pool for Day 2, but did staying put remove the possibility that Dallas could make a move on Friday?
In our Day 2 mock, all 32 teams continue their quest to augment their current talent and build on the foundation they started on Thursday night. Here, the Cowboys seized the opportunity to grab players who they feel can be instant impact players, and use a couple of their Day 3 picks to move up a few slots in both the second and third rounds.
Trade 2.44, 5.174 to New York Jets for 2.42
2.42: WR Luther Burden III
There was a time in the pre-draft process where Burden was being mocked to the Cowboys at No. 12, so grabbing the electrifying wideout here in the second round is certainly worth the fifth-round pick to move up. Could he have lasted two more picks? Potentially, but it wasn’t worth it to find out.
With his run-after-catch skills, Burden saw a high volume of quick-hitters and crossers, which showcased his any-direction burst and physicality to give defenders the shake. His route running is best described as a “work in progress” right now, but he appears unfazed when forced to flip his body and track/adjust to errant throws. Overall, Burden is still working on his undergrad degree in route setup and separation, but he holds a master’s in creating with the ball in his hands, because of his explosive speed and competitive toughness. For an NFL team targeting a YAC weapon with upside to be more, he will be an appealing option early.
Trade: 3.76, 5.149 to New Orleans Saints 3.71
3.71: RB R.J. Harvey, UCF
Though he doesn’t have the power to drive through the first level, he is a dynamic make-you-miss runner with his tempo and burst (54 carries of 10 or more yards in 2024), which made him a frequent visitor to the end zone (UCF-record 48 total touchdowns). He is below average as a pass-protecting blocker but has the tools to be a weapon catching the ball on screens and wheels.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Full Day 2 Mock Draft: Cowboys trade up twice to grab WR, RB