Dallas moved up three spots in the 2008 first round and…
Dallas moved up three spots in the 2008 first round and selected cornerback Mike Jenkins at No. 25, sending Seattle picks 28, 163 and 235. Jenkins became a Pro Bowler in 2009 and started 48 games for Dallas. Seattle used the return on Lawrence Jackson, Owen Schmitt and Brandon Coutu, but none delivered comparable value, turning a modest move-up into a clear Cowboys win.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- pick 2008 1st round pick (25th overall, Mike Jenkins)
Seattle Seahawks Received
- pick 2008 1st round pick (28th overall, Lawrence Jackson )
- pick 2008 5th round pick (163rd overall, Owen Schmitt)
- pick 2008 7th round pick (235th overall, Brandon Coutu)
Trade Analysis
Seattle owned the 25th selection in the 2008 draft but chose to move down three spots, collecting Dallas' first-rounder at No. 28 plus fifth- and seventh-round choices. The Cowboys wanted Mike Jenkins, a highly regarded South Florida corner, and paid the additional picks to ensure he did not get past them. Seattle converted the three selections into defensive end Lawrence Jackson, fullback Owen Schmitt and kicker Brandon Coutu.
Jenkins quickly justified Dallas' aggression. He became a full-time starter in his second season, intercepted five passes in 2009 and earned a Pro Bowl selection as the Cowboys won the NFC East. He ultimately started 48 games for Dallas over five seasons. His play became less consistent after that breakout year, and injuries affected the back half of his Cowboys tenure, but Dallas still received a legitimate starting corner with a high-end peak from the single pick it acquired.
Seattle's three-player return never matched that impact. Jackson produced 6.5 sacks in two seasons before the Seahawks traded him to Detroit. Schmitt contributed on offense and special teams but lasted only two years in Seattle. Coutu appeared in preseason competition but did not become the team's regular kicker. The Seahawks gained quantity, yet none of the three selections became a core player.
This is a useful reminder that trading down only creates value when the extra selections are converted well. Seattle had three chances to beat the value of Jenkins and did not. Dallas gave up two late-round picks for certainty, then received a Pro Bowl season and several years of starting work at a premium position. The Cowboys earn a B+ and Seattle a C-. Dallas wins the trade on both peak performance and sustained usefulness.