Dallas turned the 104th pick into two selections, No. 122 and…
Dallas turned the 104th pick into two selections, No. 122 and No. 155, and used the first on running back Tashard Choice. Cleveland used No. 104 on linebacker Beau Bell. Choice supplied several useful seasons as a reserve runner and spot starter, while Bell played only briefly for the Browns. The extra fifth-round asset never became a major Dallas piece, but the Cowboys still received the stronger practical return.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- pick 2008 4th round pick (122nd overall, Tashard Choice )
- pick 2008 5th round pick (155th overall subsequently traded, Thomas Williams )
Cleveland Browns Received
- pick 2008 4th round pick (104th overall, Beau Bell )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Dallas sent the 104th selection in the 2008 draft to Cleveland and received picks No. 122 and No. 155. The Browns used No. 104 on UNLV linebacker Beau Bell. Dallas selected Georgia Tech running back Tashard Choice at No. 122, while the No. 155 asset was later moved. This direct Dallas-Cleveland exchange should be judged on those three selections alone.
Dallas Cowboys Return
Choice became the most productive player directly tied to the deal. He spent several seasons in Dallas as a reserve behind Marion Barber and Felix Jones, and he was capable of handling larger workloads when injuries created opportunities. He never became a long-term featured back, but he provided real snaps and useful rushing production from a fourth-round selection. The additional fifth-round asset gave Dallas another piece of draft flexibility.
Cleveland Browns Return
Bell arrived with a chance to strengthen Cleveland's linebacker group, but his tenure never developed into a durable role. He appeared only briefly for the Browns and did not establish himself as a core defensive player. Moving up cost Cleveland two selections, so the short shelf life of the player chosen at No. 104 made the price harder to justify.
Value in Hindsight
This is a modest trade, not a blockbuster, but Dallas won the efficiency battle. Choice produced more NFL value than Bell, and the Cowboys also received the extra fifth-round selection. Cleveland's move-up strategy would have looked reasonable if Bell had secured a meaningful role; once that failed to happen, the two-for-one cost became the defining feature.
Final Verdict
Dallas earns a B- and Cleveland a C-. Choice's useful tenure plus the additional draft asset gives the Cowboys a clear but limited edge. Cleveland took the concentrated swing and did not receive enough production from Bell to make the move-up worthwhile.