Arizona moved down from pick No. 152 to No. 174 and added No.…
Arizona moved down from pick No. 152 to No. 174 and added No. 211, turning those selections into Denzel Burke and Hayden Conner. Dallas used No. 152 on Shemar James. James delivered 84 tackles in 14 games, but Burke countered with 48 tackles, 11 passes defensed and three interceptions while Conner added line depth. The extra contributor gives Arizona a narrow early edge.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- pick 2025 5th round pick (174th overall, Denzel Burke)
- pick 2025 6th round pick (211th overall, Hayden Conner)
Dallas Cowboys Received
- pick 2025 5th round pick (152nd overall, Shemar James)
Trade Analysis
What the Draft Swap Produced
Dallas moved from No. 174 to No. 152 and selected linebacker Shemar James. Arizona accepted the move down and also received pick No. 211, turning its two selections into cornerback Denzel Burke and offensive lineman Hayden Conner. This is a useful example of a small draft-day move producing immediate contributors for both clubs rather than one side clearly missing on its choice.
Why Dallas Can Defend the Move
James justified the Cowboys' interest as a rookie. He appeared in 14 games and recorded 84 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. That is meaningful fifth-round production, especially for a defender asked to handle substantial snaps. Dallas paid only a sixth-rounder to move up 22 positions, so the cost was controlled even before considering James' early performance.
How Arizona Gained the Edge
Burke supplied the strongest splash plays from the return, finishing with 48 tackles, 11 passes defensed and three interceptions. Conner also provided offensive-line depth, giving Arizona a second avenue to create value from the same exchange. The Cardinals did not need James to fail; they simply needed the combination of Burke and Conner to exceed the value of moving up, and the first-year evidence points that way. Conner's development still matters because even reserve offensive-line snaps would expand the value Arizona created by splitting one selection into two.
Final Verdict
Arizona Cardinals Win, narrowly. A B+ rewards two useful selections and Burke's immediate ball production. Dallas receives a B because James was productive enough to make the trade worthwhile on its own. The difference is depth of return, not a failure by the Cowboys.