The Cowboys may need a bold move to fix their defense. After a 2025 season where they struggled, one analyst has a plan. It involves packaging their two first-round picks to jump into the top 10 of the 2026 NFL Draft.

"There’s one specific scenario that makes almost too much sense for two teams, (Cowboys and Cleveland Browns),” A to Z Sports analyst, Mauricio Rodriguez, advised.

As per his suggestion, the Cowboys could look to package both their first-round picks in a bold move up the board, sending No. 12 and No. 20 to the Cleveland Browns. In return, Dallas would land the No. 6 overall pick along with No. 39.

According to the NFL analyst, to secure a strong defense, the Cowboys need to look at the top-10 prospects. That includes linebacker Sonny Styles, Cornerback Mansoor Delane, and most importantly, Edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. 

Styles has been one of the most productive defenders, recording 245 combined tackles, 9 sacks, and an interception across his college career.

Meanwhile, Bain has emerged as a dominant pass rusher with 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks in 2025. 

Even Delane has recorded 191 tackles and seven tackles for loss in his college career.

“The above deal is pretty even according to the Rich Hill trade chart, with the Browns slightly getting more value (616 to 599 points),” Rodriguez added.

So far, the Cowboys have made some moves to bolster their defense. But the lack of a big-name signing, such as the failed trade to Maxx Crosby, stands out.

The Cowboys have traded edge rusher Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers and signed cornerback Cobie Durant, the 2025 Black College Football Pro Player of the Year, in free agency, with safeties Jalen Thompson and PJ Locke.

But it's not just about Dallas, as the Browns could come out on top via this trade as well.

How Could The Cleveland Browns Benefit From The Trade?

Rodriguez’s fellow analyst, Brandon Little, said that even the Browns might benefit from this move.

“The Browns’ biggest need is at quarterback and winning the last two games of the regular season put them outside of the reach of Fernando Mendoza,” Little noted.  

Given that, it’s highly unlikely for the team to acquire any other quarterback high in the draft unless they plan to sign Ty Simpson. However, reports suggest the focus should be on bigger needs, like left tackle and wide receiver.

With a No. 12 pick, Cleveland could draft the top left tackle prospect, Monroe Freeling, and with No. 20, a wide receiver.

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Written by

Monika Khatai

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote