The New York Giants' trade for Dexter Lawrence just derailed the Dallas Cowboys’ draft strategy. New York now owns two top-10 picks.

This allows them to draft Ohio State’s Sonny Styles before Dallas picks. The Cowboys may now need a costly trade with Cleveland to save their draft target.

Now, with the Giants having two first-round picks: No. 5 and No. 10, Styles could be snapped up before the Cowboys ever get a chance.

In fact, ESPN's Jordan Raanan said as recently as Friday that Styles was one of three players "who seem to be most squarely" on the Giants' radar with their first pick, per Si.com.

"Staying at No. 5, the three players who seem to be most squarely on their radar are Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles and Downs," Raanan said via Clutchpoints.com.

Now, with the New York Giants holding two picks in the first round, they have the opportunity to select earlier.

Multiple mock drafts have already suggested the Cowboys trade up with the Cleveland Browns for No. 6 to secure Styles.  However, that scenario becomes far more complicated if the Giants opt to take him at No. 5.

According to Jordan Raanan of ESPN, the Giants have been targeting Styles for some time, despite not hosting a formal pre-draft visit. Reports indicate they met with him both before and after his Pro Day, signalling strong interest.

Alongside Styles, prospects like Caleb Downs and Jeremiah Love are also being projected as potential first-round selections for New York. This could leave the Cowboys no other option but to trade up.

Potential Trade-Up Paths for the Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are projected to trade up by top analysts Mel Kiper Jr, Dane Brugler, and Todd McShay in the 2026 NFL draft, with a strong focus on securing Sonny Styles.

The most realistic path involves a deal with the Cleveland Browns, where the Cowboys could package picks of No. 12 and No. 20, potentially receiving a No. 6 and No. 39 in return from the Browns. 

Other trade-up scenarios are far less viable with the possibility of moving up to No.3 with the Arizona Cardinals, to target players like Arvell Reese or David Bailey. 

The Cowboys may have to give up both first-round picks and at least a third-round pick, leaving them with only one selection for the first two days in the draft, according to Mike Moraitis of Si.com

A potential deal with the Tennessee Titans for the No.4 pick is also considered unlikely due to the steep price the Cowboys may have to pay.

In the end, the Browns' projected deal stands out as a better option for the Cowboys, in securing a top-10 pick in the first round for the 2026 NFL draft.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote