Charles Robinson appears to believe that the Dallas Cowboys are leaning toward keeping their two first-round picks.

Despite rumors of an aggressive trade-up for Sonny Styles, the front office reportedly values adding multiple contributors in 2026. This shift challenges expert mocks projecting a massive deal with Cleveland.

While mock drafts continue to float aggressive trade-up scenarios, Underdog's Josh Norris recently highlighted that Charles Robinson is not buying into that approach.

"I talked to someone in Dallas. Those two 1st round picks, they feel like they can get contributing players for 2026," Robinson said in the X post. "They feel good about getting 2 players."

The Dallas Cowboys have frequently been projected to trade up to No. 6 by experts, potentially packaging their two first-round picks in a deal with the Cleveland Browns.

The target of this trade-up scenario is Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, whom experts believe is the only elite prospect at his position.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr and The Athletic's Dane Brugler projected that the Dallas Cowboys would send both their first-round picks, No.12 and No.20, potentially receiving a No.6 and No.39 in return, from the Cleveland Browns.

On the other hand, NFL Analyst Todd McShay has predicted that the Cowboys will be trading with the Cleveland Browns for the No.6 pick of Sonny Styles.

He projected a package of No.12, No.92 (third round) along with a second-round pick of 2027, without giving up their No.20.

With uncertainty surrounding their draft strategy, the Dallas Cowboys can be expected to be flexible and move as the board unfolds. That makes their potential pick at first-round - No.12 and No.20 more intriguing.

Exploring First-Round Options for the Dallas Cowboys

As per the analysis by experts, the top players that can be selected by the Dallas Cowboys at the 12th and 20th positions are Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs and Miami Hurricanes EDGE Akheem Mesidor.

"Downs could team up with Jalen Thompson and Malik Hooker on the back end and help curtail the big plays that hurt Dallas last season (gave up 54 plays of 25-plus yards, most in the NFL)," per ESPN's Peter Schrager.

For the 20th pick, Mesidor can be "the prospect most ready to make an immediate impact" as projected by Schrager.

There are two other highly talented players that are projected to be the potential picks, Tennessee Volunteers cornerback Jermod McCoy and Auburn Tigers EDGE Keldric Faulk. But McCoy's selection remains uncertain due to significant medical concerns.

Mike Runner of CBS Sports projected Spencer Fano (OT, Utah Utes) at No.20, citing that "the Cowboys would have no issue adding him to a burgeoning offensive line."

The Dallas Cowboys’ first-round choices will ultimately come down to balancing immediate need with long-term performance elevation for the team to meet its Super Bowl Championship goals.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote