Amidst the buzz of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys are expected to trade up to address defensive needs. While some analysts project the Dallas Cowboys to retain both their picks, insider information says otherwise.

Brandon Loree, staff writer of Blogging The Boys, posted on his X account, updating ESPN’s Adam Schefter's insights and intel from around the league.

“A potential trade-up candidate in the eyes of some front office executives is the Cowboys. They have two first-round picks -- though they are said to want to hold onto pick No. 20 -- and needs for a big-time defensive player,” as stated on Loree’s X post.

According to the post, Schefter also mentions one scenario that could prompt a trade up from Cowboys if David Bailey goes No. 2, Jeremiyah Love goes No. 3, Sonny Styles goes No. 4, and eventually Arvell Reese at No. 5.

“It would suddenly be very tempting for a team such as the Cowboys to potentially trade up for a top-tier pass rusher. Again, the draft would have to go a specific way for this scenario to play out. But two teams raised this scenario this weekend, wondering if it somehow could unfold this week”, Schefter wrote in his ESPN report.

The Dallas Cowboys have shown interest in Ohio State’s Arvell Reese and Texas Tech’s David Bailey, as they're trying to bolster their pass rushing defense.

However, landing either of them could come at a steep cost. The Cowboys potentially need to package both their first-round picks (Nos. 12 & 20) along with No.92 picks to move up to the third spot to deal with the Arizona Cardinals. 

According to Sports Reference, Reese recorded 112 tackles and seven sacks, while Bailey recorded 163 tackles and 29 sacks. These stats highlight why both players are among the top prospects in this draft class.

As per Schefter's scenario, the Cowboys could be willing to take up the risk and take a more aggressive approach.

Projected Trade-Up Scenarios For The Cowboys

According to Dallas Morning News, one scenario has the Cowboys trading picks No. 12 and No. 20 to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for No. 6 and No. 39.

This would position the Cowboys to target Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles, with the outcome dependent on how the draft unfolds.

Another projected trade is that the Cowboys will receive No.9 from the Kansas  City Chiefs in return for No. 12 and No. 92, which might aid the Cowboys in landing LSU cornerback Mansoor Delaine and Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. 

A potential trade scenario has the Cowboys trading up to No.7 with the Washington Commanders, by giving up No.12 and No.20 of their first round picks.

Such a deal would position the Cowboys to target a high-upside edge rusher like David Bailey, addressing the Cowboys' defensive needs.

With the Cowboys ranked 28th in points allowed per game last season, such trade-up options may lead to their potential pick meeting the roster requirements.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Rishab Nandi