Trade up for who? The 5 likeliest targets for the Dallas Cowboys if the rumors come true in the 2026 NFL Draft
There’s been a lot of chatter about the Dallas Cowboys potentially moving up in the 2026 NFL Draft. But if they do, who are they likely to target? Here are five options ranked by likelihood.
By now, you’ve probably heard the buzz about the Dallas Cowboys potentially moving up in the 2026 NFL Draft.
We’re still over two weeks away from the big day, so the truth is we don’t know what will happen (we never do with the draft), but the rumors bring up a very important question: If they indeed trade up, who are they likely to target?
I ranked draft prospects based on likelihood below.
1. EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
Bailey has to lead off the list for multiple reasons. Firstly, it’s the name a couple of insiders (Bruce Feldman and Todd McShay) have already linked to the scenario of the Cowboys moving up to No. 3 overall. He’s the most tangible target since there’s at least some buzz around him.
Secondly, positional value makes Bailey a prime trade up candidate. He’s an explosive edge rusher who would upgrade the Cowboys’ pass rush, even though run defense maybe a concern. Many expect Bailey to go in the Top 3, making it complicated for the Cowboys to nab him, but there’s at least some smoke to the idea.
2. LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Trading up for an off-ball linebacker? It could happen due to circumstances.
For starters, Styles is one of the best players in this year’s class and he may be the closest you can get to a can’t-miss prospect in 2026. Additionally, the Cowboys have one of the worst linebacker rooms in the entire NFL. It’s a “best player available” meets “drafting for need” scenario.
I don’t view the Cowboys moving to No. 3 overall for Styles but maybe in the No. 6 pick range.
3. EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Reese is lower on the list simply because I think the New York Jets will take him at No. 2. But if for any reason, Reese falls outside of the Top 2, you have to assume the Cowboys are interested.
Despite being scheduled to pick at No. 12 overall, Dallas hosted Reese in one of its Top 30 pre-draft visits. Wishful thinking, perhaps. But he’s the kind of defensive star you move up for, and he would address both EDGE and linebacker needs if the Cowboys want him to.
4. S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Some think Downs will fall on draft night simply because of the position he plays, as the NFL has undervalued safety for years. So moving up for him would be crazy, wouldn’t it? I’m not so sure.
If the Cowboys draft Downs, they would get a face-of-the-defense type player who can do a little bit of everything. Downs would likely be the kind of player you want close to the line of scrimmage so he can always be near the ball. He’s a high-IQ player who can diagnose every play in a heartbeat.
5. CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
I’m not so sure the Cowboys would move up for Delane. He’s CB1 in my book but Dallas has publicly spoken about their need for a nickel being bigger than that at outside cornerback. If they pick Delane, I’m betting it will be because of he fell to No. 12
What about EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.?
The only reason why Bain Jr. isn’t in my Top 5 is similar to Delane’s. I’m not saying the arm length will be an issue for him at the NFL, but historical trends suggest it’s a big question mark. I’m just not sure he’s the kind of player you move up for. Additionally, some insiders like ESPN’s Matt Miller have suggested he could fall outside the Top 10.
I love the player, though, and wouldn’t be mad about it if the Cowboys move up to draft him.
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