The Cowboys and Browns are perfect trade partners: Here’s a two-round mock draft if they make a deal involving three first-round picks
The Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns make too much sense as trade partners in the 2026 NFL Draft. Here’s what their drafts could look like if they strike a deal.
The buzz is getting louder regarding the Dallas Cowboys’ potential wishes to move up in the 2026 NFL Draft. And guess what? Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry recently suggested he’s unsure he’s sticking around to pick at No. 6 overall.
These two teams make a lot of sense as trade partners, as we’ve explored before. And now, our Cowboys and Browns beat writers have come together to simulate a trade using A to Z Sports’ new mock draft simulator.
Let’s dive into the results.
The first-round mock trade
- Cowboys get: No. 6 overall pick (first round), No. 39 overall pick (second round)
- Browns get: No. 12 overall pick (first round), No. 20 overall pick (first round), No. 152 overall pick (fifth round), No. 177 overall (fifth round)
It’s a costly price for the Cowboys to move up, but this guarantees them one of the premium defenders in this year’s class, which they’re unlikely to find at No. 12 overall if they stay put.
For the Browns, moving down hurts but they make up for it by securing two picks in the Top 20 (in addition to holding No. 24 overall) and a couple more Day 3 picks.
Cowboys and Browns mock draft
Dallas Cowboys – Round 1, Pick 6: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
It was a tough call between Styles and EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. out of Miami here, but Styles is a can’t-miss prospect. His size, speed, change of direction, and football IQ are all elite and he can rush the passer, as well.
With him, the Cowboys get the best player available while filling their biggest need on the roster. A battle-tested tackler, Styles is the kind of rookie I can see head coach Brian Schottenheimer trusting with the green dot from Day 1.
Cleveland Browns – Round 1, Pick 12: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
After trading down from No. 6 my first choice was Makai Lemon or Carnell Tate, neither player was there. I thought about going with Georgia’s Monroe Freeling, but couldn’t pass up the opportunity to add Downs to Cleveland’s defense outside of the top 10. Downs is a Day 1 starter for the Browns and may be the best safety right away, even if it isn’t a glaring need right now.
Downs could step into the slot as the third safety in the field alongside Grant Delpit and Ronnie Hickman during his rookie season. In Year 2 and beyond the Browns can completely unlock Downs as a high-IQ defensive menace for opposing offenses to deal with.
Cleveland Browns – Round 1, Pick 20: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Taking a risk and waiting on the offensive tackle worked out for the Browns, as they still landed a player who can start on the left side from Day 1. Lomu needs to get stronger and there’s likely to be some growing pains, but he projects as a longtime NFL tackle and it’s just what the Browns need.
After the free agency Cleveland had, adding a first-round tackle to the equation completes a reshaped offensive line.
Cleveland Browns – Round 1, Pick 24: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
I wasn’t a big fan of missing out on a wideout earlier because there are four players in this draft with WR1 ceilings. Cleveland still lands one here in a big 6-foot-4 target who has elite ball skills to win downfield with. Boston doesn’t need elite speed to win his routes and it’s an encouraging sign of what he can become.
Boston is a Day 1 starter for the Browns and could be their top wideout right away with Jerry Jeudy being the second option. After trading around in the opening round, the Browns would have to be thrilled with these roster upgrades.
Dallas Cowboys – Round 2, Pick 39: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
By moving down from No. 20 to No. 39, it doesn’t seem like the Cowboys missed out on much. Lawrence is great value in the second round.
In him, the Cowboys land an explosive pass rusher that flies off of the line of scrimmage. He needs time to develop against the run, but he can make an immediate impact in pass situations.
Final thoughts on win-win trade
This came out like a massive win for each side. The Browns manage to land Caleb Downs after moving down from No. 6 is a massive win, and they get starters at OL and WR. Meanwhile, the Cowboys secure one of the best players in the class while still finding value at edge rusher at No. 39.
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