Latest draft intel points toward Dallas Cowboys’ likeliest target in a trade up scenario, as well as probable trade partners
There’s been a lot of chatter about the Dallas Cowboys being expected to trade into the Top 10 in the 2026 NFL Draft. The latest intel from a top insider provides much more context, including who they are aiming for.
There’s been a lot of buzz about the Dallas Cowboys potentially moving up in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
But the latest intel adds even more fuel to the fire and points toward potential trade partners. More than that, it points toward the likeliest prospect they would move up for. Let’s break it down.
Latest intel sheds light into potential Cowboys’ trade up
We’ve known the Cowboys are at least enticed by the idea of moving up in the draft order, but the latest report from NFL insider Jordan Schultz adds more context to the rumors.
“There’s a belief among teams at the top of the draft that the Cowboys, who have picks at #12 and #20, are a team to watch in trade-up scenarios, according to multiple league sources,” Schultz posted on social media. “Several teams have said they believe Dallas is targeting a player the Giants also covet, and getting ahead of them would be ideal if the price makes sense.”
In their most recent mock drafts, Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks coincide with the Giants picking Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 5 overall. John Harbaugh’s new team has been very involved with Styles in the pre-draft process.
Assuming the Cowboys would move up for a defensive player, Styles is the name that makes the most sense. And since the Giants go on the clock at No. 5 overall, the biggest trade partner candidates for Dallas have to be the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3 and the Tennessee Titans at No. 4.
Albert Breer recently reported both of those are looking into moving down come April 23.
For Dallas, paying to move up and draft Styles also checks out. Linebacker is far and away their biggest roster need heading into the draft, and they’ve publicly admitted they tried to take big swings in free agency and failed to secure one.
Trading up for Styles would amend that.
Sonny Styles scouting report summary
Travis May: Styles’ elite level athleticism may make him the best raw talent in the 2026 NFL Draft class.His 6-5, 240+ pound frame helps him hold up against the run even better than he stays with shifty wide receivers and tight ends in coverage. Yes, he still has to get better at instinctual run-fitting and not over-pursuing on the edges. Yes, he needs to likely find a true home of a position in the NFL.
Still, Styles’ upside as an elite-level NFL athlete that can stay on the field for every down and dominate in both run defense and coverage like Devin Lloyd (for the Jacksonville Jaguars) is tantalizing.