Could the Cowboys Shock Everyone by Trading Up to the Top 10? What This Means for Their Future!

The 2026 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, set to take place in just two weeks, and speculation is mounting that the Dallas Cowboys may be preparing for a significant move up the draft board. Currently, the Cowboys hold two first-round picks, both within the top 20: their original selection at No. 12 and the No. 20 pick acquired from the Green Bay Packers as part of the trade involving star linebacker Micah Parsons.

Rumors are swirling that Dallas could combine these two picks to leap into the top 10, targeting a premier defensive prospect. Longtime draft analyst Todd McShay has suggested that the Cowboys might aim for the No. 3 overall pick in a potential trade with the Arizona Cardinals, eyeing elite edge rusher David Bailey from Texas Tech.

ESPN's Jordan Reid has echoed the excitement, highlighting that Dallas could be looking to trade up for other top-tier defensive players, including Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. and Ohio State's Caleb Downs, both of whom are viewed as potential game-changers for the Cowboys' defense. Reid noted, "Trading up continues to be a possibility, especially if there's a player they have high on their board who backslides a tad."

All three prospects—Bailey, Bain, and Downs—are considered top-10 talents and would address significant needs for Dallas. However, the question arises: is moving up in the draft the smartest strategy for the Cowboys?

Given that the Cowboys are facing multiple needs and a limited number of picks, maintaining their two first-round selections may be the more prudent approach. This year’s draft is deep in talent at key defensive positions, particularly edge rushers and defensive backs. Keeping the No. 12 and No. 20 picks could provide the Cowboys with valuable options to address their defensive weaknesses.

Without a second-round pick due to the Quinnen Williams trade, Dallas could also consider trading down to acquire additional picks in the later rounds. This strategy would allow the team to capitalize on the deep talent pool available on defense, while also potentially adding to their roster for future seasons.

Interestingly, there’s a strong possibility that one of the coveted blue-chip defenders could still be available at No. 12. Alongside Bailey, Bain, and Downs, other highly-rated defenders worth considering include Ohio State's Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, as well as standout cornerbacks like Mansoor Delane from LSU and Jermod McCoy from Tennessee.

As the draft unfolds, the Cowboys would need just four offensive players to be selected in the top 11 for one of these elite defenders to potentially fall into their lap at the No. 12 pick. Names like Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame, expected to go in the top 10, and fellow wide receiver Carnell Tate from Ohio State are likely candidates to come off the board early. Furthermore, top offensive tackle prospects like Miami's Francis Mauigoa and Utah's Spencer Fano could also be picked within the first 11 selections.

While Bailey and Reese seem like locks for the top five, Styles is unlikely to fall past the top 10. If the Cowboys play their cards right, there’s a chance that Bain or Downs could still be waiting for them at No. 12. If they are taken before Dallas picks, securing an elite corner like Delane or McCoy would still represent a substantial victory for the franchise.

In the event that all top defensive talents are off the board, the Cowboys could opt to move back in the draft, allowing them to gather more picks while still securing quality players at positions of need—an approach that could better position Dallas for both the immediate and long-term future. This strategy would not only help them address defensive gaps but might also allow for an opportunity to bolster their offense with a luxury pick.

As the NFL Draft draws near, the Cowboys are at a pivotal crossroads. Will they make a bold move to secure a top defensive talent, or will they utilize their picks more strategically to fortify their roster? The next few weeks will be critical in shaping the future of the franchise.