Cowboys sniffing a trade up
The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly 'kicking the tires' on moving up inside the top 10 of next week’s NFL Draft, with any move expected to target defensive help. (CBS Sports: Cowboys trade‑up interest; NFL.com mock noted potential defensive targets in early picks) ( ).
The Dallas Cowboys are exploring a move into the top 10 of the 2026 National Football League Draft, with defensive help viewed as the likely target. (cbssports.com) Dallas now holds the No. 12 and No. 20 picks in Round 1, giving the club enough draft capital to package a deal if it wants to climb a few spots next Thursday, April 23. Owner Jerry Jones said last week he is “absolutely” open to moving in the first round. (nfl.com, nfl.com) CBS Sports reported this week that Dallas has been “kicking the tires” on a trade into the top 10 and that any such move would be aimed at defense. The report said the Cowboys are not expected to move up for a running back. (cbssports.com) National Football League media mocks have pointed to that same side of the ball. Mike Band’s latest projection sent Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. to Dallas at No. 12, while another National Football League mock from Gennaro Filice had the Cowboys jumping to No. 3 for a defensive need. (nfl.com, nfl.com) The timing is tied to how unusual Dallas’ draft position is this year. The Cowboys have two top-20 picks in the same first round, a setup that gives them more flexibility than teams picking once in the teens or twenties. (nfl.com) Dallas’ own draft coverage has framed the class around defense and immediate impact. The team site has highlighted prospects such as Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk and Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman, and it described the club’s goal as finding “culture-changing” first-round players. (dallascowboys.com) A trade up would also mean paying a premium in picks for one player instead of making two separate first-round selections. Dallas’ next pick after No. 20 is No. 92 in the third round, so any aggressive move could thin out the middle of its draft board. (nfl.com) The decision point is close. Round 1 begins in Pittsburgh at 8 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, April 23, and the Cowboys enter that night with enough ammunition to stay put at No. 12 and No. 20 or try to force their way into the top 10. (nfl.com)
