Cowboys trade down and accumulate 11 players in mock draft
With under a week left to go until the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off April 23 in Pittsburgh, the Dallas Cowboys are a complete enigma right now. No one can possibly predict with any kind of accuracy what they will do with their two first-round picks, or how that will shape the rest of their draft. Throw in Jerry Jones and the cloud of mystery only deepens.
As the GM and owner, only Jerry Jones has the power to decide what the Cowboys will do on draft day. He may end up trading up like many believe, or he could decide to trade down or stand pat. For the fun of it, we wanted to borrow that power, putting on the GM hat to share how we would navigate Dallas' 2026 draft.
For this exercise we will be using Dane Brugler's draft guide The Beast" for player rankings as well as using the recent mock draft he completed with Peter Schrager, Field Yates, and Ran Carthon on The Schrager Hour" for a first-round reference.
First 11 selections- Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
- New York Jets: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech
- Arizona Cardinals: LB/Edge Arvell Reese, Ohio State
- Tennessee Titans: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
- New York Giants: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
- Cleveland Browns: OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami
- Washington Commanders: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
- New Orleans Saints: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
- Kansas City Chiefs: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
- Cincinnati Bengals: Reuben Bain Jr., Miami
- Miami Dolphins: WR Makai Lemon, USC
This could be the worst case and nightmare for the Dallas Cowboys. Both David Bailey and Sonny Styles went in the Top 5, so the rumor trade with the Cleveland Browns to acquire No. 6 is out of play unless they were targeting Caleb Downs. Downs is no doubt worth trading up for, however, Jerry Jones has a draft of the safety in the first-round since Roy Williams (2002). So, standing pat and picking at No. 12 or trading down may make more sense.
We are #TEAMTRADEDOWN to acquire more draft capital, so that's what we're going to do. Had we stood pat at No. 12 though we would've selected Oregon Safety Dillon Thieneman.
*TRADE*Cowboys receive 1.21, 2.53, 5.161; Steelers receive 1.12
Pittsburgh has a league high 12 draft picks this year and is rumored to be a sneaky team looking to trade up. With Makai Lemon off the board, we predict they trade up for WR Omar Cooper Jr. to to further upgrade their passing game.
*TRADE*Cowboys receive 2.38, 2.59, 5.167; Texans receive 1.20
With back to back picks now at 20 and 21, we're looking to trade down again and the Texans make a good trade partner. We predict them moving up for the top-ranked guard Vega Ioane and in exchange the Cowboys add two more second-round picks.
1.21: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
1st/2nd-round grade, 24th overall (CB3)
Johnson offers a combination of instinctive eyes and athletic movement skills that allow him to consistently make plays on the football. He should compete for a starting role on day one, while also making an impact on special teams." - Dane Brugler
Chris Johnson has the potential to challenge the starters as a rookie. The Cowboys have met with formally at the combine and virtually via Zoom. He provides much-needed depth considering the questionable long-term health of DaRon Bland and unknown development of second-year CB Shavon Revel.
2.38: LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
2nd/3rd-round grade, 50th overall (LB5)
Hill needs to play with better control in his movements and take-on attempts, but he is a long, rangy athlete with closing speed to impact the game in different ways. He has three-down starting potential, although volatility should be expected as he continues to develop." - Dane Brugler
Anthony Hill is someone the Cowboys have shown a lot of interest in throughout the draft process. He's a potential plug-and-play starter as a rookie and possesses the size and range Christian Parker is looking for in his versatile 3-4 defensive scheme.
2.53: Edge Keyron Crawford, Auburn
2nd/3rd-round grade, 54th overall (Edge12)
Crawford is still learning what it means to be a technician, but he is a twitched-up defender with the complete skills and intriguing skill set to contribute right away. He offers role versatility and will fit 3-4 or 4-3 looks." - Dane Brugler
Due to his versatility to play in a 3-4 or 4-3 defensive scheme as well as his ability to play with his hand in the dirt or standing up, Crawford is a great fit in Christian Parker's defense. He has the potential to play a significant role as a rookie. He met with the Cowboys formally at the combine.
2.59: CB Treydan Stukes, Arizona
2nd/3rd-round grade, 56th overall (CB8)
Stukes can be too reactionary at times, but he is an instinctive athlete who plays with quiet confidence and valuable versatility. He projects best in the nickel, while offering outside or single-high flexibility." - Dane Brugler
Treydan Stukes' versatility to play just about any position the secondary could make him an invaluable asset to the Cowboys. His ability to play the nickel, the box, or deep could make him the ideal fit in the all-important Cooper DeJean role. He was a 30 pre-draft visitor and had a formal meeting at the combine with Dallas.
*TRADE*Cowboys receive LB Jordyn Brooks, Dolphins receive 3.92, 5.152
The Dolphins are to rebuild and could be more likely to trade LB Jordyn Brooks during the draft. Dallas would be getting their starting MLB to where the green dot and Miami would be adding extra draft capital to help in their rebuild.
4.112: RB Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
3rd/4th-round grade(RB4)
Johnson is quick and balanced between the tackles to stack cuts, and his pass-catching savvy will be an asset at the next level, ideally for a zone scheme. He is an intriguing change-of-pace back who will bring versatility to an NFL backfield." - Dane Brugler
Emmett Johnson would immediately step in and compete for the RB2 job behind Javonte Williams as a rookie. His pass-catching ability and willingness in pass protection hints at a three-down back who is capable of spelling Williams in/when needed. He was also a 30 pre-draft visitor for the Cowboys.
5.161: WR Reggie Virgil, Texas Tech
5th-round grade (WR23)
Virgil is a tall, silky-smooth athlete with the long-striding speed and adequate ball skills that give him a fighting chance as an outside pro receiver. His versatility on special teams coverages will increase his value." - Dane Brugler
Reggie Virgil was one of several Texas Tech players to perform in front of a large contingency of Cowboys representatives, including HC Brian Schottenheimer, at his Pro Day. He could provide much-needed depth at WR and possibly compete with Ryan Flournoy for the WR3 job while also being a key special teams contributor.
5.167: TE Michael Trigg, Baylor
5th/6th-round grade (TE16)
Trigg needs additional refinement has a route runner and blocker, but he plays with foot quickness, body control and catch-point talent to be a three-level weapon. Showing NFL teams that accountability isn't a question will be key during the draft process and early in his career." - Dane Brugler
Michael Trigg has the potential and talent to come in and earn a roster spot as a rookie, especially considering both Luke Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford are entering the final years of their rookie contract. He's someone Dallas has shown an interest in, being worked out by TE coach Lunda Wells.
5.177: Edge Mason Reiger, Wisconsin
5th/6th-round grade (Edge26)
Reiger needs to continue developing his strength, but he is an explosive athlete with promising pass-rush instincts. The medicals are an unknown variable in his draft grade and projection." - Dane Brugler
Mason Reiger possesses the skill set and talent to earn a roster spot as a player as a rookie. He could earn a designated pass rushing role early on as he continues to develop his craft. Staying healthy is key for him.
5.180: OT Enrique Cruz Jr., Kansas
6th-round grade (OT17)
Cruz is still green in areas and learning how to use all his tools in unison, but the encouraging play on his 2025 tape gives NFL teams optimism. He could be an interesting Day 3 flier for a team running a zone scheme." - Dane Brugler
Enrique Cruz has experience playing on both the left and right side, making him an intriguing developmental swing tackle prospect. Considering the long-term questions at both OT positions, he's worth taking a chance on as a developmental prospect.
7.218: DT Zxavian Harris, Ole Miss
Free agent grade (DT32)
Harris doesn't nearly pop as much as one might expect for a player who should be noticeable on every snap, but he offers developmental upside with rare size. He will interest teams that play both even (three-technique) and odd (five-technique) fronts, although questions about his maturity will influence his draft grade as much as anything." - Dane Brugler
Zxavian Harris is a big, versatile defensive tackle who could play a variety of positions along the Cowboys defensive line. In Christian Parker's versatile 3-4, 4-3 defensive scheme, he could be an invaluable depth piece and just about any position on the DL.