Should the Cowboys Consider Trading Up in the 2026 NFL Draft?
With the 2025 NFL season coming to an end with the Seattle Seahawks winning the Super Bowl, the offseason is officially upon the league. For the Dallas Cowboys, the focus is now on how to improve their roster after a disappointing season. Despite having the NFL's worst defense, there is some hope for the upcoming season, mostly from the NFL Draft. With the Cowboys holding two first-round picks in this year's draft, could they consider trading up to secure an elite player?
On 105.3 The Fan, the radio station that is home to the Cowboys, a mock trade that involved the Cowboys and the Browns sparked a lot of interest between the two fandoms. In this mock trade, the Cowboys would receive the sixth pick and 39th pick in the second round, while the Browns would get both of the Cowboys' first-round picks this year at 12th and 20th. While at first glance the trade might seem a bit lopsided, the Cowboys would be banking on whoever they select at sixth to be an elite player. Among all the players in this year's draft, one name has emerged as a standout choice for Dallas.
The Ohio State safety Caleb Downs has been labeled as arguably the best overall player in this year's draft, and his play is worth being thought of as being able to save this Cowboys defense. While it is asking a lot for a single rookie to save the worst defense in the NFL, if Dallas manages to play the offseason correctly, making this trade for Downs looks sensible. The Cowboys' front office has indicated that they plan to be active in free agency this year. By addressing critical positions on the defense, such as pass rusher and linebacker, they can simplify their strategy for the draft. NFL teams prefer not to find themselves in a situation where they must draft based on positional needs. Instead, they aim to select the best player available. The Cowboys' decision to trade up for Downs addresses a positional need while also acquiring what many consider the best player in this year's draft.
