The 2026 NFL Draft is nearing very quickly, yet there seems to be a lot of ambiguity in terms of how it will play out. Generally, leading up to the draft, the first few picks start becoming clearer. Or at least certain teams’ intentions. But this year, all we know is who will go No. 1 overall.
Fernando Mendoza will be the first pick, with the Las Vegas Raiders securing their franchise quarterback. At No. 2 overall, everything was pointing to Arvell Reese being the New York Jets‘ top option, but recent rumors have David Bailey as gaining steam as the favorite for second overall. Then, anything can happen starting at pick No. 3.
Many have penciled that pick in as a potential trade-up spot. The problem for the Arizona Cardinals is finding a trade partner. The Dallas Cowboys were floated as a strong option to move up to that spot, reportedly for Bailey. But if Bailey goes second overall, then Dallas will look elsewhere: that elsewhere appears to be the Cleveland Browns’ sixth overall pick.
Dallas Cowboys seem to be targeting Sonny Styles in trade-up from 12th overall
Three of the most notorious draft analysts in the business – Mel Kiper Jr., Todd McShay and Dane Brugler – recently dropped mock drafts that each have the Cowboys trading up with the Browns to No. 6. More surprisingly, all three have the same player being drafted by the Cowboys there: Sonny Styles.
There’s too much smoke there for a fire not to be present. The Cowboys need blue-chip players on defense, and Styles would provide a supremely athletic and talented presence in the middle of the field. Styles must make it to No. 6 first, as the New York Giants are an option to draft him before he gets there.
Then there’s also the logistics of a trade. No one is quite sure what it would take for Dallas to move from 12th to 6th, but they would likely have to persuade the Browns with the 20th overall pick. It’s fair to wonder if the Cowboys want to give up that much draft capital for a linebacker.
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