The Dallas Cowboys have a golden opportunity in their hands to change the direction of the franchise. In fact, they are one of the most-watched teams heading into the NFL Draft.
Dallas Cowboys, led by Jerry Jones, arrive at the NFL Draft in a privileged position: they own the No. 12 and No. 20 overall picks in the first round, capital that allows them to select two immediate-impact players or negotiate a trade up in search of a franchise-changing piece. The Cowboys front office has the power to reshape the entire first round.
Trading up aggressively in the NFL Draft carries risks, but it would also open the door to the difference-making talent that the Dallas Cowboys defense has desperately needed for years.
That is precisely the scenario projected by Mina Kimes (ESPN) and Dane Brugler (The Athletic): a bold move that would position Dallas to select a franchise linebacker.
Cowboys trade up in the NFL Draft to land a star talent
During a recent episode of The Mina Kimes Show, both analysts suggested that Dallas would send its No. 12 and No. 20 picks to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for the No. 4 overall pick and a third-round selection.
With that new pick, the Cowboys would target Sonny Styles, standout linebacker from the Ohio State Buckeyes, addressing one of their biggest needs after a quiet free agency at the position.
Styles already knows AT&T Stadium, having played there in three consecutive seasons, reinforcing the idea of an immediate impact in Dallas.
“I think it makes a lot of sense if you’re the Cowboys,” Brugler explained. “There isn’t a clear defensive leader on the roster right now. In a hybrid defensive scheme like Christian Parker’s, Sonny Styles gives you versatility and production across multiple areas.”
Dallas could also stay put and select two key prospects – with names like Caleb Downs on the radar – but trading up in the NFL Draft for Styles could deliver a greater long-term payoff.
In four years at Ohio State, Styles won a National Championship and recorded 245 total tackles (132 solo), nine sacks, three forced fumbles, nine passes defended and one interception.
His arrival would immediately strengthen the Dallas Cowboys defense, solve long-standing issues at linebacker, and elevate a unit in need of a major upgrade heading into the 2026 NFL season.
Read the full article here
