In case anyone missed it, the Dallas Cowboys were busy wheelin’ and dealin’ on Day 1 of the 2026 NFL draft, trading out of both of their first-round picks. Trading up a spot for safety Caleb Downs, then back three spots before taking edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, Dallas had no qualms getting on the phone and making fortune happen on their terms.
Going into Day 2, it only makes sense for the Cowboys to continue their nomadic ways on the draft board. With only one pick, No. 92 located in the third round, the Cowboys would be wise to explore options to trade up and take advantage of the current pool of prospects staring them in the face. Armed with four picks in the fourth round, getting back up into Day 2 for another pick is certainly a realistic possibility.
But who might they target and why would they find it necessary to make such a move?
Jacob Rodriguez, LB
The Cowboys have massive issues at the linebacker position and have done little-to-nothing to address it this offseason. Rodriguez would be a plug-and-play solution they could slot into the middle of their defense right away.
The linebacker market has yet to take off in the draft. Only one prospect went off the board, Sonny Styles, and a run on the position is likely to happen soon. The Cowboys would have to move up to the top of the second round to get a shot at the Texas Tech product, which means they may have to dip into next year’s capital, but it might just be worth it.
Josiah Trotter, LB
With an expected draft position of 73, the Cowboys could address their issues at linebacker with just a few of their surplus Day 3 picks. Trotter plays a vital position and he’s someone the Cowboys are familiar with, having met during the pre-draft process.
Trotter is more of a run stopper at this point in his development, so the 21-year-old would be a project for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. But he’s a born linebacker with NFL bloodlines and someone who could realistically see a significant role in his rookie season.
Colton Hood, CB
Colton Hood is a player the Cowboys were considering in the first round. Trading up for Hood would require a big move up since he’s likely one of the first players off the board on Day 2. But starting quality cornerbacks like Hood don’t always fall to the second round, so there’s value in a move up like this.
Hood fits best as an outside cornerback, so drafting him would signal something about what the Cowboys think of DaRon Bland or Shavon Revel. Both of Dallas’ carryovers are looking to rebound and both remain a mystery at this important point in their careers. Regardless, one can never have enough cornerbacks and Hood is someone the Cowboys clearly like.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 3 prospects Cowboys should consider trading up for on Day 2 at LB, CB
Reporting by Reid D Hanson, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
