The Dallas Cowboys are trying to improve one of the worst defenses in the NFL into one that can help the team contend in 2026. They have two options to do so in the draft. The first would be to move up for a game-changing prospect, like one of the Ohio State players—safety Caleb Downs, linebacker Sonny Styles, or linebacker and edge rusher Arvell Reese.
The other way is to move back and collect draft picks in the top 100 who can contribute now and develop with the new defensive coaching staff. These trade scenarios focus on point value based on the Jimmy Johnson trade value chart. They add second-round selections, a couple of third-round selections, or move up into the top 10, and even into the top five. Here are some ideas for the Cowboys to be active on Thursday night and the talk of the first round.
Trade Up with Tennessee Titans: 12 + 20 + 112 for 4 + 35
The idea for this trade is to get Arvell Reese or David Bailey. It costs a little extra, but a premium edge rusher typically does, and the team gets an early second-round pick to add another day-one starter or use as a trade back to recoup the pick they lost in the fourth round.
Trade Up with the Cleveland Browns: 12 + 20 for 6 + 39
This could be for Downs, but if Dallas wants to get their green dot linebacker for the future, they could jump the Washington Commanders for Styles. Then, 39 could be an edge rusher if they’re lucky or a defensive back as the last piece to that unit.
Trade Up with Kansas City Chiefs: 12 + 20 for 9 + 29
This is a trade to grab Downs before the Cincinnati Bengals or the Miami Dolphins. They land the best player in the draft and still have another first-round pick. They could stick and pick an edge to keep their fifth-year option or trade back for more draft capital.
Trade Back with Detriot Lions: 12 for 17 + 50
The wipeout scenario at 12, where there are no defensive guys left, they can’t move away from. The Lions go up to reload on their offensive line, and the Cowboys add another top 50 pick to rebuild the defense. At 17, they could go defensive back or edge and still get a great value.
Trade Back with Miami Dolphins: 20 + 112 for 30 + 75 + 87
If Dallas is lucky enough to land one of their premium defenders at 12, the team could look to add picks using the 20th pick as trade bait. The Dolphins have plenty of ammunition to move up and steal a receiver like Jordyn Tyson from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers, and Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys stay in round one and add two more top 100 picks.
You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or on YouTube at Across the Cowboys podcast
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Dolphins, Browns among Cowboys’ 5 best draft trade partner options
Reporting by Mike Crum, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
