Cowboys' Draft Dilemma: Trade Up for Linebacker or Stay Put?

0:00On April 17th, the Dallas Cowboys are hurting for linebackers, heading into the 2026 season, and they're eyeing a big move in the draft. Starting Thursday, April 23rd, insiders say they might package their 12th and 20th overall picks to trade up for Ohio State's sunny styles, the top off-ball linebacker, prospect who's been mocked to Dallas repeatedly. Styles checks all the boxes for new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker, big, athletic, versatile enough to play every down in disrupt offenses. Right away. But jumping up a few spots could cost an extra third rounder, or worse, force them to include that second first round pick. Fans and analysts are buzzing about the risks, especially with the Cowboys past rush, looking weak starters Roshan Gary and Donovan as a Waku combined. For just 9.5 sacks last year. Skipping an early edge rusher means waiting till day 2, and history shows top pass rushers usually go in the first round to make instant impacts. They're also prioritizing the secondary

1:01with 30 pre-draft visits and a specialist DC, so delaying both pass rush and defensive backs could, overload their struggling unit. Plus, lumping off ball linebackers with edge guys like Micah Parsons, jacks of future costs. Think pricey fifth year options and tough franchise tags down the line. Bottom line? Grabbing Styles might plug one hole but open a floodgate elsewhere, leaving Cowboy fans debating if the juice is worth a squeeze as the Drafton folds.