Cowboys' Draft Strategy: Plug Gaps or Trade Up?

On April 2nd, Dallas Cowboys sitting pretty with picks number 12 and number 20 heading

into the 2026 NFL Draft set for April 23rd through 25th in Pittsburgh.

They traded defensive in Michael Parsons to the Green Bay Packers last year, so no more

picks until number 92 in round 3.

That capital gives them options to plug defensive gaps or wheel and deal for a star.

Head coach Brian Schadenheimer left the door open for trading up during media chats at

the league meetings in Phoenix this week.

He knows owner Jerry Jones loves cutting deals on draft day, especially this nagatop

pass rusher and fill the Parsons void.

The Cowboys defense took a hit last season, giving up the most passing yards per game at

251.5.

Fans and analysts see the pressure on them after missing playoffs, but their pass rush

stayed elite, ranking second in pressures and first in pressure.

Mott raster buzzing with ideas like swapping those early picks with Arizona, to jump to

number 3 for Texas Tech's David Bailey, a 6 foot 4, beast with 14.5 sex, or they could

stand pat, grab Oregon safety, Dylan Thiamen at 12 for secondary help, and Texas Tech

linebacker Jacob Rodriguez at 20 the top, college defender award winner.

Either path looks solid, letting Dallas rebuild that backfield and give backing contention

without sweating the choice too hard.