Cowboys' Draft Strategy: Trade Up or Trade Down?

0:00It's April 22nd, welcome to Dallas News Today, powered by AI. The Dallas Cowboys are heading into the 2026 NFL Draft with two first round picks, thanks to that Micah Parsons trade from last year. They're sitting at pick number 12 and number 20, and everyone's buzzing about what moves they might make to shake things up. Experts are split some. Say the Cowboys could trade up for a stud like Texas Tech-Edger Usher David Bailey, or Ohio State's Caleb Downs, while others. Think they'll slide back to stockpile more picks since they lack a second rounder. Jerry Jones, the owner and GM, is keeping it wide open, saying they've already gotten calls from other teams. He didn't spill details, but it's all about feeling out if anyone's trying to jump ahead, or if Dallas wants to climb. Historically though, the Cowboys don't get aggressive trading up in the first round. Their last big move was back in 2015, and even. That wasn't giving up multiple high picks. There's no it's rare for them to go all in like that.

1:00Predraft chatter like this sets the stage, but it boils down to who's sliding and what it costs. Most likely they'll trade down to build depth rather, then chase fireworks on Draft Night.