Cowboys Draft Strategy: Trading Up or Down?

0:00On April 7th, the Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for the 2026 NFL draft with picks at 12th and 20th overall, thanks to that late. August trade sending Michael Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. They got more active in free agency this year, compared to last, grabbing extra slices of the pie, but holes remain at linebacker and edge rusher. Earlier this year in March, they shipped Osa Odi Hizua to the San Francisco 49ers and snagged back a third round pick, boosting their ammo. Now the front office is straight up confirming their open to all moves, trading down for more selections or even packaging picks to climb higher for. A blue chip stud. Team brass, including owner Jerry Jones and exec VP Steven Jones, are locked in agreement on flexing that draft capital. They stress having a stack of picks, beats everything else, especially three hours deep when the board shakes up. They're not hiding their focus on linebacker, calling it a top radar blip for April's action. Talents like sunny styles, Jacob Rodriguez, Arvel Reese and CJ Allen could slide right into their lap on day one without a big splash.

1:07With this draft shaping up as a franchise turning point, Dallas is mapping every scenario, ready to pounce if their target starts slipping.