Jerry Jones' Draft Day Dilemma: Trade or No Trade?

0:00On April 9th, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys love wheeling and dealing on draft day. Since he bought the team back in 1989, they've made over 70 trades during the draft. The last time they didn't pull off a single one was in 2022. One of just five trade list drafts in 37 years. That year, they grabbed nine picks straight through the rounds from Tyler Smith and the first to Devon Harper in the sixth. All nine made the squad, and four are still here today. Tyler Smith, Sam Williams, Jake Ferguson, and Doron Bland. Williams even resigned this offseason, and several have started games since. Fast forward to the 2026 draft, April 23rd through 25th. Dallas has eight picks, including two in the first round, none in the second, and one in the third three, total in the top 95. With roster holes everywhere and limited ammo early, trading up looks tough. Mock drafts make a strong case for trading down from that second first rounder at number 20, maybe to 29, to snag extra picks while still, landing a target.

1:05Priorities like middle linebacker, defensive end, or cornerback, often pop up later, skipping runs of tackles, guards, and receivers they don't need. Those playoff flops against the Rams, Niners, and Packers, giving up nearly 700 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, scream for defensive help. With the draft around the corner, expect Jones to shake things up, and stockpile talent where it counts.