Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones have two 2026 NFL Draft prospects they’d trade up for
The NFL is charging full speed toward the 2026 NFL Draft. Teams are not only finalizing their draft boards but also kicking off offseason workouts. The Dallas Cowboys enter this stretch with significant draft capital, thanks to last season’s Micah Parsons trade.
However, trading Parsons to the Green Bay Packers left a massive void in their defense. Now, the Cowboys have the resources to address that weakness in a big way. MORE: Rich Eisen, ESPN make major SportsCenter announcement Don’t be surprised if they swing for the fences with one of two prospects they’re targeting.
In fact, given Jerry Jones and company’s history, you should probably expect it. Jul 26, 2025; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones at training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Cowboys haven’t traded up in the first round since 2012, when they moved up to select cornerback Morris Claiborne.
Fourteen years later, they may be ready to make a similar move. According to ESPN , Dallas has identified two prime candidates: Caleb Downs and Rueben Bain Jr. Both prospects bring elite talent and tremendous upside.
Many evaluators consider them the top players at their respective positions. MORE: Sean Payton gets in his feelings over NFL Network show title, free agency questions Still, each comes with concerns. Reports have flagged a potential ACL issue for Downs, while Bain faces questions about his measurables—particularly his arm length.