Cowboys media, many fans are dead wrong, trading up is not the way
The Cowboys have a tough decision to make with their first-round picks, but trading up shouldn't be one of them.
As the 2026 NFL Draft draws closer, speculation continues to grow about the Cowboys and the possibility of trading up to get an impact player on defense. Media outlets are pushing the narrative that Dallas must move up, and many fans are in agreement. It's easy to understand why some see the move up as appealing, with a top-heavy draft, and Dallas coming off one of the worst defensive seasons in team history.
But the reality is, while the Cowboys have a multitude of needs on that side of the ball, the team’s draft capital doesn’t allow them to trade away multiple picks for one impact player, especially having the rare chance to draft two. Focusing that many resources on a single player doesn’t make sense for a team reloading. The Cowboys would be better suited to sit tight and use the No.
12 and No. 20 picks and draft players who can help them now. If there is a chance that Dallas moves one of these picks, it should be the 20th pick.
Trading that selection to a quarterback-needy, or receiver-needy team makes more sense than trading up and losing multiple top 100 draft picks, including at least one in the top 20. Cowboys insider Bobby Belt , recently echoed this sentiment, saying "One guy isn't going to fix the Cowboys defense. Yes...