3 final mock drafts have Cowboys trading ahead of Saints for defender

We're one week away from the 2026 NFL Draft, and some trends are beginning to develop among those in the know . Three separate mock drafts from ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. , The Athletic 's Dane Brugler , and The Ringer's Todd McShay each have the same conclusion -- predicting the Dallas Cowboys trade ahead of the New Orleans Saints for a top defensive prospect.

But are the Saints really as big a threat to pick Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles as Dallas may fear? While the Saints did lose Demario Davis in free agency, they signed his replacement (and his former backup) in Kaden Elliss, who is expected to man the middle linebacker spot on early downs while getting ample opportunities to rush the quarterback in obvious passing situations . Pete Werner and Danny Stutsman should compete for the other starting job in Brandon Staley's 3-4 defense, with Chase Young and Carl Granderson lining up outside.

So it's probably not New Orleans worrying Dallas about whether or not they can get their guy. Odds are Styles would not get past the Washington Commanders (at No. 7), the Kansas City Chiefs (No.

9), Cincinnati Bengals (No. 10), and Miami Dolphins (No. 11), to say nothing of other teams that may want to trade up for him.