Cowboys jump Commanders for elite defender in Mel Kiper's mock draft

The 2026 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and mock drafts are flying every day. It's been a common sight in mock drafts to see the Washington Commanders select a defensive player with the No. 7 pick.

This is certainly possible, but a recent report suggests the team could be looking to trade down or take an offensive playmaker. To summarize, we don't know what the Commanders will do. One prospect who seems like a perfect fit on paper, though, is Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.

The 2025 season proved that the Commanders need a younger, faster linebacker than Bobby Wagner, and Styles is definitely both. As a former safety, Styles has the coverage skills and football IQ to be a leader on defense for years. However, in draft expert Mel Kiper's latest mock , the Commanders don't have the chance to draft Styles.

Instead, the rival Dallas Cowboys jump the Commanders in a trade and select Styles with the No. 6 pick. That would certainly hurt, to see your hated rival jump you and take a player of interest.