ESPN Analyst: If Cowboys Trade Up in NFL Draft, It'll Be for This Player

The Dallas Cowboys have been linked to several trades in the 2026 NFL draft.

Some analysts believe they'll move up as high as No. 2 overall for Ohio State edge-rusher Arvell Reese, while others think they could jump into the top 10 for Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson.

But if the Cowboys do move up in the draft, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler says it'll be for one of the elite defensive players in the class: Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.

"Dallas is monitoring a trade market that has been quiet so far," Fowler stated. "The Cowboys are comfortable staying put at Nos. 12 and 20 if need be because they feel they can get impact players at both picks, per a team source.

"Whether they can get a true blue-chip defensive player at 12 is the question, as this draft is short on them. If the Cowboys do move up, some league scouts believe Styles would be a possible target. At receiver, Dallas has a high grade on Tyson."

ESPN's Mel Kiper, The Ringer's Todd McShay, and The Athletic's Dane Brugler - three of the best draft analysts in the industry - all recently predicted Dallas trading up into the top 10 for Styles as well.

If the Cowboys stay put, the popular pick for them at No. 12 in most mock drafts if LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. The All-American CB would address a big position of need for Dallas, but it would leave pass-rusher still needing to be addressed.

If the Cowboys don't take an edge-rusher at 12, they could target Miami's Akheem Mesidor of Auburn's Keldric Faulk with the 20th overall pick.

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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 3:17 PM.