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3 final mock drafts have Cowboys trading ahead of Saints for defender
TL;DR
Three final mock drafts predict the Dallas Cowboys will trade up ahead of the New Orleans Saints to select Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. The Saints, having signed Kaden Elliss as a replacement for Demario Davis, may not be as big a threat to draft Styles as Dallas anticipates.
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. But with almost every team ahead of the Saints looking to trade down, it's telling that the No. 6-picking Cleveland Browns are seen as the match for the Cowboys moving up from No. 12.
Given the unique makeup of this year's draft class -- players like Styles, his Ohio State teammate Caleb Downs, and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love are all seen as talents at non-premium positions -- it makes sense that teams want to trade down. There may not be the high-end pass rushers and quarterbacks teams covet. Maybe the Saints should look into trading down to get more picks, too.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Final mocks have Cowboys trading ahead of Saints
Q&A
Why are the Dallas Cowboys expected to trade up in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Dallas Cowboys are predicted to trade up to secure Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, as multiple mock drafts indicate they fear other teams may select him before their pick.
Who is Kaden Elliss and how does he impact the Saints' draft strategy?
Kaden Elliss is the linebacker signed by the Saints to replace Demario Davis, which may lessen their need to draft a linebacker like Sonny Styles and could lead them to consider trading down for more picks.
What teams are likely to draft ahead of the Saints in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Teams like the Washington Commanders, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, and Miami Dolphins are positioned to draft ahead of the Saints, potentially selecting Sonny Styles before New Orleans has a chance.