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3 NFL draft insiders project Cowboys to make same massive trade
TL;DR
NFL draft insiders Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, and Dane Brugler predict the Dallas Cowboys will execute a significant trade on draft day. This consensus suggests a high level of confidence in the Cowboys' strategy for the upcoming draft.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Sonny Styles #0 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action against the Indiana Hoosiers in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It is often said that when there is smoke there is fire. That stands to reason. What we are about to discuss isnāt even smoke. It supersedes that from a chemical compound perspective, assuming that is the proper scientific technology.
The point is, whatever the terminology is, that we are about to discuss a source of smoke that is so hot it may as well be an inferno.
Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, and Dane Brugler all have Dallas making the same draft day trade
We have a week and change to go until the 2026 NFL Draft begins and next week will certainly be more tense what with it finally arriving. In the lead up to that, NFL draft insiders, who have been working this circuit all along, are starting to empty the tank. They are offering everything that they have so that they have given this process their all.
On Wednesday three of the gameās top insiders released mock drafts. The three in question are Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, and Dane Brugler.
They all had the Dallas Cowboys trading up with the Cleveland Browns to number 6 overall to select Ohio Stateās Sonny Styles.
| Analyst | What Dallas is giving up | What else Cowboys receive (besides the pick for Styles) | Thoughts/justification |
| Mel Kiper | 12 and 20 | 39 overall | āDallas wasnāt stopping anyone last season. It allowed 6.1 yards per play, second worst in the NFL. It allowed 30.1 points per game, worst in the NFL. And it was far and away the leagueās least effective defense by EPA. Weāve all wondered whether the Cowboys would use both of their first-round picks on defense this month, but this trade up the board might have a greater impact, even if it means sacrificing one of those Day 1 selections. Styles is my No. 4 prospect, and he is explosive (43Ā½-inch vertical jump), rangy (4.46 in the 40-yard dash) and productive (77 tackles last season).ā |
| Todd McShay | 12, 92, and 2027 second-round pick | Nothing | āDefensive coordinator Christian Parker covets athleticism and intelligence at linebacker for his scheme, and Styles checks both boxes. A former safety, Styles measured in at 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds (the biggest LB in the class) and still ran the fastest 40 (4.46 seconds, tied with Reese) and the fastest 10-yard split (1.56 seconds, tied with Namdi Obiazor) among LBs while also posting the top broad jump (11 feet, 2 inches) and setting a record for players 6-foot-4 or taller with a 43.5-inch vertical since 2003.ā āBeyond the off-the-charts testing, Styles is widely regarded as one of the smartest players in the draft. One executive told me that heāll run a company when his football days are over. He should step in and improve the football IQ of this defense and help clean up the play at the second and third levels. If thereās any question about the value in trading up for an off-ball linebacker, just look at what the Eagles did last year: Vic Fangio and Parker moved up for Jihaad Campbell, and his impact showed up immediately.ā |
Of the three offerings, both Kiper and Brugler have the Cowboys including their other first-round pick in the deal. McShay does not, but he has Dallas having to pony up a bit from next year by way of a second-rounder.
It is certainly curious, to say the least, that such top insiders all have the Cowboys making the exact same trade. Obviously the details are slightly different, but they all have Dallas moving up to the same spot and to select Styles.
Perhaps this is too much smoke? Maybe it is so obviously impossible in that sense? This is a bit of a rare happening as far as NFL draft rumors are concerned.
Do you buy any of it? And which of the deals do you like the most?
Let us know in the comments below.
Q&A
What trade are NFL draft insiders predicting for the Dallas Cowboys?
NFL draft insiders are predicting that the Dallas Cowboys will make a significant trade on draft day, although specific details of the trade have not been disclosed.
Who are the NFL draft insiders projecting the Cowboys' trade?
The NFL draft insiders projecting the Cowboys' trade are Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, and Dane Brugler.
Why do experts believe the Cowboys will make a massive trade?
Experts believe the Cowboys will make a massive trade due to strong indications and consensus among top draft analysts about their strategic intentions.
What impact could a trade have on the Dallas Cowboys' draft strategy?
A trade could significantly alter the Dallas Cowboys' draft strategy, potentially allowing them to acquire key players or additional picks to strengthen their roster.
