3 teams to watch make potential big deal in 2026 NFL Draft: Cowboys, Rams and Jags

Do the Cowboys and Jerry Jones have eyes on making a big trade in Round 1 of the NFL Draft? (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

(Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

All of that said, I know this is really in Jerry Jones’ hands (with the better angels of Stephen Jones on his shoulder), so if there’s a player sitting in the 4-5-6 slot whom they are convinced is a future All-Pro, a willing trade partner will be sought. Even with that, I find it odd that this surface-of-the-sun heat about a Dallas move up the board would get out and be completely accurate more than a full week before the first round. More often than not, those big moves predicted so early don’t end up happening.

As for the Rams, the seemingly endless Puka Nacua drama and depth chart void after Davante Adams has me convinced they’ll target some kind of big-play weapon at No. 13 overall. It depends who is on the board or whether they might sacrifice some future draft capital to move up a few spots. I think other teams are forecasting the Rams for an offensive skill position pick, too. So things could get spicy on the draft board in the Nos. 7-12 range.

And with the Jaguars — who lack a first-round pick — I’m curious to see how general manager James Gladstone navigates having 11 draft picks, but having to wait until No. 56 overall to make a selection. I know they’ve said Brian Thomas Jr. is not available for trade, but I’ve heard teams say that before, only to see that change in the days before the draft or on the clock.

The Jaguars and Gladstone already have a reputation for liking to trade and churn. I’ll be surprised if this is a quiet draft where they sit put with their picks.