Dallas Cowboys Draft Rumors: Trade Updates + Key Prospect Watch

Dallas Cowboys fans have a lot to look forward to as the 2026 NFL Draft draws near. Not only is Cowboys owner Jerry Jones never afraid to swing a big deal, but Dallas already enters April 23 with two first-round picks. Surely, fireworks are in order.

Plus, there’s been a lot of Cowboys rumors suggesting Dallas may be trying to trade up for a prospect they covet most. Now we have a better idea of which players the Cowboys have a strong amount of interest in.

According to ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys are indeed leaning toward a heavy defensive overhaul with their two first-round picks. They’ve been open to negotiating trades, but Dallas actually hasn’t been overly active in discussing deals quite yet this week. However, two prospects the Cowboys have kept their eye on are Miami’s edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and Ohio State’s linebacker Sonny Styles.

“So, they’re going to be in the mix on all of these defensive guys, heavy defense with those first two picks however they package it. They’re not necessarily afraid to have to give up the No. 20 pick to move up if they do, but they have not been working the phones a lot this week. I’m told they’re taking a patient approach. But they are the team that many are watching because of the obvious need on defense, and those armed two first-round picks early on. So, they’re going to maneuver at some point, they’re going to fill some major needs come Thursday night.”

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Cowboys

The Giants trading for the 10th pick could change how the draft board falls ahead of Dallas at No. 12. Previous reports indicated that the Cowboys were trying to trade ahead of the Giants at No. 5.

Well, now the Giants have traded ahead of the Cowboys for another pick before No. 12. Will that prompt a move from Dallas? If so, Styles may indeed be the player Dallas is coveting, as he’s believed to be in play for New York at No. 5.

Related: Dallas Cowboys Urged to Trade for Pro Bowl Cornerback