Final Cowboys 7-round mock draft: Trade up for Bailey, grab 2 LBs+ CB

TL;DR

The Dallas Cowboys are making strategic moves in the 2026 NFL Draft, including a trade with the Cleveland Browns to select David Bailey at pick 6. They also aim to bolster their roster with two linebackers and a cornerback.

Key points

Dallas Cowboys trade with Cleveland Browns
Cowboys select David Bailey at pick 6
Targeting two linebackers and a cornerback
Seven teams have multiple first-round picks
Draft week brings speculation to an end

David BaileyDallas CowboysCleveland Browns

It's finally draft week, and it's time to put an end to all of the mockery. On Thursday, the real deal takes place, bringing to an end several months of speculation of what teams like the Dallas Cowboys should do. The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off with seven different teams having multiple first round picks. It proves how chaotic the first round is likely to be, with many teams bailing out in order to get veteran talent, and a low number of first-round grades given by various front offices.

In this final seven-round mock, run on Pro Football Focus' simulator, the Cowboys make an interesting trade up. While many have identified Cleveland as the preferred destination for a move up, we did something different here in the trade package, sending 12 and 20, along with a 2027 second-round pick to the Browns in exchange for 6 and 24 and a 2027 fourth-round pick.

The idea here is the Browns see benefit in moving up four picks later in the round, and 50 picks in 2027, for moving down just six spots to select their offensive lineman. Dallas seized on the opportunity to select David Bailey after he fell out of the top five.

Later in the round, the Cowboys got an opportunity to grab a late fourth-round pick and an extra sixth in exchange for sliding back a few spots. This was a calculated risk with neither of the next two teams seemingly interested in the position Dallas was targeting; cornerback with Avieon Terrell. That set off what we feel was a tremendous haul from this draft class, with the following impact on position groups.

Edge Rushers

David Bailey (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Bailey, a Cowboys' 30 visit, is this drafts preeminent 3-4 OLB when considering traits and production. He's prototypical in size and athleticism and he led the FBS in sacks, although he has a flaw or two like this entire class. His is that he needs to polish his move repertoire.

Adding him and late rounder Caden Curry from Ohio State, solidifies the Cowboys' rotation with Bailey being the long-term bookend to Donovan Ezeiruaku, and they'll both learn from as the third key member. With backing them up, this is suddenly a competitive pass rush.