First-round draft order: Cowboys, trade rumors, breaking news tracker

2. New York Jets

New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn looks on before the game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium.

The drama could start at No. 2, where the Jets and head coach Aaron Glenn have a ton of needs. Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey is the popular pick and would provide an immediate boost to the defense, but Ohio State's edge-rushing linebacker Arvell Reese is someone to build a unit around for future success. The Jets canceled a private visit with Bailey; have they already made up their mind one way or the other?

3. Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals new head coach Mike LaFleur poses for a photograph on Feb. 3, 2026, at Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic

Bailey or Reese? Whichever player the Jets don't take at No. 2 could be the pick here for the Cards. But there's been plenty of buzz about Arizona trading out of this spot, to somewhere in the late first round. That would give them extra picks, but it would also put them in position to land Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, perhaps the player the team truly covets for offensively-minded head coach Mike LaFleur.

4. Tennessee Titans

Sep 21, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans offensive line warms up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

The Titans have stated they'll take the best player on their board at No. 4. That could be Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, as new head coach Robert Saleh puts his stamp on the Tennessee defense. But it could just as easily be Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love, with the club looking to pair the running back with second-year QB Cam Ward as a set-it-and-forget-it offensive playmaking duo.

5. New York Giants

Sep 28, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants cornerback Dru Phillips (22) returns an interception as New York Giants safety Dane Belton (24) blocks during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Giants have been talking about many of the same defensive names as Cowboys Nation. NFL insider Adam Schefter believes the pick will come from Ohio State- either Styles if he's available, or safety Caleb Downs as a Plan B. But Love and Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa have also been frequent mock choices for Big Blue with this pick; Daniel Jeremiah likes Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson.

6. Cleveland Browns

Todd Monken, the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, discusses how he will approach the game during his introductory press conference at the team's training facility, Feb. 3, 2026.

Things could get interesting with the No. 6 pick. The Browns are widely expected to trade down out of this spot, and the Cowboys are thought to be a possible partner... though the Saints and Chiefs have also been mentioned. Cleveland has needs, to be sure, but most players they're targeting (other than Ohio State WR Carnell Tate) could still be available to them later in the first round.

7. Washington Commanders

Dec 22, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Jamison Crowder (80) celebrates after scoring the gaming winning touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

If Dallas does trade up to No. 6, it's because they fear losing their chosen player to the rival Commanders with this pick. Washington reportedly loves Love, but they're also high on Downs and Styles. Rueben Bain Jr. could be a name to watch here, with the Miami edge rusher looking like the kind of player head coach Dan Quinn would be drawn to. They could trade back, if they can find a willing partner.

8. New Orleans Saints

Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) and offensive tackle Asim Richards (72) celebrate after a touchdown run during the game against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

If Tyler Shough is the answer at quarterback in New Orleans, he's going to need some pass-catchers alongside Chris Olave. At least one of the top wideouts in the class- Tate, Tyson, and USC's Makai Lemon- will be available here, but the Saints have defensive needs as well. LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, frequently mocked to Dallas, would be an attractive "hometown" option.

9. Kansas City Chiefs

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 27: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks to pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on November 27, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Adding an elite wide receiver is one of the Chiefs' priorities in 2026. Tyson has been a consistent choice in the pre-draft mocks. The team is also on the hunt for cornerback and edge rusher, but it's believed they may wait until the second of their first-round picks to address other needs. But if Bain- or, somehow- Bailey is still hanging around here, Kansas City could re-arrange their board to take advantage.

10. New York Giants

Sep 28, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) prepares to take a snap during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Dexter Lawrence trade gives the Giants a second top-10 pick, and while they could theoretically snatch a pair of premier defenders before the Cowboys turn in their first card, it's looking instead like they may lean toward a wide receiver here. The club has reportedly fallen in love with Tyson; he's been a major riser in recent days, and New York GM Joe Schoen flew to Arizona for a private dinner with him just last week.

11. Miami Dolphins

Nov 26, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; Miami Dolphins free safety Reshad Jones (20) runs the ball back for a touchdown after recovering a fumble against the New England Patriots during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The Dolphins are sitting on seven top-100 picks, and they have a new GM who's looking to stock the shelves with lots of young and affordable talent as they embark on a long ground-up rebuild. (It's not just a coincidence that Troy Aikman is consulting on how to best do that.) With this pick, they're looking at the same cornerbacks and edge rushers that Dallas is, with Delane and McCoy among the favorites.

12. Dallas Cowboys

Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talks before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Cowboys are a wild card and will be watched to possibly trade out of No. 12: maybe up, maybe down. If they stay put, they'll take a cornerback... or an edge rusher... or maybe a linebacker. There's even talk of a wide receiver like Tyson or Tate... but Jerry Jones could just make it sound like he'd pounce in order to get someone else to blink... and leave one more of the Cowboys' defensive targets on the board.

13. Los Angeles Rams

Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams fans in the crowd celebrate a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Puka Nacua drama this offseason may have the Rams poised to make a splash with a wide receiver insurance policy early, and they could trade up to do it, especially if they can secure Tate. But they might be able to end up with Lemon by staying put, and they could likely trade back and draft Washington's Denzel Boston. Remember, QB Matthew Stafford is now 38 years old; it's win-now mode.

14. Baltimore Ravens

Jan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) practices before the game at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Some picks are easier than others to forecast. In Baltimore, three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum is now gone, but Lamar Jackson still needs O-line protection. Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane and Utah tackle Spencer Fano seem to be the consensus options here, with either shoring up the Ravens' front five for years to come. But if Tyson or Boston are still waiting here, things could change.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Nov 9, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; The Tampa Bay Buccaneers huddle during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Tampa Bay GM Jason Licht has admitted the team has defensive needs, but he says they won't "force a pick" at No. 15. They'd love a stud edge rusher, for instance, but the middle of the first round is a tough place to find one. Ioane could be a solid choice on the O-line, or they could try to fill the void in the passing game left by Mike Evans's departure. Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq might be a sneaky-good pick.

16. New York Jets

Dec 14, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) runs with the ball against Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown (30) during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Gang Green will have likely landed their defensive player of choice at No. 2, so there's a good chance they go offense at No. 16. Tyson and Lemon are slim possibilities here. This part of Round 1 is where wide receivers Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana) and KC Concepcion (Texas A&M) enter the conversation. But with another pick coming at No. 33, the Jets wouldn't have to reach for a WR. Maybe a cornerback instead?

17. Detroit Lions

Nov 27, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) runs onto the field prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Offensive tackle is an obvious need in Detroit after the departure of Taylor Decker. Fano, Mauigoa, Alabama's Kadyn Proctor, or Georgia's Monroe Freeling getting picked here would make sense. But the Lions also want a quality edge rusher to bookend Aidan Hutchinson; keep an eye out for Clemson's T.J. Parker or Miami's Akheem Mesidor. Cornerback is also a possibility not to be discounted.

18. Minnesota Vikings

Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman has been a very popular mock pick for Minnesota, but at least one Vikings beat writer is pushing back on that, saying that simply drafting a Harrison Smith clone is a little too convenient. Sadiq, the Ducks tight end, might make more sense and be a multipurpose piece in an offense with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. But, like many teams, there's also a need at cornerback.

19. Carolina Panthers

Oct 19, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end A'Shawn Robinson (94) reacts after a sack in the second quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Both Thieneman and Sadiq have also been linked to Carolina recently, but there's also talk that the Panthers would like to create a two-headed monster at wide receiver alongside Tetairoa McMillan. Taking a WR in the first round for the third straight year? Panthers GM Dan Morgan vows to draft the best player available, so if that's Boston, Cooper, or Concepcion, he says, "I wouldn't hesitate."

20. Dallas Cowboys

Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defense celebrates after a turnover during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Stephen Jones expressed doubt that there would be 20 prospects to whom the club assigned a true first-round grade. That math suggests any pick here would technically be a reach. Without a trade, though, the Cowboys aren't up again until No. 92, so what they do with this selection is of real importance. If they stick and pick, Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk and Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood are possibilities.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers

Jan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) rushes the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The public doesn't yet know what Aaron Rodgers plans to do this fall. If the Steelers know, this pick could offer a hint. While Mike McCarthy isn't likely to go after a first-round quarterback, he may be looking for a pass-catcher like Lemon. Guard and center help are priorities, too. Word that the team may be dangling edge rusher Alex Highsmith as trade bait could give the Steelers some ammo in making a move.

22. Los Angeles Chargers

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 15: Justin Herbert #10 and head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Los Angeles Chargers embrace before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on September 15, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)

With just five selections overall and a draft class that's considered weak on first-round talent, the Chargers are a prime example of a team who could be eager to trade back and stockpile an extra late-round pick or two for the trouble. That said, Ioane is far and away the year's top guard; if he's still on the board at No. 22, expect L.A. to take him to beef up an O-line that allowed 60 sacks last season.

23. Philadelphia Eagles

Lane Johnson #65, Philadelphia Eagles (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Longtime tackle Lane Johnson hasn't officially retired, but it's time for Philadelphia to look for a replacement for the six-time Pro Bowler. Proctor, Freeling, Max Iheanachor (Arizona State), Blake Miller (Clemson), and Caleb Lomu (Utah) are all thought to be on the Eagles' watchlist. But trading up to get a top-flight wide receiver is certainly a possibility, especially with A.J. Brown trade rumors still swirling.

24. Cleveland Browns

Sep 8, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) gives a thumbs up as he heads to the line of scrimmage against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

With their second first-round pick, the Browns are among the teams expected to at least kick around the idea of taking one of the offensive linemen already mentioned (unless they did so at No. 6). But wide receiver is also a big need; at least one of the top six should still be available here for Cleveland. But with GM Andrew Berry promising to "maximize the asset" of the selection, that could always mean trading down.

25. Chicago Bears

Dec 14, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker D'Marco Jackson (48) and Chicago Bears safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (35) celebrate after an interception during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Chicago needing to improve the D-line hasn't exactly been on the DL. Many draft analysts have been mocking either Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods or Missouri edge rusher Zion Young to the Bears at No. 25. Those picks would also seemingly put them in contention for Parker, Mesidor, or Faulk, too. But a safety could come into play, too, either Thieneman or Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.

26. Buffalo Bills

Oct 26, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa (57) reacts after a sack in the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Bills dealt away their second-round pick to get wide receiver DJ Moore. Now with a glut of similarly-graded prospects at the end of the first round, the club is widely expected to try to trade back just a bit. An edge rusher like Keldric Faulk (Auburn) or Cashius Howell (Texas A&M) or a linebacker such as Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech) or Josiah Trotter (Missouri) could be the pick for Buffalo.

27. San Francisco 49ers

Sep 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium.

The Trent Williams extension likely doesn't change San Francisco's draft strategy. Williams will turn 38 this year, so getting the left tackle of the future would make sense if he's there at No. 27. Plus, the Brandon Ayiuk situation is still hanging out there. Whether or not he's traded during the draft, the 49ers could bolster their pass-catching depth with KC Concepcion (Texas A&M) or Denzel Boston (Washington).

28. Houston Texans

Jan 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) is introduced before playing against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Some believe the Texans are one offensive lineman away from being a Super Bowl team. The question will be whether the ones available at No. 28 are good enough to pull the trigger on, or if the team thinks they can get comparable quality on Day 2. A tackle like Iheanachor, Auburn center Connor Lew, and Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge have been mentioned as possibilities.

29. Kansas City Chiefs

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) is sacked by Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu (90) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.

There's been a lot of chatter about the Chiefs going with a cornerback with one of their first-round picks; Tennessee's Colton Hood and Clemson's Avieon Terrell could be available here. Or maybe offensive line: Lomu, Proctor, Fano, or Freeling are are popular names. But Kansas City needs defensive line help, too. If they didn't address edge rusher at No. 9, maybe now is the time.

30. Miami Dolphins

Jaylen Waddle #17 of the Miami Dolphins scores a touchdown reception against the New England Patriots during the first quarter in the game at Hard Rock Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Eleven picks may not be enough for Miami. They've made it clear that trading back for even more capital is a real possibility. If they stay put, a wide receiver may be the move, with many experts predicting a pick from a deep class. Concepcion and Boston have been hot names for the Dolphins.

31. New England Patriots

Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Patriots have a long history of picking very late in the first round, so they know flexibility is the name of the game. Faulk, the Auburn edge rusher, has been mocked frequently. But so have Howell, Missouri's Zion Young, and Central Florida's Malachi Lawrence. But the Pats will be ready to pivot on a dime if the board falls differently.

32. Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold celebrates with the Vince Lombardi trophy on the podium after defeating the New England Patriots, 29-13, in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium, Feb. 8, 2026.

Coming in with just four draft picks, the Super Bowl champs have let it be known that they're looking to move back to acquire more ammunition. For a team trying to sneak up even a few spots from the second round, the 32nd pick means a team will be able to exercise a fifth-year option and get one extra year of control over the player's value.

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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: NFL Draft: When do Cowboys pick? Order, news, rumors for first round