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Three-round Cowboys mock draft: Dallas lands two Day 1 starters after trading up with Cleveland Browns
TL;DR
The Dallas Cowboys are expected to trade up with the Cleveland Browns in the 2026 NFL Draft, potentially securing two Day 1 starters. The Cowboys' first pick could be linebacker Sonny Styles from Ohio State at No. 6 overall.
Key points
- Dallas Cowboys expected to trade up with Cleveland Browns
- Potential first pick at No. 6 overall
- Linebacker Sonny Styles from Ohio State as a top choice
- Two Day 1 starters anticipated from the draft
- Draft rumors intensifying ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft
Sonny StylesOhio StateDallas CowboysCleveland Browns
Multiple insiders expect the Dallas Cowboys to trade up with the Cleveland Browns in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft. What things could look like if they do, including a starting-caliber pick at No. 39.
A week away from the 2026 NFL Draft, it feels like trade up or bust for the Dallas Cowboys.
Rumors are heating up around a potential trade up with Cleveland Browns, who are slated to pick No. 6 overall. If they do, what will that look like? I fired up the A to Z Sportsâ draft simulator to game it out.
Three-round Cowboys mock draft
Round 1, Pick No. 6 overall: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
(TRADE: Cowboys get No. 6 overall and No. 39 overall, Browns get No. 12 overall, No. 20 overall and a 2027 third-round pick)
If the Cowboys move up in the draft, it makes sense to do so for Styles, who is one of the few blue-chip defenders in the class and who is a fix for the teamâs most pressing need. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said earlier in the year some rookies heâd feel comfortable with rocking the green dot.
Based on Stylesâ high football IQ, consistent tackling, and his elite change of direction, Iâm betting heâs one of them.
Round 2, Pick No. 39 overall: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
At No. 39 overall, Hood would be tremendous value for the Cowboys. Heâs a physical cornerback with a specialization in man coverage. That doesnât mean he canât play zone, where he displays a high football IQ.
For many, one of the best things about Hood is that he has a high floor, meaning he can make an impact as a starter early on. In this scenario, the Cowboys get a starter in the backend after securing one on the front seven at No. 6 overall.
The Cowboys would likely consider Hood at No. 20 overall should they stick there. At 39, heâs even better.
Round 3, Pick No. 92 overall: S Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina
Kilgore comes with plenty of experience with him. He started 33 games in three years in college and finished his career with eight interceptions. At 6-foot-1 and with a 4.40-second 40 yard dash, he scored a 81.9 in our athletic composite score at
Q&A
What are the Dallas Cowboys' draft plans for 2026?
The Cowboys plan to trade up with the Cleveland Browns to secure key players in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Who is expected to be the Cowboys' first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Cowboys are expected to select linebacker Sonny Styles from Ohio State with their first pick at No. 6 overall.
What impact could the Cowboys' trade with the Browns have on their draft strategy?
Trading up with the Browns could allow the Cowboys to secure two Day 1 starters, significantly enhancing their roster.
