Cowboys media, many fans are dead wrong, trading up is not the way

As the 2026 NFL Draft draws closer, speculation continues to grow about the Cowboys and the possibility of trading up to get an impact player on defense. Media outlets are pushing the narrative that Dallas must move up, and many fans are in agreement.

It's easy to understand why some see the move up as appealing, with a top-heavy draft, and Dallas coming off one of the worst defensive seasons in team history. But the reality is, while the Cowboys have a multitude of needs on that side of the ball, the team’s draft capital doesn’t allow them to trade away multiple picks for one impact player, especially having the rare chance to draft two. Focusing that many resources on a single player doesn’t make sense for a team reloading.

The Cowboys would be better suited to sit tight and use the No. 12 and No. 20 picks and draft players who can help them now. If there is a chance that Dallas moves one of these picks, it should be the 20th pick. Trading that selection to a quarterback-needy, or receiver-needy team makes more sense than trading up and losing multiple top 100 draft picks, including at least one in the top 20.

Cowboys insider Bobby Belt, recently echoed this sentiment, saying "One guy isn't going to fix the Cowboys defense. Yes... But Caleb Downs might get close."

In his mock draft, Belt resisted the temptation to trade up for Downs and instead kept both first-round picks, filling two major holes on defense. It mirrors the Baltimore Ravens draft philosophy, a strategy of patience. Belt applied that logic and it allowed him to draft the Miami edge rusher Reuben Bain with the 12th pick and the Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood with the 20th pick. Based on his mock draft, waiting benefits Dallas for two big reasons. First, he got quality players who can help immediately, while at the same time keeping their third-round pick and controlling the rights to two players for five years.

Dallas also has other factors that will strengthen their ability to keep their picks or trade back from the 20th pick. This draft lacks depth at quarterback and offensive line, which will force teams to reach at these positions or overpay in draft capital to select the player they want.

This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Opinion: Despite risky battlefield, Cowboys should avoid trading up