Getty
Pro Football Focus’s Jordan Plocher predicted the Dallas Cowboys to trade up to No. 3 overall in his newest 2026 NFL mock draft.
Most pundits have treated it as a foregone conclusion this spring that the Dallas Cowboys will select two defensive players in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Based on how the team played defensive last season, it makes a lot of sense.
But in a new Pro Football Focus mock draft released Monday, that’s not how PFF’s Jordan Plocher saw things unfolding.
Plocher projected the Cowboys to give up both of their first-rounder choices (No. 12 and 20) to move up to No. 3. Then at No. 3, Plocher predicted Dallas to select Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
“Jerry Jones cares a lot about branding and putting on a show, and in this mock draft, the Cowboys owner/general manager sends both of the team’s first-round picks, Nos. 12 and 20, to the Arizona Cardinals for the No. 3 overall selection and then selects the best player in the draft class in Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love,” wrote Plocher.
“Cowboys fans who know the roster have already grabbed torches and pitchforks to revolt at the idea of this, but it isn’t out of the realm of possibilities. Love is a home-run threat out of the backfield, and his 726 breakaway rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns and 93.7 PFF rushing grade in 2025 all led the draft class.”
At Notre Dame last season, Love rushed for 1,372 yards with 18 touchdowns. He finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting.
The Cowboys could use additional running back depth. But the team’s 2025 leader rusher, Javonte Williams, is returning next season.
Williams ran for 1,201 yards and 11 scores for Dallas during 2025.
It probably goes without saying. But the Cowboys making a move into the top 5 would greatly change the first-round complexion of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb
More Heavy on Cowboys
Loading more stories