According to some recent mock drafts from major outlets, however, it appears Jerry Jones may be working the phones next week to acquire a higher draft selection.
In new mocks released on Wednesday, ESPN’s Mel Kiper, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler and The Ringer’s Todd McShay all have the Cowboys making a trade with the Cleveland Browns to move up to pick No. 6 and acquire Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.
“We’ve all wondered whether the Cowboys would use both of their first-round picks on defense this month, but this trade up the board might have a greater impact, even if it means sacrificing one of those Day 1 selections,” Kiper said.
The three mock drafts all had different scenarios that saw Dallas land the sixth pick.
Kiper: Dallas trades picks No. 12 and 20 to Cleveland for Nos. 6 and 39.
Brugler: Dallas trades picks No. 12, 20 and a 2027 fourth-round pick to Cleveland for Nos. 6 and 39.
McShay: Dallas trades picks No. 12, 92 and a 2027 second-round pick to Cleveland for No. 6.
“The Cowboys could sit at No. 12 and have an impact defender fall to them, but it won’t be surprising if the organization gets aggressive,” Brugler said.
“Styles would not only be an immediate starter at a position of need, but also wear the green dot as a rookie.”
As the only drafter with No. 20 still in the hands of the Cowboys, McShay also had Dallas selecting Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy, while also leaving the door open to other potential secondary options.
“Dallas addressed its linebacker need earlier in this exercise, so now the focus shifts to the secondary. The Cowboys gave up 35 passing touchdowns last season—second most in the NFL behind only the Jets (36)—so getting help on the back end is a priority,” McShay said.
“There’s been plenty of buzz linking the Cowboys to safeties such as Caleb Downs and Dillon Thieneman, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they picked Thieneman if he’s available.”
The first round is set to take place next Thursday in Pittsburgh.