{"id":255910,"date":"2026-04-18T17:06:32","date_gmt":"2026-04-18T17:06:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/255910\/"},"modified":"2026-04-18T17:06:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T17:06:32","slug":"dallas-cowboys-trade-down-and-accumulate-11-players-in-mock-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/255910\/","title":{"rendered":"Dallas Cowboys trade down and accumulate 11 players in mock draft"},"content":{"rendered":"

With under a week left to go until the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off April 23 in Pittsburgh, the Dallas Cowboys are a complete enigma right now. No one can possibly predict with any kind of accuracy what they will do with their two first-round picks, or how that will shape the rest of their draft. Throw in Jerry Jones and the cloud of mystery only deepens.<\/p>\n

As the GM and owner, only Jerry Jones has the power to decide what the Cowboys will do on draft day. He may end up trading up like many believe, or he could decide to trade down or stand pat. For the fun of it, we wanted to borrow that power, putting on the GM hat to share how we would navigate Dallas\u2019 2026 draft.<\/p>\n

For this exercise we will be using Dane Brugler\u2019s draft guide \u201cThe Beast\u201d<\/a> for player rankings as well as using the recent mock draft he completed with Peter Schrager, Field Yates, and Ran Carthon on \u201cThe Schrager Hour<\/a>\u201d for a first-round reference.<\/p>\n

Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, IndianaNew York Jets: Edge David Bailey, Texas TechArizona Cardinals: LB\/Edge Arvell Reese, Ohio StateTennessee Titans: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio StateNew York Giants: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre DameCleveland Browns: OL Francis Mauigoa, MiamiWashington Commanders: S Caleb Downs, Ohio StateNew Orleans Saints: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio StateKansas City Chiefs: CB Mansoor Delane, LSUCincinnati Bengals: Reuben Bain Jr., MiamiMiami Dolphins: WR Makai Lemon, USC<\/p>\n

This could be the worst case and nightmare for the Dallas Cowboys. Both David Bailey and Sonny Styles went in the Top 5, so the rumor trade with the Cleveland Browns to acquire No. 6 is out of play unless they were targeting Caleb Downs. Downs is no doubt worth trading up for, however, Jerry Jones has a draft of the safety in the first-round since Roy Williams (2002). So, standing pat and picking at No. 12 or trading down may make more sense.<\/p>\n

We are #TEAMTRADEDOWN to acquire more draft capital, so that\u2019s what we\u2019re going to do. Had we stood pat at No. 12 though we would\u2019ve selected Oregon Safety Dillon Thieneman.<\/p>\n

Cowboys receive 1.21, 2.53, 5.161; Steelers receive 1.12 <\/p>\n

Pittsburgh has a league high 12 draft picks this year and is rumored to be a sneaky team looking to trade up. With Makai Lemon off the board, we predict they trade up for WR Omar Cooper Jr. to to further upgrade their passing game.<\/p>\n

Cowboys receive 2.38, 2.59, 5.167; Texans receive 1.20 <\/p>\n

With back to back picks now at 20 and 21, we\u2019re looking to trade down again and the Texans make a good trade partner. We predict them moving up for the top-ranked guard Vega Ioane and in exchange the Cowboys add two more second-round picks.<\/p>\n

1.21: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State<\/p>\n

1st\/2nd-round grade, 24th overall (CB3)<\/p>\n

\"Chris<\/a><\/p>\n

Chris Johnson Getty Images<\/p>\n

\u201cJohnson offers a combination of instinctive eyes and athletic movement skills that allow him to consistently make plays on the football. He should compete for a starting role on day one, while also making an impact on special teams.\u201d – Dane Brugler<\/p>\n

Chris Johnson has the potential to challenge the starters as a rookie. The Cowboys have met with formally at the combine and virtually via Zoom. He provides much-needed depth considering the questionable long-term health of DaRon Bland and unknown development of second-year CB Shavon Revel.<\/p>\n

2.38: LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas<\/p>\n

2nd\/3rd-round grade, 50th overall (LB5)<\/p>\n

\"Anthony<\/a><\/p>\n

Anthony Hill Jr. Getty Images<\/p>\n

\u201cHill needs to play with better control in his movements and take-on attempts, but he is a long, rangy athlete with closing speed to impact the game in different ways. He has three-down starting potential, although volatility should be expected as he continues to develop.\u201d – Dane Brugler<\/p>\n

Anthony Hill is someone the Cowboys have shown a lot of interest in throughout the draft process. He\u2019s a potential plug-and-play starter as a rookie and possesses the size and range Christian Parker is looking for in his versatile 3-4 defensive scheme.<\/p>\n

2.53: Edge Keyron Crawford, Auburn<\/p>\n

2nd\/3rd-round grade, 54th overall (Edge12)<\/p>\n

\"Keyron<\/a><\/p>\n

Keyron Crawford Getty Images<\/p>\n

\u201cCrawford is still learning what it means to be a technician, but he is a twitched-up defender with the complete skills and intriguing skill set to contribute right away. He offers role versatility and will fit 3-4 or 4-3 looks.\u201d – Dane Brugler<\/p>\n

Due to his versatility to play in a 3-4 or 4-3 defensive scheme as well as his ability to play with his hand in the dirt or standing up, Crawford is a great fit in Christian Parker\u2019s defense. He has the potential to play a significant role as a rookie. He met with the Cowboys formally at the combine.<\/p>\n

2.59: CB Treydan Stukes, Arizona<\/p>\n

2nd\/3rd-round grade, 56th overall (CB8)<\/p>\n

\"Treydan<\/a><\/p>\n

Treydan Stukes Icon Sportswire via Getty Images<\/p>\n

\u201cStukes can be too reactionary at times, but he is an instinctive athlete who plays with quiet confidence and valuable versatility. He projects best in the nickel, while offering outside or single-high flexibility.\u201d – Dane Brugler<\/p>\n

Treydan Stukes\u2019 versatility to play just about any position the secondary could make him an invaluable asset to the Cowboys. His ability to play the nickel, the box, or deep could make him the ideal fit in the all-important Cooper DeJean role. He was a 30 pre-draft visitor and had a formal meeting at the combine with Dallas.<\/p>\n

Cowboys receive LB Jordyn Brooks, Dolphins receive 3.92, 5.152<\/p>\n

\"Jordyn<\/a><\/p>\n

Jordyn Brooks Jeff Romance-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The Dolphins are to rebuild and could be more likely to trade LB Jordyn Brooks during the draft. Dallas would be getting their starting MLB to where the green dot and Miami would be adding extra draft capital to help in their rebuild.<\/p>\n

4.112: RB Emmett Johnson, Nebraska<\/p>\n

3rd\/4th-round grade (RB4)<\/p>\n

\"Emmett<\/a><\/p>\n

Emmett Johnson<\/p>\n

\u201cJohnson is quick and balanced between the tackles to stack cuts, and his pass-catching savvy will be an asset at the next level, ideally for a zone scheme. He is an intriguing change-of-pace back who will bring versatility to an NFL backfield.\u201d – Dane Brugler<\/p>\n

Emmett Johnson would immediately step in and compete for the RB2 job behind Javonte Williams as a rookie. His pass-catching ability and willingness in pass protection hints at a three-down back who is capable of spelling Williams in\/when needed. He was also a 30 pre-draft visitor for the Cowboys.<\/p>\n

5.161: WR Reggie Virgil, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

\"Reggie<\/a><\/p>\n

Reggie Virgil Icon Sportswire via Getty Images<\/p>\n

\u201cVirgil is a tall, silky-smooth athlete with the long-striding speed and adequate ball skills that give him a fighting chance as an outside pro receiver. His versatility on special teams coverages will increase his value.\u201d – Dane Brugler<\/p>\n

Reggie Virgil was one of several Texas Tech players to perform in front of a large contingency of Cowboys representatives, including HC Brian Schottenheimer, at his Pro Day. He could provide much-needed depth at WR and possibly compete with Ryan Flournoy for the WR3 job while also being a key special teams contributor.<\/p>\n

5.167: TE Michael Trigg, Baylor<\/p>\n

5th\/6th-round grade (TE16)<\/p>\n

\"Michael<\/a><\/p>\n

Michael Trigg Getty Images<\/p>\n

\u201cTrigg needs additional refinement has a route runner and blocker, but he plays with foot quickness, body control and catch-point talent to be a three-level weapon. Showing NFL teams that accountability isn\u2019t a question will be key during the draft process and early in his career.\u201d – Dane Brugler<\/p>\n

Michael Trigg has the potential and talent to come in and earn a roster spot as a rookie, especially considering both Luke Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford are entering the final years of their rookie contract. He\u2019s someone Dallas has shown an interest in, being worked out by TE coach Lunda Wells.<\/p>\n

5.177: Edge Mason Reiger, Wisconsin<\/p>\n

5th\/6th-round grade (Edge26)<\/p>\n

\"Mason<\/a><\/p>\n

Mason Reiger Getty Images<\/p>\n

\u201cReiger needs to continue developing his strength, but he is an explosive athlete with promising pass-rush instincts. The medicals are an unknown variable in his draft grade and projection.\u201d – Dane Brugler<\/p>\n

Mason Reiger possesses the skill set and talent to earn a roster spot as a player as a rookie. He could earn a designated pass rushing role early on as he continues to develop his craft. Staying healthy is key for him.<\/p>\n

5.180: OT Enrique Cruz Jr., Kansas<\/p>\n

\"Enrique<\/a><\/p>\n

Enrique Cruz Jr. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images<\/p>\n

\u201cCruz is still green in areas and learning how to use all his tools in unison, but the encouraging play on his 2025 tape gives NFL teams optimism. He could be an interesting Day 3 flier for a team running a zone scheme.\u201d – Dane Brugler<\/p>\n

Enrique Cruz has experience playing on both the left and right side, making him an intriguing developmental swing tackle prospect. Considering the long-term questions at both OT positions, he\u2019s worth taking a chance on as a developmental prospect.<\/p>\n

7.218: DT Zxavian Harris, Ole Miss<\/p>\n

\"Zxavian<\/a><\/p>\n

Zxavian Harris Icon Sportswire via Getty Images<\/p>\n

\u201cHarris doesn\u2019t nearly pop as much as one might expect for a player who should be noticeable on every snap, but he offers developmental upside with rare size. He will interest teams that play both even (three-technique) and odd (five-technique) fronts, although questions about his maturity will influence his draft grade as much as anything.\u201d – Dane Brugler<\/p>\n

Zxavian Harris is a big, versatile defensive tackle who could play a variety of positions along the Cowboys defensive line. In Christian Parker\u2019s versatile 3-4, 4-3 defensive scheme, he could be an invaluable depth piece and just about any position on the DL.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"With under a week left to go until the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off April 23 in Pittsburgh,…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":246578,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[102,50116,7011,104,103],"class_list":{"0":"post-255910","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-dallas","8":"tag-dallas","9":"tag-dallas-cowboy-mock-drafts","10":"tag-dallas-cowboys-draft","11":"tag-dallas-headlines","12":"tag-dallas-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/255910","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=255910"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/255910\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/246578"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=255910"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=255910"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=255910"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}