2026 NFL Draft Trade Predictions: Cowboys Targeting Sonny Styles?
NFL Draft

2026 NFL Draft Trade Predictions: Cowboys Targeting Sonny Styles?

Kody Malstrom breaks down three trades that we could very well see happen in next week's NFL Draft.

Even with the excitement that comes with the NFL Draft, this year feels different. Outside of Fernando Mendoza, there is a growing sentiment that the top of this year’s board is rather lackluster, forcing teams to turn their attention to 2027, which will be littered with potential franchise quarterbacks.

With the bottom of the barrel wanting to stay down there, reports have surfaced that plenty of teams in the top 10 are willing to trade down. Below are three potential trades we may see happen and how they may shake up the rest of the board. For the rest of our draft coverage, check out our NFL Draft Guide for great insight and information.

Three Projected 2026 NFL Draft Day Trades

DAL_cowboys-logo.svgDallas Cowboys Bundle Their Picks to Trade Into the Top 3

  • Cowboys send picks 1.12 and 1.20
  • Cardinals give up pick 1.03

Arguably one of the bigger NFL Draft rumors that is gaining some serious steam, the Dallas Cowboys are looking to move into the top five in an attempt to bolster their defense. At 1.03, the Cowboys would have the option to take whoever is left over between Arvell Reese and David Bailey, or even use their pick on Sonny Styles, a rumor that is gaining steam and someone who would anchor their middle.

The Arizona Cardinals trading back also makes sense on their end, securing more draft capital to help plug their glaring needs. At 1.12, the Cardinals can choose from a wide range of OTs instead of having to reach for Francis Mauigoa (EDP 8.6). With their second pick in the back half of the first round, the Cardinals can either draft Ty Simpson or fill another hole elsewhere with hopes of addressing the position next year.

HOU_texans-logo.svgHouston Texans Trade Up Into the Middle of the First Round

  • Jets trade pick 1.16
  • Texans send 1.28 and 2.34

Normally a devalued position, the Houston Texans are in desperate need of fixing their interior offensive line to help C.J. Stroud round back into his Offensive Rookie of the Year award-winning form. With Stround having to deal with a relentless amount of pressure on a weekly basis, he was forced into making ill-advised throws, derailing the Texans' offense in the process.

Luckily for Houston, the Jets are the perfect suitor to put them in range for Olaivavega Ioane, who is regarded as one of the best offensive linemen in the draft but may experience a slide due to being a guard-only prospect. If Ioane is already gone, then the Texans can also reach for Kadyn Proctor and shift him in the interior to help mask his short arms.

In regard to the Jets, trading back will help them recoup more draft capital as well as still keep them in range for a WR with KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston expected to be available. Simpson may also still be in play if the Jets decide to address the position in this year’s draft.

MIA_dolphins-logo.svgMiami Dolphins Acquire More 2026 Draft Capital

  • Miami trades pick 1.11
  • Chiefs bundle picks 1.29 and 2.40

After gutting out their secondary in the offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs must find Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson’s replacements if they want to keep their hopes of competing for the Super Bowl alive. With Caleb Downs, Mansoor Delane and Jermod McCoy all expected to be around at the tail end of the top 10, the Chiefs can acquire two of the three to help avoid regression.

The Miami Dolphins, meanwhile, can round up some much-needed draft capital, accelerating their rebuild by plugging various holes on both sides of the ball. It may not turn them into an instant contender, but by casting a wide net at the back half of the first round, the Dolphins may find themselves someone they can build around.