Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones have two 2026 NFL Draft prospects they’d trade up for

The NFL is charging full speed toward the 2026 NFL Draft. Teams are not only finalizing their draft boards but also kicking off offseason workouts.

The Dallas Cowboys enter this stretch with significant draft capital, thanks to last season’s Micah Parsons trade.

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However, trading Parsons to the Green Bay Packers left a massive void in their defense. Now, the Cowboys have the resources to address that weakness in a big way.

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Don’t be surprised if they swing for the fences with one of two prospects they’re targeting. In fact, given Jerry Jones and company’s history, you should probably expect it.

Jul 26, 2025; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones at training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Cowboys haven’t traded up in the first round since 2012, when they moved up to select cornerback Morris Claiborne. Fourteen years later, they may be ready to make a similar move.

According to ESPN, Dallas has identified two prime candidates: Caleb Downs and Rueben Bain Jr.

Both prospects bring elite talent and tremendous upside. Many evaluators consider them the top players at their respective positions.

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Still, each comes with concerns. Reports have flagged a potential ACL issue for Downs, while Bain faces questions about his measurables—particularly his arm length.

Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

So why target them? The answer is simple: both players can change games at their peak. Downs stands out as the best defensive back in this class, while Bain has the tools to be a true disruptive force on the edge.

They also bring something the Cowboys have lacked for years: championship pedigree. Both players competed at the highest level of college football.

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Bain’s Miami Hurricanes reached the national championship last season, while Downs and the Ohio State Buckeyes captured the title against Notre Dame.

Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) looks on during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

There’s plenty to like about both prospects. Yes, there are risks—but for a Cowboys defense in need of impact playmakers, the potential reward may outweigh them.

The question now is simple: are Downs and Bain the right players for Dallas to take that kind of swing?

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