A recent mock draft has sparked debate by suggesting the Dallas Cowboys could trade both first-round picks to move into the top three. While the idea creates buzz, it clashes with the team’s conservative draft approach and current roster needs. With defensive gaps still unresolved, such a costly move appears unlikely and more rooted in speculation than reality. The closer the calendar creeps toward the 2026 NFL Draft, the wilder the speculation becomes. That trend hit a new peak when a recent mock draft floated a scenario involving the Dallas Cowboys that left many scratching their heads. It is the kind of idea that sparks debate, but also exposes the gap between entertainment and actual team-building logic.At the center of the buzz is a bold proposal suggesting Dallas would make a dramatic leap into the top three picks. On paper, it sounds flashy. In reality, it clashes with how the Cowboys have operated for years, especially under owner Jerry Jones. For a franchise known more for calculated moves than headline-chasing gambles, the idea feels out of sync with their identity.
Why the Cowboys trading up for Jeremiyah Love feels unrealistic
The mock draft by Pro Football Focus’ Jordan Plocher suggests Dallas would package both of its first-round selections, No. 12 and No. 20, to move up and draft Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. There is no denying Love’s talent. He has the skill set to be a first-round pick and possibly one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in the class.Still, the price tag in this scenario raises serious questions.Dallas’s defense had a hard time in 2025. There are still holes in important positions, such as linebacker, edge rusher, and cornerback. Investing heavily in a running back, especially after extending Javonte Williams to a three-year, $24 million deal, does not align with immediate roster needs.Plocher himself acknowledged the nature of such projections, stating, “While every pick is researched, some are meant more in the spirit of ‘what if’ entertainment value rather than being predictive.”That context matters. Yet the justification tied to Jerry Jones leans on perception more than fact: “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.”The narrative paints Jones as a high-risk decision-maker. History suggests otherwise. Dallas has always put stability first in the first round, and they often spend money on important players like offensive linemen. They do move around the board, but it’s not often at such a high cost.With two valuable first-round picks, the Cowboys are more likely to spread their investment rather than concentrate it. A move up could happen, but jumping into the top three for a running back would be a sharp break from their proven strategy.In the end, this mock draft says more about draft season hype than it does about Dallas’ actual plans.