Cowboys' Draft Strategy: Trade or Stay?

On March 26, the 2026 NFL draft sits about one month away, and the Dallas Cowboys are ramping up their scouting efforts nationwide.

Front office members have visited Miami and hit multiple pro days across Texas, while position coaches checked out running back prospects at Wake,

Forest and Nebraska for later rounds.

Talk as swirled about the Cowboys trading back from their 12 overall pick to grab extra selections given their roster holes.

That strategy could help them target players they've eyed on these trips and build depth.

Experts like Albert Breer, doubt a trade market will emerge though.

He points out this class, lack standout quarterbacks or elite talents at key spots that usually spark moves up the board.

The Raiders might snag Indiana's Fernando Mendoza first, but after that, teams probably stay put without a rush on positions like cornerback, staying at 12 could play to the Cowboys strengths anyway.

They already added a day to pick by trading defensive tackle, Osa Odi Hazua, leaving them with three selections in the first three rounds, including two in the top 20.

Draft dynamics can shift fast, especially closer to pick 20, but grabbing high impact defenders early might outweigh extra later picks for maximum punch.