Andrew Buller-Russ
Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys haven’t been afraid to swing a blockbuster trade or two. It’s why the Cowboys have two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Picking at 12 and 20, many draft experts predict the Cowboys to add multiple defenders in the first round. Yet, what if the Cowboys use their extra draft capital to trade up for a potential superstar prospect? For Dallas, anything is possible.
Recently, The Athletic‘s Vic Tafur put together a fresh mock draft in which he had the Cowboys do just that, by pulling off a blockbuster trade. Tafur’s idea was for the Cowboys to package picks No. 12 and 20 to move all the way up to No. 3, where they’d select star running back prospect Jeremiyah Love out of Notre Dame.
The Cardinals have the No. 3 pick, and as a team with no defined starting quarterback and several other holes, Arizona has a lot of needs. Trading down could be a great way for the Cardinals to strengthen their whole roster, rather than just getting one blue-chip prospect.
As for the Cowboys? An aggressive move for Love could take an already good offense and make it elite. Love not only can become one of the NFL’s leading rushers, but he’ll also be able to help Dallas on all three downs, making an impact as a pass-catcher too.
While running backs are not typically viewed as a position that is worth a top-three selection, Love is a special talent. Some regard him as the most talented player in the draft class. For Dallas, two first-round picks may be a price worth paying.
Related: Dallas Cowboys Lost Out on Two Key Free Agent Signings
