The NFL Draft rumor mill is churning at full speed, and one of the league's most iconic franchises might be preparing to make the splash of the night. According to a fresh report, the Dallas Cowboys are seriously considering a monumental leap up the draft board to secure the third overall pick.
While the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets are locked into the top two slots, the Arizona Cardinals' No. 3 selection has become the epicenter of trade speculation. ESPN NFL analyst Peter Schrager threw a massive log on that fire Friday morning, suggesting America's Team could be the club making the aggressive move.
"I have heard talk that the Cowboys might be one of the teams that's moving up all the way to three," Schrager stated on ESPN's 'Get Up.' He indicated that if Dallas can't find a trade partner to move down from their current spots, they might instead opt for a "big swing" in the opposite direction.
Jerry Jones's Impatience Fuels Fire
The driving force behind this potential gamble is no secret: owner Jerry Jones's growing frustration. Years of playoff disappointments have created a palpable urgency at The Star to finally break through and return to the Super Bowl. This impatience could manifest in a draft-night stunner, with Jones authorizing a costly package to land a premier talent.
Such a move would represent a stark shift in recent draft philosophy. The Cowboys have used their last four first-round selections exclusively on trench players—three offensive linemen and one defensive lineman. Since taking wide receiver CeeDee Lamb in 2020, they've avoided using a first-round pick on an offensive skill position player. A jump to No. 3 would shatter that pattern, putting them in range for a dynamic playmaker like running back Jeremiyah Love or an elite pass rusher.
The Steep Price of Ambition
Pulling off this deal, however, would require a king's ransom. Dallas currently holds the 12th and 20th overall picks (the latter acquired from the Green Bay Packers). Bridging the gap from the middle of the round to the top three is a monumental task that would likely involve multiple future high draft choices. It's the kind of all-in maneuver reserved for teams convinced they are one superstar away from contention.
The speculation aligns with a broader sentiment around the league regarding this draft class. Many teams are reportedly underwhelmed by the top-tier prospects and are more interested in trading down to accumulate more capital, particularly for the stronger 2027 draft. The Cowboys, it seems, might be betting against that grain, seeing unique value at the very top of the board. For more on the top prospects available, check out Kiper's Final 2026 Big Board.
If the Cowboys execute this bold plan, it would instantly become the defining storyline of draft night. It would signal that Jerry Jones is done with incremental progress and is ready to leverage future assets for immediate star power. The pressure in Dallas is at a boiling point, and a conservative approach may no longer be an option. As one of the league's most aggressive owners, Jones has never been afraid to make headlines.
Will the Cowboys stay put, trade down, or indeed make the stunning jump? The answer will reshape their roster and define their trajectory for years to come. With the draft just hours away, all eyes are on the Dallas war room. For more on the swirling trade rumors impacting other teams, see our report on the Kyle Pitts trade talks heating up.
