AGGRESSIVE: 3 Trade-Up Scenarios The Dallas Cowboys SHOULD Consider Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft!

Summary

Episode Overview

Main Theme:
The April 6, 2026, episode of Locked On Cowboys, hosted by Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool, delves deep into aggressive trade-up scenarios the Dallas Cowboys should consider ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The focus is on three tiers of potential trade-ups—moving into the top-4, top-6, or just ahead of key rivals—to secure impactful defensive playmakers, especially pass rushers and linebackers. The hosts analyze each scenario's feasibility, costs, implications, and strategic fit, weighing how such moves would position Dallas for both immediate impact and future flexibility.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Aggressive Trade-Ups Make Sense for the Cowboys

• Both hosts agree that as the draft approaches, it's increasingly realistic that Dallas might make a bold move up the board, especially to address defensive needs.
  Marcus Moser (01:12): "It sure feels like the Cowboys might trade up in the draft. We'll tell you some trades that make sense."

• The focus: trading up for blue-chip defenders—primarily edge rushers or versatile linebackers who can instantly elevate the unit.

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2. Aggressive Trade-Up to No. 4 with the Titans

Timestamps: 02:10 – 10:29

The Titans as Trade Partners

• Tennessee is building around a young quarterback and might prefer more picks over just one high selection.

• The Titans' needs do not necessarily line up with the value at pick 4, which could motivate them to move down for additional assets.

• Landon McCool (02:42):
  "These teams...all have kind of needs that don't necessarily line up with their draft position. Right. So that would be a motivating factor for them wanting to trade down."

Cost and Structure

• The proposed trade: Cowboys send picks 12 & 20; receive pick 4 and a day-two pick (like the Titans’ third-rounder, No. 66), possibly also sending back a later pick (No. 112).
• The goal is to maintain a presence in the top 100 selections, even after moving up.

Target Players at No. 4

• The two most realistic targets: Arvel Reese and David Bailey (consensus top-tier edge rushers).
• Marcus (05:26):
  "For Dallas, if you're trading up to 4, I've got to assume it's for one of two players. Right. It's probably for Arvel Reese or David Bailey."

Player Preferences and Fit

• Landon (07:00):
  "I have Arvel Reese higher, just because I think you get similar pass rush value as Bailey—with the bonus of Reese being a capable linebacker too."

• Marcus counters that Bailey could have a more immediate impact as a pure pass rusher.

Roster Implications

• Trading up for Reese would partially address LB and EDGE at once; moving up for Bailey fulfills the pass rush but leaves more to solve at LB and DB.
• The Cowboy’s recent additions at safety and corner free them to focus heavily on pass rusher at the top.

Flexibility on Day Two

• There's room to package third-rounders (66 & 92) to move up into the top-50—a way to nab another immediate starter at LB or CB (e.g., Jacob Rodriguez).

• Marcus (09:39):
  "You could package pick 66 and 92 together and go up to about pick 50 or so... grab your favorite linebacker. What if it's Jacob Rodriguez at pick 45?"

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3. Trade-Up to No. 6 with the Browns

Timestamps: 12:28 – 20:32

The Browns’ Openness

• Cleveland is open to trading down, doesn't know what they'll do yet, and prioritizes accumulating top-50 picks—making them an intriguing partner.

• Marcus (14:08):
  "A lot of people suggest it'll be cheaper to trade up than in previous years because teams aren’t moving up for QBs this time."

The Price

• 12 & 20 for 6 and 39 is floated, but there's debate about including 2027 picks due to the projected richness of that class.
• Some technical hurdles (can Dallas trade its ‘27 pick, depending on prior obligations?).

Strategy for All Sides

• Teams are stockpiling ‘27 picks for potential QB movement ("arms race" for top QBs/pass rushers).

• Landon (17:24):
  "You probably are trading those picks for their equivalent value... not a round down tax like you normally do."

Target Players at No. 6

• If Arvel Reese/David Bailey slides, the move makes sense.

• Sonny Styles (top LB) and Monsor Delane (top CB) are valid targets if edge guys are gone.

  • Landon (18:13):
    "For Sonny Styles, it's a lot to pay, but if you feel like we do about him, you could convince yourself it’s worth it. For Monsor Delane, yes—he's the top CB in this class."

• If Bailey is still there, trading up might require settling for a third-rounder slightly lower in value (e.g., No. 70).

• Marcus highlights realistic scenarios that allow impact defenders to fall to 6, considering rival needs.

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4. Small Trade-Up: Jumping Rivals for a Key Defender

Timestamps: 22:29 – 28:41

Rationale

• Instead of an aggressive leap, perhaps Dallas just moves from 12 to 9 (KC’s pick), jumping ahead of Miami and Cincinnati (both shopping in similar aisles for edge/CB).

• Marcus (22:56):
  "If Caleb Downs is there at 10, I think the Bengals are going to take him. So what would it cost to jump the Dolphins and Bengals in the draft order?"

Cost

• The move would likely cost a third-round pick (No. 92) plus a late fifth.

  • Landon (22:56):
    "Third round pick plus your last fifth round pick would probably do it."

Tactical Fit

• KC rarely drafts top-10 and could move back for an offensive lineman (e.g., Kaden Proctor, Kenyon Sadiq) while picking up picks.
• Dallas could then guarantee a top-tier defender (Caleb Downs, or whoever unexpectedly slips to that range) without sacrificing as much capital as a top-4/6 trade.

Most Likely Scenarios

• The hosts think this type of move is more reactive—done only if a specific desired defender slides.

• Landon (26:45):
  "If Washington passes on Styles...okay, this is our opportunity. If he gets past seven and down to nine, that's a risk I'm willing to take."

• Marcus and Landon see this as the most palatable, giving Dallas leverage without overly mortgaging the future.

• Landon (28:14):
  "You're not giving up a ton...you're allowing the draft to come to you, then being proactive to take your opportunity."

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the risk of trading up for a defender:
  Marcus (07:21): "If you're the Cowboys and you're trading two first round picks to go up and get a player, do you kind of need the guy that's more polished, that can help you right away?"

• On trade-down motivations:
  Landon (03:57): "All these teams...need value on the player they're trying to target, that would motivate them to trade down."

• On the competitive 2027 draft class:
  Landon (14:34): "2027 is generally being considered to be more rich, specifically for quarterbacks and pass rushers—teams may want to use this year’s trade to get into that class."

• On the arms race for future draft capital:
  Marcus (17:02): "It’s an arms race between teams collecting first round picks to have the bounty to potentially move into the first overall pick to get those guys."

• On small trade-up flexibility:
  Landon (28:14): "This is probably the best of the three...You're allowing the draft to come to you...and then being proactive to take your opportunity."

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Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamp Range | Notes | |----------------------------------|-------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | Titans (Pick 4) Trade-Up | 02:10 – 10:29 | Structure, cost, targets (Reese, Bailey), draft capital | | Browns (Pick 6) Trade-Up | 12:28 – 20:32 | Cleveland's openness, ‘27 picks arms race, Styles/Delane | | Small Trade-Up (KC at 9) | 22:29 – 28:41 | Outmaneuvering rivals, cost, most practical scenario | | Notable player fit discussions | 06:54 – 10:29 | Reese vs. Bailey fit in Dallas | | Draft capital arms race | 16:49 – 17:24 | Teams stockpiling picks for '27 quarterbacks |

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Overall Tone & Takeaways

• The hosts are candid, energetic, and analytical, balancing boldness with caution regarding the Cowboys leveraging draft capital.
• Appreciation for strategic flexibility: Dallas shouldn’t feel compelled to move up unless the right defender falls, but bold, calculated risks could fill the roster’s most glaring holes.
• The 2027 draft looms large in the minds of NFL front offices, shaping immediate and future decision-making.

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Quick Reference: Proposed Trade-Up Scenarios

| Target Spot | Trade Package | Targeted Player(s) | Rationale | |-------------|--------------------------|---------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | No. 4 (TEN) | 12 + 20 for 4 + 66 | Arvel Reese, David Bailey | Blue-chip defender, fill premium need (EDGE/LB) | | No. 6 (CLE) | 12 + 20 (+ future pick) for 6 + 39/70 | Sonny Styles, Monsor Delane, Bailey (if falls) | Leverage arms race, capitalize on BPA or sliding defender | | No. 9 (KC) | 12 + 92 + late 5th for 9 | Caleb Downs or sliding top defender | Jump rivals, minimal commitment, act if top-5 talent slips |

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Summary:
The Cowboys have real opportunities to move aggressively in the 2026 NFL Draft for foundational defensive pieces. The risk/reward calculus depends on how the board falls, what the trade market values, and whether Dallas can maximize impact without mortgaging their future. The hosts’ favorite approach: have a plan, but stay agile and ready to pounce if the right defensive difference-maker slides into range.

Transcript

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[Landon McCool]

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[Marcus Moser]

it sure feels like the Cowboys might trade up in the draft. We'll tell you some trades that make sense. You are Locked on Cowboys, your daily Dallas Cowboys podcast, part of the Locked On Podcast network. Your team every day. Welcome back. I am your host Marcus Moser. He is Landon McCool and today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new customers can bet just $5 and get $250 in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Head over to FanDuel.com to get started on today's show. We are talking about the Dallas Cowboys potentially trading up in the 2026 NFL Draft. Landon it seems like every day that we get closer to the draft, a trade up becomes more realistic as the Cowboys try to find an impact defensive player.

[Landon McCool]

So we're going to go through a

[Marcus Moser]

couple different scenarios, different levels of trades, but I want to start with the Titans at 4. Over the weekend we heard some rumors and rumblings that the Cowboys might be interested in going up to number three to Arizona. We saw mocked by Bruce Feldman over the at the Athletic, but the Cowboys traded up to three to four. David Bailey I think the Titans at four are a much better trade partner and if the Cowboys are going up that far, Landon first of all, what would it cost and who do you think they would be going up for?

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, I mean I think that's the interesting thing. Just to kind of talk about the trades in general. Like, we, we've spoken about several different opportunities that the Cowboys may have with trading up, and these are some of the ones that we haven't. As we've continued to hear some of the more, more rumors go on and on. And I, and I think with Tennessee, it's interesting, they're in a kind of interesting spot because they obviously have their quarterback already. They're trying to build around a young quarterback, trying to build a team. So if they, if they have needs at 4, they may feel like they're going to get a better opportunity to build around their young quarterback if they have more bites of the apple. And they may just feel like the, the value of the positions that they're trying to get is better. What the Cowboys are picking so well,

[Marcus Moser]

and that's my read in the situation. Like, I think they would love to draft a receiver. They signed Wanda Robinson this off season. They have Calvin Ridley on a reduced contract, but they still needed number one receiver. And at four, it just feels a little rich for Carnell Tate.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah.

[Marcus Moser]

Makai lemon. But at 12, it's totally different. Right. And if the idea is that, hey, you can pick up two more first round picks at 12 and 20 and you've got pick at 35 now, you can rebuild that offense really quickly.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah. And this is a common theme with all of these trades. Right. Is that the, all these teams that we're going to talk about, they all have kind of needs that don't necessarily line up with their draft position. Right. So that would be a motivating factor for them wanting to trade down a little bit just to try to get value on the player that they're trying to target. Right. So.

[Marcus Moser]

And I could also see, I could also see a situation where like they really like Reuben Bane, maybe they feel like four is a little rich, but hey, if he's there at 12, that's a much more attainable spot to get up.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, exactly. So I think for, for a team like Tennessee, like, you know, maybe trying to kind of add around Cam Ward a little bit. If you threw them your 12 and you're 20, they would probably have to throw a day to pick back at you of some sort. It's probably from in the third round. I think they, I think we said 66 was what they. Is what they have in the third round.

[Marcus Moser]

66, correct. Yep.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah. I think, you know, there may be a little bit more haggling for the kind of last 10 or 15 points there. But I think that that would get you the main structure of a potential trade with, with Tennessee that would let you go up to four, you get another day to pick to kind of add to your third, your other third rounder. And you know, again, I, I think with a lot of these trades, one of the things you would like to do is try to keep the number of picks that you've got, especially the top 100, even if it's shuffling them around a little bit. I certainly think that this can make some sense.

[Marcus Moser]

Yeah, we should mention for Tennessee, they also have the first pick in the fourth round, pick 101. And that's always a really valuable pick. Teams love picking first at the start of days of the draft. For whatever reason. I know that pick really doesn't ever get traded as much as everybody thinks it does, but that is a pick that if you can't get 66, maybe you get one on one and maybe you get back a next year third or something like that. Right. I think this makes a ton of sense for Tennessee. They need a lot of players. Right. And if you could three times inside the top 35 selections, I think in this year's draft, I think that's a great way to do it. But for Dallas, if you're trading up for four, I've got to assume it's for one of two players. Right. It's probably for Arvel Reese or David Bailey and I, I honestly I, I can't see it being for anybody else.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, if you're going up that high for those two, I mean, you know, the top four, top five picks, it probably needs to be that perfect nexus of blue chip player and position of need at a pretty highly, you know, costed position. So edge rusher does seem like the, the, the, the position that would, so if you're, if you're high, if you're going that rate, I think going for Bailey, going for Reese maybe with the idea of, you know, playing him with some pass rusher a little bit to add to that value, I think that makes a ton of sense.

[Marcus Moser]

Of those two names, Arval Reese and David Bailey, which one would you prefer for Dallas?

[Landon McCool]

I think I have Arvl Reese higher, higher ranked on my board. You know, just so I would probably take Reese just because I think that you could get the similar value that you're hoping to get from Bailey from as a pass rusher and then on top of that you can play him as a very capable linebacker as well. So yeah, I think that's where I would go.

[Marcus Moser]

It's hard for me because I. I like Reese better, but I can also see a world in which David Bailey is the more impactful player right away because I just think he's a more natural pass rusher. Right. And if you're the Cowboys and you're trading two first round picks to go up and get a player, do you kind of need the guy that's more polished, that can help you right away? Maybe. I mean, I think you can at least make the case. But I wanted to ask you this part. Like, for this trade to happen, you really need the Cardinals at 3. First of all, not to be able to trade out of that spot, but probably take an offensive lineman there. And if that pick. If it's. If you. Let's say it is David Bailey. Excuse me, David Bailey, that's still on the board at 4. Would you pull the trigger on this trade if you're Dallas?

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, I probably still would. I view Reese as a more complete football player. I think has some issues against the run specifically. And, And I think, you know, but I do agree that his, his traits, his password traits are top end of this class. So I would probably go for either one of those two guys if they were available for. I. I would at least consider it. Yeah.

[Marcus Moser]

All right, so let's say the trade was the Cowboys give up 12 and 20. They get four and they get pick 66, but they've got to give up pick 112. Do you think you'd be able to build out the rest of your defense, you know, strong enough with picks that'd be 66 and 92, two picks in the third round. Could you find a linebacker at that spot? Could you find a quality cornerback spot? Or is it just not that big of a deal because you addressed your biggest need with a pass rusher?

[Landon McCool]

I mean, I think it depends on who you're getting. Right. Like, if you get Reese, it kind of helps you solve one and a half of the problems instead of just

[Marcus Moser]

kind of the way I feel. Yeah.

[Landon McCool]

Right. So I do think that that really makes it an easier task in the, in the day two. I, I think it's still possible, even with Bailey, just simply because you've done some work at cornerback already. So.

[Marcus Moser]

And safety, you grabbed safety is this off season.

[Landon McCool]

So I, I do think that if, if you sequence things, you know, right. And things fell for you right, in day two, you could still get the job done even if you took Bailey with the top of the trade.

[Marcus Moser]

Well, and I think you could also. I'M looking at the trade chart right now. You could package pick 66 and 92 together and you could go up to about pick 50 or so, maybe even a little bit higher, maybe up into the 45s. And listen, grab your favorite linebacker. What if it's. What if it's Jacob Rodriguez that you get at pick 45 and you grab the two Red Raiders with David Bailey and Jacob Rodriguez and that's what you do in the first two days of the draft? I mean, I know it's not maybe you were hoping to add more depth, but those are two guys I think are day one starters that instantly raise the ceiling and the floor of your defense.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, I mean, I think the part of this is understanding that if you're trading up, you're going to try to target top end talent as opposed to getting numbers. So you just have to understand that you're sacrificing that in this exercise.

[Marcus Moser]

All right, let's talk about another trade where the Cowboys aren't necessarily losing valuable picks, but they are moving up in the draft. We'll get to that next this episode is brought to you by Indeed. Workplace Chaos Deadline stacking up Indeed inbox overflowing in the one position that you have to fill is still sitting open when the pressure's on and you need the right hire. This is a job for Indeed. Sponsored Jobs. Indeed Sponsored Jobs help you reach the people who actually fit what you're looking for with skills, experience, location. So you're not just hoping that the right candidate stumbles across your post. And here's a stat that says it all in the minute that I've been talking to you. Companies like yours have already made 27 hires on Indeed according to Indeed Data Worldwide. So if you're hiring, spend less time searching and more time interviewing candidates who check all of your boxes with Indeed Sponsored Jobs. Just go to indeed.com podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit to help give your job the premium status that it deserves@ Indeed.com podcast Indeed.com podcast terms and conditions apply. Need to hire. This is a job for Indeed. Sponsored Job

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[Marcus Moser]

Welcome back to the Locked on Cowboys podcast. Don't forget to check out the Everydayer Club for ad free episodes and access to a group chat with Landon and I and other listeners of the show. Tap the link in the show notes or go to LockedOn cowboys.supercast.com to join the club. All right, so that's the trade up to Ford. I think that's going to be the most aggressive we could potentially see the Cowboys being later on this month. But what if the Cowboys want to go up to six? We've heard from Andrew Berry that, who was notorious for trading down, that they don't know what they're doing with this pick yet. We know that the Cowboys want to go get some impact playmakers. Who would you be targeting at 6 and what would it cost?

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, I think it's a lot of the same names. I think you just start adding other targets that you would be, you know, kind of interested in. We've talked about trading with Cleveland previously kind of in more of the sort of elevator sort of trade where we're going up and down at the same time. If you wanted to go Simply up to 6, right, like the trade chart has it at 1600 points, it's going to cost you something in the equivalent range of a second round pick, which you don't have. So you would either have to trade your first round pick and then get an equivalent back. So let's say if you did 12 and 20, which would give you 20, 50 points and then maybe you got back Cleveland's second round pick and then you'd have to give them some more points back. Like it would be, it would be a little bit, it would be a little bit more comprehensive just because you kind of have to keep balancing the points out a little bit.

[Marcus Moser]

Well, let me ask you this. I, I've seen on Twitter that a lot of people suggesting that it's going to be cheaper to trade up than in previous years because they're not going to be going up for quarterbacks and probably not receivers. Cleveland has no problem losing on some of these deals to pick up more, you know, top 50 picks. Do you think there's any chance that it could just be 12 and 20 for 6 and 39?

[Landon McCool]

I mean, it's possible. I, I also think that we need to kind of introduce the concept that a lot of these teams are going to be probably more interested in 20, 27 picks. Right. We've talked about this concept before. 2027 is just generally being considered to be a more rich specifically because of the potential quarterbacks and pass rushers. We'll talk about that a little bit more in a little while. But I do think that there is the possibility that you could trade down or trade up on pennies on the dollar just because teams are looking to kind of get value in their picks and are willing to take a little bit less in a trade up situation because they can get value in trading back and picking the players they want at the lesser price. But I also think that there's the opportunity if you to, to throw in a 2027 pick and, and if you didn't want to necessarily give up a pick in this round or I mean, sorry, this draft you could throw in a 2027 first or second rounder. And I think the question would then become as well like similar to how we feel like you're, you're probably getting a premium to trade up this year just because of supply and demand economics. Do you get a similar bump on 2027 because there's so much demand to get into that class? Could you. Do you get like, you know, normally you have a tax when you trade, right? You get a around tax. So does that happen? Can you throw in a 20 like you could you throw in 12 and then a 2027 first round pick to get up to six with Cleveland? I think that's something that's worth considering as well.

[Marcus Moser]

What's hard about that is there has to be some kind of language because I don't know if the Cowboys can trade their first round pick because it's tied up into the Quinn and Williams trade. Now you can get around it a little bit, but I don't know how much Cleveland's going to value the lesser of two first round picks. Right? Because I would say there's a good chance that the Cowboys or the packers are going to be in the playoffs next year and that automatically means it's going to be in the 20s, right. That still might be valuable for Cleveland because even if it's, let's say it's 28 and you're picking at 3 next year, that might allow you to go from 3 to 1 or 3 to 2 to go up and get the quarterback that you need. Right?

[Landon McCool]

I do think it's an arms race. That's the other thing too is it's an arms race that's happening right now between teams that are collecting first round picks in order to have the bounty to potentially move into the first overall pick to get those guys. Right.

[Marcus Moser]

Yeah. Because I think the jets have three first round picks next year with the Sauce Gardner trade and the Quinn and Williams trade. So yeah, if you're Cleveland, you've got to find a way to probably pick up another first round pick. And even if it's 24, 25, 26, it's just not that big of a deal. You need the extra draft capital and maybe that's how it gets done. Maybe it is 12 and your 20, 27 first, however you word it.

[Landon McCool]

Or a second or a second. Like I think. Yeah, like that's the thing is I, you probably are trading those picks for their equivalent value, not necessarily for a round down tax like you normally do. So maybe you trade as a second round pick at a second round pick price. Right. And let's see if you can maneuver around that way.

[Marcus Moser]

All right, so I'm going to give you a couple different scenarios going up with Cleveland. So let's assume that it's not going to be David Bailey or arvel Reese at 6, because I, I suppose it's possible. If the Titans pass on like let's say David Bailey, I don't see the Giants taking him at five. So I, I guess it's possible. But would you do a trade of let's say 12 and 20 for 6 and 39 if it's for Sonny Styles or Monsoon Delaney?

[Landon McCool]

I think for Sonny Styles it's, it's. Yes. I mean, I think it's a lot to pay to go up to get a linebacker. However, if you feel the way that we do about Sonny Styles, then I think you could probably convince yourself that it's worth it. For Monsor Delane, I think yes. Because you, you view him as the top corner in this class. I think he's checked all the boxes. I think he's going to be a really good fit for your defense. So I think those are the two guys that you actually be looking at outside of the obvious falling of, you know, one of the other guys we just mentioned.

[Marcus Moser]

All right, so what about this scenario? You've got the Cardinals, let's say they take Francis Maui Noah, the offensive lineman for Miami. The Titans take Caleb Downs or Reuben Bane at 4. Actually, let's do it like this. They take Sonny Styles at 4, the Giants take Jeremiah Love or Carnell Tate at 5, and David Bailey is available at 6. Would you feel comfortable trading 12 and 20 for let's say 6 in pick 70, which is the Browns third round pick?

[Landon McCool]

I feel like, I feel like you're not getting what you probably should there,

[Marcus Moser]

but it's not too different from the, the trade that we just did. You know where you trade with Tennessee, but you are dropping a little bit lower down in the third round.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah. Yeah, I think I probably would still do it. I would do it because I think you're getting an opportunity that you probably still, you wouldn't. Rarely, you wouldn't normally do. I think Bailey falling within that kind of striking distance, not having to pay as much, it's. You're taking a loss a little bit, but you're also not paying as much as you would be willing to potentially trade up for Tennessee.

[Marcus Moser]

I think I would do that. Right. If I can just, if I can use those two first round picks, go up and get David Bailey, still keep the two third round picks and the fourth round pick, try to build the rest of your defense out with some depth, I think I would do it. I honestly, I don't think it's all that unrealistic to think that David Bailey could fall to, to six because the Giants aren't going to take another edge rusher and Cleveland isn't either. Cleveland's going to want to bail out of that spot and I just don't know if teams like Washington that doesn't have a second round pick. I, I don't know if the Bengals would be willing to trade up. I don't know if Miami would be willing to trade up. I think maybe Dallas would be the team that had the best offer there.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, I mean Cleveland wouldn't be willing to trade, wouldn't be willing to draft an edge unless they traded one of their edges for certain reasons.

[Marcus Moser]

Still working the Miles Garrett.

[Landon McCool]

Still working on the Miles Garrett. Guys, I'm not giving up on it yet.

[Marcus Moser]

All right, so let's talk about a small trade up because this is something that we haven't discussed enough on this podcast. What if the Cowboys just want to jump a couple teams ahead of them? What would that trade look like? We'll get to that next. This episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA playoffs are here with every possession matters. It's going to be the best playoffs that we've ever had. Every matchup is magnified and every game can swing a series. And right now FanDuel is giving new customers a great way to get in on the action. And here's what I like about it. You could bet just $5 and get $250 in bonus bets if your first bet wins. I also love the app. It makes it so easy to follow the action with player stats, trends and matchups all in one place. And during the playoffs, that extra insight really matters when you're looking at the stars, the role players and the key moments. It makes the entire playoff experience more engaging from start to finish. So head over to FanDuel.com to get started, that is FanDuel.com FanDuel play your game.

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[Marcus Moser]

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[Marcus Moser]

the Locked on Cowboys podcast. We'd like to thank you for making us your first listen. Every single day let's talk about a small trade off and I'm looking really at like the Chiefs at nine because I think the Bengals have a lot of, a lot of similar needs as the Cowboys. They both need to add rushers. They could use cornerback help. If Caleb Downs is there at 10, I think the Bengals are going to take them. So what would it cost to jump the Dolphins in the Bengals in the draft order?

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, I think it's probably going to cost your your third round pick. Right? And, and I think that that's probably just it may cost you a little bit more than that. I'm looking at the chart right now. I think that your, your 92nd overall pick according to draft tech is worth 132 points. If you add that with your 12th overall pick, which is 1200 points, that gives you 1332. Kansas City's pick is worth 1350. So you're about 18 points short. So that's probably like the bottom your, your last fifth round pick would probably do it. So if you did that third round pick and then a fifth round pick that could get you up to where Kansas City is. And I think that this is an interesting one because we haven't really discussed again, we haven't really discussed much of these trades other than the the Cleveland one in some other form or fashion, but I think Kansas City is an interesting trade partner for just what you just mentioned. Right. Cincinnati, Miami are both teams that you feel like could be really spoilers for you because they're going to be potentially getting defensive players. They have the shopping in the same aisles that you are potentially. And I also think that if you wanted to be, you know, reactive to a certain player who started falling. Right. Like, and again, any one of the names that we've discussed previous to now, like, and, and I would even include Caleb Downs here. Right. If you, if you felt like, man, I just want to secure that I get Caleb Downs, you could certainly go up to Kansas City and get the opportunity to go get the guy that you want. Right. I do think that this is one of those trades that if the Cowboys had this in their back pocket on, on draft night, they see a specific guy start to fall, I wouldn't be shocked if they pulled out the phone and said, hey, Casey, we talked about this previous, our guys coming. You want to do a trade back simply because I think for Kansas City, you know, they don't get a ton. Kansas City doesn't get a lot of opportunities to, to draft in the top 10 because of, you know, Patrick Mahomes and all their success. But I don't know that. I don't know that there's a lot of bang for their buck at that pick, you know, for what Kansas City is specifically looking for. It's a lot like some of these other situations where Kansas City may be looking for a defensive interior guy or they may be looking for a guy like Reuben Bain potentially, and maybe they feel like they can trade back and get that guy. Maybe they're not interested in the Caleb Downs or, or maybe they feel like if they need a wide receiver or an offensive lineman again like some of these other teams, and honestly, that's what,

[Marcus Moser]

that's what I keep looking at is like, maybe they, maybe they love Kaden Proctor like they love these big offensive linemen. Right. But maybe they feel like nine's a little too expensive.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah.

[Marcus Moser]

But if we get him at 12 and we add a third round pick, boom. Or I'll give you a different guy. What if it's Kenyon Sadiq? Like, hey, we want Kenyon Sadiq, but we know that the Bengals and the Dolphins and the Cowboys aren't necessarily going to take them, but let's move back a couple spots and be right in front of the Rams. We'll take him there and then we'll pick up another top 100 pick to keep building out our defense. It just feels like that's the type of move Kansas City is going to make and just add all these picks. I, and honestly, for Dallas, like, I think it makes a ton of sense. And then at 20, I bet you the Cowboys would trade down maybe from like 20 to 31, try to recoup that third round picks. You're not necessarily losing picks, but it guarantees you that you get probably a top five or six player on your board.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah. And, and again, like, I think that this is one of those trades that's probably more, like I said, reactive. Like they have it in their back pocket knowing. I feel like the other ones are very specific. Like you are targeting someone you're going up. I think for the Kansas City one is like, oh, wow, this guy got past Washington. Let's go ahead and go up and get our guy.

[Marcus Moser]

Who do you think that would be? Like, who? Because I, I have a hard time believing. I don't think David Bailey gets out of the top six. Right. I think somebody would come up. I have a hard time seeing Sonny Styles getting outside the top seven. Do you think?

[Landon McCool]

Well, that's, that's who I think it is, is Styles. Honestly, I think. I think if, if, if Washington passes on Styles, then you're like, okay, this is our opportunity. Right. Like, I, I think we talked about it with Cleveland, right? Like, trading up to six to go get Sonny Styles is. I love Sonny Styles, but that's still kind of. But if he gets past seven and you're getting all the way down to nine, like, it almost feels like, okay, that's, that's a level of risk I'm willing to take. Right. And, and, and I, that's a willing of risk that I may be willing to go get it, take on for this player.

[Marcus Moser]

And the way that happens is you have, you would have like the Browns take Monroe Freeling, the, the commanders at 7, take Carnell Tate or Monsoon Delaine, and then the Saints at 8, just take the other guy. Right? Maybe that for them it's Delane and that's how Sunny Styles gets to nine. And I think Cincinnati would take him, but I think that's the one spot that Kansas City probably feels pretty good about. They have the Bolton who they signed to a big contract. Maybe they just feel like, hey, we've. He's a really good player, but we've got to address the offensive line. We got to address the secondary. Let's try to get another top 100 pick out of it. I honestly, I think it's makes a lot of sense for both sides. And of the three trades, it's probably the one I like the most.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, I mean, you're not giving up a ton, right? And you're, you're being proactive. I think all these are obviously being proactive, but I think this is, this one specifically is taking advantage of the gifts that are given to you and then being proactive to go get your guy. Right. You're not just, you're allowing the draft to come to you a little bit, and then you're being proactive to take your opportunity. So, yeah, I, I tend to agree. This is probably the best of the three.

[Marcus Moser]

All right, that is it for today's show. We'd like to thank you for making Laton Cowboys your first listen every single day. Make sure you subscribe and follow the podcast so you get all of the latest episodes. And if you never miss an episode, the Everydayer Club is built for you. Get Locked on Cowboys ad free members only, discord access, and so much more. Head over to lockdown cowboys.supercast.com to join the club. And for those of you on video, we can send you the first ever 24. 7 national NBA YouTube channel. And on audio, make your second listen the Locked on NFL Draft podcast. Follow Landon on Twitter @McCool BCB. I'm @Marcus Underscore Moser, and we will see you right back here tomorrow.

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