Locked On Cowboys Podcast Episode Summary

Episode Title: RARE TALENT: The Sonny Styles Debate—Should The Cowboys PASS On Elite LB For Positional Value?
Hosts: Marcus Mosher, Landon McCool
Date: February 18, 2026

Overview

This episode dives into a pivotal draft debate for the Dallas Cowboys—should they use the 12th overall pick to select elite linebacker Sonny Styles, or take advantage of the depth at linebacker and address more premium positions like edge rusher or cornerback early in the draft? Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool discuss the value of positional draft strategy, potential free agent targets, trade scenarios, and Cowboys-Steelers connections now that Mike McCarthy is Pittsburgh’s head coach.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Sonny Styles Dilemma: Generational LB or Positional Value?

Timestamp: [01:01]-[10:58]

• Context: Cowboys fans are fixated on Sonny Styles at pick 12—but is linebacker the best use of premium draft capital?

• Styles as a Prospect:

  • Landon highlights that Sonny Styles (and Arvell Reese) are far above the rest of this LB class:

    "Those two guys are several levels above any of the other linebackers in this class...not going to say generational, but pretty close." – Landon McCool [02:28]

  • Marcus compares Styles to Roquan Smith as the last LB with a similar grade:

    "The last linebacker I had a similar grade on was Roquan Smith back in 2018." – Marcus Mosher [03:08]

• Approach to the Position:

  • Landon suggests a multi-pronged approach—spend on a high-end free agent (like Devin Lloyd), possibly draft a LB later, but consider using the 12th pick on a more premium position:

    "Maybe a better solution is to try to attack that [linebacker] position in the free agent market and then go get the guys you need … in the first round." – Landon McCool [05:58]

  • Marcus agrees with the logic of maximizing positional value, pointing out LB is easier to address via free agency or on day two:

    "You can get a starting, quality linebacker on day two...then use your premium draft capital on edges and corners." – Marcus Mosher [06:22]

• Draft Trends:

  • Noted that PFF mock drafters are pairing Styles to Dallas almost 50% of the time at pick 12, showing the fanbase’s strong desire [06:22].
  • Value of key positions (edge/corner) highlighted—edge rushers are pricier in free agency than even top LBs:

    "Even an average defensive end has more value on the open market than Devin Lloyd." – Marcus Mosher [08:18]

  • On Styles’ value:

    "Zero problem drafting Sonny Styles at 12, but I don’t know that I would feel super great about drafting any other linebacker at 20." – Landon McCool [09:09]

2. Draft Trade-Back Philosophy & Market Dynamics

Timestamp: [12:55]-[21:39]

• Class Depth & Value Chart Strategy:

  • Landon advocates for an adaptive trade value chart based on each draft’s talent depth:

    "It’s smart for teams to create trade value charts every season… Scarcity is going to be part of the equation." – Landon McCool [13:41]

  • Current draft lacks elite top-end talent, so the dropoff between picks 18-35 is minimal, making trading back more palatable.
  • It’s OK to lose some 'chart value' if it nets more contributors for a roster with lots of needs.

• Real-World Example:

  • Marcus walks through his mock trade for FanSided: Cowboys trade 20 for 30 + a 3rd (pick 90):

    “In this mock, I had the Cowboys just trading back for a third round pick… I wouldn’t hate it.” – Marcus Mosher [16:16]

  • Both agree: staying in round one is key to keep the fifth-year option. Dropping from 20 to 27 is reasonable, but falling out of round one requires more compensation.

• Would Cowboys trade back before the draft?

  • Landon is comfortable making a trade-back deal before draft day, since the talent plateau makes surprises unlikely:

    "I have no problem doing the trade now...anything in between 12 and 20, it’s all plateauing as far as I’m concerned." – Landon McCool [21:11]

  • Marcus notes logistical and strategic reasons both for and against making early trades, including not tipping your draft intentions [20:31].

3. Cowboys-Steelers Trade Connections Under McCarthy

Timestamp: [23:10]-[27:54]

• Analyzing Potential Player Movement:

  • With Mike McCarthy now head coach in Pittsburgh, could ex-Cowboys land with the Steelers?
  • Likely trade chips named:
    • Backup OL (DJ Bass, Brock Hoffman) on RFA deals; Steelers may have holes, especially at guard.
    • Free agents/role players (C.J. Goodwin, Malik Davis, Jalen Tolbert, Jonathan Mingo) could follow McCarthy via free agency rather than trades.
  • On Tolbert as a fit:

    "I think McCarthy likes Tolbert a lot. That one makes a ton of sense. I wouldn't be shocked at all if Tolbert ended up there." – Marcus Mosher [24:53]

• Trade Value & Roster Implications:

  • Cowboys are unlikely to keep both Bass and Hoffman due to cost; trading one (perhaps for a 5th/6th or pick swap) is probable:

    "Would you do it for a 6th… I think I’d try to shoot for a little more…maybe a pick swap." – Landon McCool [27:24]

  • The hosts agree roster realities and salary cap make it unlikely for splashier deals—cost-controlled backups are most likely to move.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Sonny Styles’ Unique Talent:

  "I don't want to...say they're generational because that's...well, no, but I was trying to think, the last linebacker I had a similar grade on...was Roquan Smith."
  —Landon McCool/Mosher [03:08]

• Valuing Positional Scarcity:

  "Even an average defensive end has more value on the open market than Devin Lloyd. It doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s more valuable on the field, but it’s a lot easier to find quality linebackers...than a superstar defensive end.”
  —Marcus Mosher [08:18]

• Draft Trade Realities:

  "The value chart is a guide. It’s not immutable...it should be adjustable based on a wide variety of things that are changing constantly."
  —Landon McCool [13:41]

• Pre-draft Trade Impressions:

  "If I was truly missing out, I would have gotten them at 12. And anything in between 12 and 20...it’s all plateauing as far as I'm concerned."
  —Landon McCool [21:11]

• On Cowboys-Steelers Player Links:

  "It's shocking how much the rosters have changed in a year and a lot of the guys that McCarthy had success with are just locked up to long-term deals."
  —Marcus Mosher [25:59]

Segment Timestamps

• Intro & Styles Draft Debate: [01:01]–[10:58]
• Draft Value & Trade-Back Discussion: [12:55]–[21:39]
• Cowboys-Steelers Trade Connections: [23:10]–[27:54]

Takeaways for Cowboy Fans

• Cowboys have genuine interest/fan momentum for Sonny Styles at 12, but long-term roster planning may favor adding a cornerstone at edge or corner and supplementing LB with free agency and day-two picks.
• The relative depth from picks 18-35 means Dallas can trade back in round one for more picks with minimal talent drop-off.
• Expect potential movement of cost-controlled Cowboys reserves to Pittsburgh, especially backup offensive linemen, but don’t anticipate blockbuster roster swaps.
• The Cowboys’ roster-building strategy underlines positional value, cost control, and adaptability in a unique 2026 draft landscape.

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