Pundits have widely discussed the Dallas Cowboys as a team which could trade into the top 10 of the 2026 NFL Draft. But this week, one mammoth trade idea in particular is getting a lot of getting a lot of momentum — a move up to No. 3 for edge rusher David Bailey.
Pro Football Focus’s Bradley Locker and NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice each made that prediction in their new 2026 NFL mock drafts Monday.
In both cases, the trade proposal included the Cowboys sending multiple first-round picks to the Arizona Cardinals. In return, Dallas received the No. 3 overall selection.
“What if Jerry [Jones] ultimately decides to flip those two first-rounders (Nos. 12 and 20) for the third overall draft slot, where he can snatch up last season’s FBS co-leader in sacks? The Cowboys acquired the extra 1 (No. 20) in the Micah Parsons trade, so it’s narratively attractive to use it to acquire a fresh edge terror,” wrote Filice.
Bailey posted 14.5 sacks with 19.5 tackles for loss on his way to the All-American team in 2025. The fact he did it while playing college in Texas would be a PR bonus.
“With Bailey still available, multiple teams seem likely to try to move up the board to nab him,” wrote Locker. “Arguably, no franchise is better-positioned than Dallas, with the chance to dangle extra first-round picks in both 2026 and 2027.
“The Cowboys did trade for Rashan Gary and have Donovan Ezeiruaku returning, but Bailey’s 21.6% pass-rush win rate provides the team with a game-changing presence at the position.”
How David Bailey Would Fit With the Dallas Cowboys
GettyNFL draft analyst expect Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey to be a top 10 pick.
While the Cowboys did land Rashan Gary as Locker explained, Dallas whiffed on acquiring All-Pro edge rusher Maxx Crosby. But in Bailey, the Cowboys could have the next edge rusher star.
The Texas Tech product is a consensus top 5 pick. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein predicted he will be an immediate NFL starter.
“Bailey is extremely hard for linemen to stay in front of,” wrote Zierlein. “His draft grade is slightly tempered by a lack of desired size/length, but the explosiveness and athletic talent is truly elite.
“His sack production should carry over to the NFL as an odd-front rush linebacker with Pro Bowl upside.”
It’s the type of upside the Cowboys desperately need on defense. Dallas finished near the bottom of the league in most defensive categories during 2025, including points allowed, total defense, sacks and pass defense.
Will the Cowboys Trade Into the Top 10 of the 2026 NFL Draft?
GettyMultiple NFL mock drafts this week have predicted the Dallas Cowboys to trade up for Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey.
NFL insider Albert Breer wrote Monday that there are quite a few teams trying to trade out of the top 10 to gain more draft capital. The problem, though, is there aren’t a lot of teams trying to trade up.
Interestingly, Breer named the Cowboys one of the exceptions.
Breer discussed the Cowboys moving up for Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese. But the NFL insider assumed Bailey will go off the board to the New York Jets at No. 2.
In the mock drafts from Filice and Locker, though, it was Reese to the Jets at No. 2. That would make the Cowboys a trade up candidate for Bailey at No. 3 overall. They have the draft capital to make an aggressive move.
“They also have two first-round picks. On the draft value chart, the 12th and 20th picks add up to 2,050 points, which is in between the value of the third (2,200) and fourth (1,800) picks,” wrote Breer. “Would Arizona take a slight discount or ask Dallas for its third-rounder, which would leave the Cowboys with just one pick in the top 100?
“It’s interesting to ponder, anyway.”
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