New NFL Mock Draft from Dane Brugler Features Cowboys Trade, Updated Jeremiyah Love Landing Spot

As the 2026 draft draws nearer, one expert made a bold prediction that the Dallas Cowboys would make a major move to land the player of their dreams.

The Athletic's Dane Brugler predicted in his latest mock draft that the Cowboys would trade the 12th and 20th picks in this year's draft and a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns to acquire the No. 6 pick and a 2026 second-round pick. He then projected the Cowboys to select Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles

"The Cowboys could sit at No. 12 and have an impact defender fall to them, but it won't be surprising if the organization gets aggressive," Brugler stated. "Styles would not only be an immediate starter at a position of need, but also wear the green dot as a rookie."

Styles is viewed as an ideal fit for a Cowboys defense that ranked last in the NFL with 30.1 points allowed per game during the 2025 season. However, he's unlikely to fall to No. 12 after impressing scouts throughout the pre-draft process. B/R's NFL Scouting Department predicted in its mock draft that he would be selected seventh overall by the Washington Commanders.

Brugler's mock draft would be a dream scenario for the Cowboys, as Styles would be an instant difference-maker.

With Styles off the board, Brugler predicted that the Commanders would use the No. 7 pick to select Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.

"A backfield that includes Jayden Daniels and Love would be bad news for defenses," Brugler wrote. "Though the price tag is high for the position, Love has the talent to become a top-five running back before the end of his rookie contract."

We'll find out where Styles, Love and the rest of this year's prospects land when the 2026 NFL draft commences on April 23.