New NFL Draft Rumors on Cowboys, Lions Trade Buzz Detailed by Insider Ahead of Round 1

In the final hours before the start of the 2026 NFL draft, two teams picking outside the top 10 on Thursday night that could be looking to move up are the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported opposing teams view the Lions as a "trade-up threat" from their current spot at No. 17, while the Cowboys are exploring options to move either up or down with their two picks at 12 and 20.

Even though Cowboys are looking at various things right now, Fowler did note they aren't looking to make a "crazy high" move up because they don't want to give up the 20th pick. The Cleveland Browns at six and Kansas City Chiefs at nine are considered potential entry points for Dallas.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters on Wednesday that he's more interested in waiting on other teams to call them and there have been some discussions about potential deals so far.

Another thing Fowler mentioned in a separate report is that the Cowboys are "comfortable" staying where they are because they feel there are blue-chip players who will be available at both 12 and 20.

Fowler did cite Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles as a player opposing scouts feel Dallas would have interest in moving up to get.

However, given where most projections have Styles going, it's hard to imagine the Cowboys not having to include both of their first-round picks to get there.

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B/R's NFL scouting department has Styles projected to the New York Giants at No. 5. That would also complicate things for Dallas because the Giants would seem unlikely to make a trade with a division rival, so the Cowboys would need to try moving up to four where the Tennessee Titans pick.

Another potential compromising issue is the Cowboys don't have a second-round pick this year stemming from the Quinnen Williams trade. After the 20th pick, they don't select again until the third round at No. 92 overall.

As for what the Lions are interested in, Fowler cited the offensive line as an area of need and a feeling that a run on tackles could come in the top half of round one.

The Lions are projected to select Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor in B/R's final mock, but he has been frequently connected to the Browns throughout the pre-draft process.

Cleveland can sit at No. 6 and get an offensive lineman, but it's not hard to imagine Proctor still being available if general manager Andrew Berry moves down a few spots to pick up some extra capital.