Cowboys Rumored for Massive Trade Up Into Top 3 of 2026 NFL Draft
The Dallas Cowboys are not sitting still heading into Thursday's NFL Draft and there is real buzz building around just how aggressive they might get.
Peter Schrager on recent segment of ESPN's Get Up and dropped something worth paying attention to. According to him, Dallas is being talked about as a team that could make a move all the way up to the No. 3 overall pick, with the Arizona Cardinals open to trading back.
"There is talk right now around the league that the Cowboys might be a team that's either moving back if they feel like they definitely can't get one of those guys. They want to collect more picks. They don't have a second-round pick. Or, moving up and taking a big swing," Schrager said. "I have heard talk that they might be one of the teams that's moving up all the way to No. 3, if Arvell Reese is on the board. The Cardinals are willing to trade back."
Cowboys Eye Bold Draft Move as Ohio State's Arvell Reese Climbs Boards
Dallas currently holds picks at No. 12 and No. 20 in the first round. To get anywhere near the top three, they would need to put together a significant package. The front office has a clear need to upgrade on defense, and the belief is that Reese is the player they have circled.
The Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker has had a steady climb to get here. Back in 2023, he was primarily a special teams contributor, appearing in eight games with a limited defensive role.
A year later, he played all 16 games for the national championship-winning Buckeyes, made two starts, and finished with 43 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss.
Then in 2025, everything clicked. Reese earned First-team Associated Press All-American honors, took home Big Ten Linebacker of the Year, picked up First-team All-Big Ten recognition, and started all 14 games.
His ability to get downfield fast, cover sideline to sideline, and disrupt plays before they develop is exactly the kind of profile that moves up draft boards.
With Brian Schottenheimer, Stephen Jones, Will McClay, and Jerry Jones all shaping Dallas's approach, the next 24 hours will tell a lot about where the franchise is headed defensively.
The Cowboys could move back and collect picks. They could stay put. But if Reese is still on the board when Arizona is on the clock, there is a real chance Dallas makes a run at him.
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This story was originally published April 22, 2026 at 8:20 AM.