Cowboys Make Bold Move to Secure Top Pass Rusher in Latest NFL Mock Draft

The Dallas Cowboys are making noise ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. In the latest mock from NFL.com, Dallas pulled off a strategic trade with the Arizona Cardinals to land the player they covet most: Davis Bailey, the nations leader in sacks from last season.

With the Las Vegas Raiders expected to take quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick, and the New York Jets snagging linebacker and edge rusher Arvell Reese at number two, the Cowboys identified their moment. The Cardinals, holding the third pick, became the trade target.

Dallas sent Arizona its two first-round selections, numbers 12 and 20, assets the Cowboys acquired from the Green Bay Packers in the Micah Parsons deal. The result gives the Cardinals flexibility to move back and still land a premium player, while the Cowboys leapfrog the board to secure their man.

What do the Cardinals get in return? The opportunity to rebuild with two first-round picks. With the 12th overall selection, Arizona lands Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. The Cardinals have been eyeing a tackle, and Mauigoa fits the profile as a candidate who could step in immediately at right tackle. Getting him at 12th overall rather than third represents significant value.

Then comes the splash. With the 20th pick, Arizona selects Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. The Cardinals have been linked to Simpson throughout the pre-draft process, with whispers suggesting they are willing to trade up to get him. Now they have a path to land their quarterback of the future without surrendering additional assets.

The haul for Arizona is impressive: a starting-caliber tackle and a potential franchise quarterback, turning the third overall pick into two first-round contributors. The Cowboys, meanwhile, get the elite edge presence they desperately need to boost their pass rush.

The Cowboys have been hunting for defensive help after a season where their defense sometimes looked porous against top-tier offenses. Bailey, who led the nation in sacks, represents the kind of difference-maker who can change a game from the edge. Plugging him into the lineup opposite their existing front seven could transform the unit entirely.

The draft is just over a week away. Whether this specific scenario plays out remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Cowboys are not standing pat.