Cowboys Reportedly Eyeing Top Ohio State Prospect for 2026 NFL Draft

Sonny Styles, a linebacker from Ohio State, has drawn high praise from analysts ahead of the upcoming draft.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:11am by

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and commanding presence of a football player, conveying the raw energy and strategic complexity of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a top NFL draft prospect's explosive athleticism and leadership potential.San Francisco Today

The Dallas Cowboys are rumored to be interested in trading up in the 2026 NFL Draft to select former Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. Analysts have praised Styles' physical attributes and leadership abilities, comparing him to San Francisco 49ers star Fred Warner. The Cowboys are in need of defensive help after trading away Micah Parsons last year, and Styles could be the game-changing player they're looking for.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' potential move to trade up and select Styles would be a significant draft-day decision that could shape the future of their defense. Styles is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in this year's class, and his addition could help the Cowboys improve a unit that struggled mightily last season.

The details

The Cowboys currently hold the 12th and 20th overall picks in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. However, they are reportedly interested in trading up, potentially as high as the top 3-5 picks, to select Styles. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. projects the Cowboys trading with the Cleveland Browns to move up to the 6th overall pick and select Styles. Analysts like ESPN's Louis Riddick have praised Styles' physical attributes, leadership abilities, and potential to be a 'foundational player' for an NFL franchise.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to begin on Thursday, April 23.
  • The Cowboys traded away star pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers last August.

The players

Sonny Styles

A linebacker prospect from Ohio State University who has received widespread praise for his physical tools and leadership abilities ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Micah Parsons

An All-Pro pass rusher who was traded from the Dallas Cowboys to the Green Bay Packers last August.

Jordan Schultz

An NFL insider who reported that the Cowboys are a team to watch in potential trade-up scenarios for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Ian Rapoport

An NFL Network reporter who stated that the Cowboys are the 'most obvious team' to trade up into the top 3-5 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Mel Kiper Jr.

An ESPN draft analyst who projected the Cowboys to trade up to the 6th overall pick and select Sonny Styles in his latest mock draft.

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What they’re saying

“I've said this before about Sonny Styles: I think he's the safest player. Sometimes, safe means you're not necessarily really high on the guy's actual physical attributes. No, his physical attributes are off the chart. When I say 'safe,' I say this: This kid's a pro already. He is a pro. He is a foundational player.”

— Louis Riddick, ESPN Analyst

“Sonny has that kind of polish. He has been raised the right way. He did it at Ohio State. He was the green dot player there. Everyone looked up to this kid, on top of the fact that he's built like an Avatar.”

— Louis Riddick, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will begin on Thursday, April 23, where the Cowboys will look to potentially trade up and select Sonny Styles with one of their first-round picks.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' reported interest in trading up to select Sonny Styles highlights their desperate need to find a defensive game-changer in the wake of trading away Micah Parsons. Styles' elite physical tools and leadership abilities have drawn widespread praise, and he could be the foundational piece the Cowboys need to turn around their struggling defense.