Cowboys Eyeing Potential Draft Trade Up for Top Defensive Prospects

Dallas looking to bolster defense with Rueben Bain or Caleb Downs

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:34pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting overlapping planes of a football player in motion, with sharp lines and vibrant colors representing the intensity of the game.A cubist interpretation of the Cowboys' defensive struggles and their pursuit of top draft prospects to bolster their unit.Dallas Today

The Dallas Cowboys are considering trading up in the 2026 NFL Draft to select either Miami pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. or Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, according to ESPN draft experts Jordan Reid and Matt Miller. The Cowboys have an extra first-round pick from a previous trade and are looking to address defensive needs after a disappointing 7-9-1 season.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' defense struggled mightily in 2026, ranking near the bottom of the league in several key categories. Adding an elite defensive playmaker like Bain or Downs could help turn around their fortunes and get the team back to the playoffs.

The details

The Cowboys were the third-worst team in the NFL at producing turnovers and forcing interceptions last season. They also gave up the most points and third-most yards on defense. While their pass rush was effective, they failed to convert pressure into sacks. Bain and Downs are both projected as potential instant-impact defenders who could fill major holes for the Cowboys.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26.

The players

Rueben Bain Jr.

A star pass rusher for the Miami Hurricanes, Bain had a monster junior season with 15.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. He was named the best defensive end in the country.

Caleb Downs

An All-American safety from Ohio State, Downs recorded 68 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, and 1 sack as a junior. He won the award for best safety in the country.

Jordan Reid

An ESPN draft analyst who reported the Cowboys' interest in potentially trading up to select Bain or Downs.

Matt Miller

An ESPN draft analyst who collaborated with Jordan Reid on the report about the Cowboys' draft plans.

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What they’re saying

“Trading up continues to be a possibility, especially if there's a player they have high on their board who backslides a tad. Safety Caleb Downs (Ohio State) and edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) are believed to be players whom the Cowboys would maneuver for, as Dallas reportedly sees both as instant-impact game changers on defense.”

— Jordan Reid, ESPN Draft Analyst

What’s next

The Cowboys will have to evaluate the draft board and determine if the cost to trade up for Bain or Downs is worth it. They have the draft capital to move up, but will have to weigh the value of those picks against the potential impact of adding an elite defensive prospect.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' struggles on defense last season have them eyeing potential game-changing defenders in the upcoming draft. Acquiring Rueben Bain or Caleb Downs through a trade-up could provide a major boost to their struggling unit and help get the team back to the playoffs.