Recent reports suggest that the Dallas Cowboys are interested in trading up in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. That should be music to the ears of Tennessee Titans fans.
Assuming the Cowboys aren't willing to part with a first-round pick in 2027 (an assumption based on the expected level of talent in next year's draft class), and since the Cowboys don't own a second-round selection this year, any trade would have to involve the Cowboys' two first-round picks (Nos. 12 and 20).
Tennessee Titans could pounce on Dallas Cowboys' draft desperation
NFL Draft buzz, via @nfldraftscout, @Jordan_Reid:
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) April 9, 2026
• Jets reportedly extremely high on WR Omar Cooper Jr.
• WR in play for Browns at No. 6
• Wouldn't be a surprise if Saints took Carnell Tate at No. 8
• S Caleb Downs, EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. believed to be players the Cowboys… pic.twitter.com/CZXxaxXp7S
Considering that the Titans' No. 4 overall pick is the last spot where the Cowboys could expect their rumored targets (Rueben Bain Jr. and Caleb Downs) to last until, Titans fans have a reason to consider a simple exchange of the fourth selection for Nos. 12 and 20 in a straight-up deal.
While the math of the value of that trade favors the Titans, the Cowboys aren't in a position to dictate much, considering they are the ones wanting to trade up without a second-round pick at their disposal. There's also a presumed unwillingness to trade a future first rounder.
The question is, should the Titans make a move like that, and what are some pairings they could end up with? Considering the strong possibility that a truly elite player at a premium position won't fall to the Titans, they should absolutely make this deal and turn one impact starter into two.
As for what the Titans could end up with, here are three combinations we came up with using PFSN's mock draft simulator.
Combo #1: RB Jeremiyah Love and WR Omar Cooper Jr.
Combo #2: LB Sonny Styles and TE Kenyon Sadiq
Combo #3: CB Jermod McCoy and EDGE Keldric Faulk
In all of those drafts, the Titans could sit back and take the best player on the board (even if a need isn't immediately apparent) and then add another high upside player later in the first round. That balance of an immediate impact prospect and another player who will have the perfect opportunity to learn and take their time adjusting to the NFL game is exactly why you make a trade like this.
While there are times in these scenarios where the value of the position doesn't match up with what you prefer out of a first-round pick, having multiple bites at the apple softens that blow.
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