Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft Buzz: Could Jerry Jones Pull Off a Blockbuster Trade for Arvell Reese?

The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory, and the Dallas Cowboys are already at the center of trade speculation.

With a clear need for elite defensive talent and multiple high-value draft picks, rumors are swirling that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones could orchestrate a blockbuster move to land one of the draft’s most coveted prospects: Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese.

Cowboys’ Draft Situation

Dallas enters the 2026 NFL Draft armed with two first-round selections, positioning them well to address several roster needs. Defensive talent is a priority, as the team seeks to supplement an already potent offense with game-changing players on the other side of the ball.

The combination of draft capital and organizational ambition has sparked widespread speculation about a potential trade up to secure a top prospect.

NFL Draft expert Todd McShay has noted the buzz surrounding Dallas’ interest, suggesting the team could even trade up as high as the No. 3 overall pick to select Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey. While such a move would be aggressive, McShay acknowledges the Cowboys’ motivation to secure a transformative defensive talent early in the draft.

Realistic Trade Scenarios

Cowboys beat writer Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram cautions that a leap to No. 3 may be less likely than some projections suggest. Harris points to more plausible options, such as trading up to No. 6 through a deal with the Cleveland Browns or moving to No. 9 via the Kansas City Chiefs.

These alternatives would still allow Dallas to target impact players while managing the cost of a trade.

Tarringo Basile-Vaughan of NFL Mocks offers an even bolder projection in his latest mock draft. Basile-Vaughan predicts the Cowboys could trade all the way up to the No. 2 overall pick in a blockbuster deal with the New York Jets. According to this scenario, Dallas would send both of its first-round picks, along with a 2027 third-round selection, to acquire the Jets’ pick and select Arvell Reese.

“The Dallas Cowboys have been rumored to be eyeing the No. 3 overall pick, but the shock here is that Jerry Jones and crew really push the ball and land the No. 2 overall pick in an eye-opening blockbuster trade with the New York Jets,” Basile-Vaughan said. “The draft day trade shocks the board and gives the Jets three first-round picks in the top 20 in this draft. With the No. 2 overall pick, the Cowboys get their next Micah Parsons-type talent in Arvell Reese, who can rush the passer and fill a critical defensive need.”

Is a Trade This Aggressive Feasible?

While headlines around a No. 2 trade make for excitement, the logistics are more complicated. The NFL Draft Trade Value Chart assigns the Jets’ No. 2 overall pick a value of 2,600 points.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ two first-round picks collectively carry a value of 2,050 points—a significant gap. Adding a 2027 third-round pick, worth between 100 and 265 points depending on its placement, could help bridge the difference, but it’s still a substantial price to move up ten spots in the draft.

From the Jets’ perspective, the appeal of acquiring additional blue-chip talent cannot be overstated. As a team in rebuild mode, the Jets may prefer to keep the No. 2 pick rather than trade back. However, a high-value offer from Dallas could make New York seriously consider such a deal, particularly if it involves multiple first-round picks in the top 20.

Why the Cowboys Are Interested in Arvell Reese

Reese is officially listed as a linebacker, but his skill set aligns more closely with that of an elite edge rusher in the NFL. The Cowboys have already demonstrated interest by bringing him in for a 30 visit, a clear signal that he is on their radar. Reese’s combination of size, speed, and pass-rush ability makes him a potential game-changer for a Dallas defense looking to complement its high-powered offense.

Reese has also received personalized attention from Cowboys coach and renowned pass-rush specialist Brandon Jordan. The Ohio State prospect has been training with Jordan, further cementing the relationship and highlighting Dallas’ serious evaluation of his potential impact.

Crafting @arvxll pic.twitter.com/nJ9fyVXSnD

— Coach Brandon Jordan (@CoachBTJordan) March 29, 2026

Cowboys’ Strategic Rationale

Even if such a trade is unlikely, the logic behind the scenario makes sense. Acquiring a transformative defensive player like Reese could fill two critical needs: enhancing the pass rush and strengthening the linebacker corps. Dallas has a track record of bold draft-day moves when the team believes it has identified a franchise-altering talent, and Reese fits that mold.

Additionally, trading up would demonstrate the Cowboys’ commitment to maintaining balance across the roster. While their offense remains potent, improving the defensive side of the ball is essential for sustained competitiveness in the NFC East.

Conclusion

While a No. 2 overall trade for Arvell Reese may currently be more of a pipe dream than a probable outcome, never underestimate Jerry Jones’ willingness to make bold moves. The Cowboys’ combination of draft capital, roster needs, and ambition positions them to consider dramatic strategies during the 2026 NFL Draft.

Whether Dallas ultimately trades up or stays put, the buzz surrounding Reese highlights the team’s focus on acquiring game-changing talent. For Cowboys fans and NFL observers alike, the next few months will be pivotal as draft rumors evolve into actual moves that could reshape the league’s landscape.

George Pickens, CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons, and now potential targets like Arvell Reese illustrate that the Cowboys are playing to win both in the immediate term and for years to come.