NFL Blockbuster Draft Trade Pitch Sends Cowboys ‘Ultra-Explosive’ Edge Rusher

Draft pundits speculated in March whether the Dallas Cowboys could make a big splash to land running back Jeremiyah Love in the 2026 NFL Draft. In his latest mock draft, Fox Sports’ Rob Rang had Love landing in the NFC East with a different mammoth trade. But Rang also proposed the Cowboys make a different blockbuster move — a leap up for Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey.

In his new mock, Rang had Dallas jump up to No. 6 to grab Bailey.

“Jerry Jones is perennially in win-now mode, but with longtime NFC East rival Washington making the splashy trade up to secure star running back Jeremiyah Love a few picks earlier, the Cowboys may react even more aggressively,” Rang wrote. “It might cost the Cowboys both of their first-round picks in the 2026 draft (Nos. 12 and No. 20) to secure the best pass-rusher in this class, but boosting a rush that finished last season tied for 28th in the NFL should be a top priority.”

Bailey is one of the top edge rushers in the class. Like Rang, NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah ranked Bailey as the best outside pass rusher in the 2026 draft.

Pundits also generally view Bailey as a top 5 prospect.

Jeremiah and NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein commended Bailey for his explosiveness.

“Bailey is an ultra-explosive edge rusher with outstanding production,” wrote Jeremiah. “Overall, Bailey has areas to address, but his ability to create short corners to the passer is exceptional.”

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Why the Cowboys Should Consider Trade Up for David Bailey

It should be noted that in Rang’s mock draft, every single pick was a trade. The mock draft appeared to be more of a fun exercise than true projections.

Still, a Cowboys move up the board for Bailey would make sense.

The Texas Tech product is a potential Day 1 contributor. Zierlein classified him as a Year 1 starter.

The Cowboys added Rashan Gary through a trade early in NFL free agency. But Dallas could still fortify its edge rushing room further. Acquiring Bailey would be a long-term solution versus Gary, who might simply be a two-year stop gap along the edge in Dallas.

“His draft grade is slightly tempered by a lack of desired size/length, but the explosiveness and athletic talent is truly elite,” Zierlein wrote. “His sack production should carry over to the NFL as an odd-front rush linebacker with Pro Bowl upside.”

Bailey broke out in his first season with Texas Tech last year. He posted 14.5 sacks, 19.5 sacks for loss and 52 combined tackles on his way to All-American honors. Bailey also had three forced fumbles.

In his first three college seasons at Stanford, Bailey registered 14.5 sacks, 22.5 tackles for loss and seven forced fumbles in 32 games.

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What Trade Up Could Cost Cowboys

Rang didn’t specify exactly what moving six spots up the draft board could cost the Cowboys. But the NFL draft analyst did state it would likely be both first-round picks.

Dallas has the No. 12 and 20 overall selections.

In Rang’s mock draft, the Cleveland Browns, who currently have the No. 6 pick, made selections and/or traded the No. 12 and 20 choices.

The safer, more prudent move for the Cowboys would be to just pick the best prospect available at No. 12 and 20 overall. Dallas has enough needs on its roster that the best prospect available is likely will fill a hole.

But the Cowboys love blockbuster deals, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the team moved up the board. Drafting a defensive player after a big jump in the first round makes the most sense.

The Cowboys finished 2025 ranked 30th in yards allowed and last in points scored against. They were also in the bottom third in sacks.

Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb