The Dallas Cowboys' division rivals now have two selections before them in the first round. How does that change things?
On Saturday, the New York Giants sent disgruntled defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals in a trade package that includes the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft going to New York.
That gives the Giants two selections in the top 10 of this year's draft (No. 5 and 10).
How might that affect the Dallas Cowboys, a team with just as many defensive needs as their division rivals?
At first, the thought process is worrisome with the opportunity now in line for New York to land two defensive studs that Dallas likely has their eyes on, say, like either of the Ohio State products (linebacker Sonny Styles and safety Caleb Downs).
New York could snag both of them before Dallas even gets on the clock ... at least with how the draft order currently looks.
This trade comes just days after rumblings about the Cowboys possibly trying to trade up, with the Giants' No. 5 pick one of the potential targets.
Now, a more optimistic outlook through silver and blue glasses says a Dallas trade up with New York could be more likely now that the Giants also have the No. 10 pick and wouldn't completely be moving out of the top of the draft.
They could potentially inherit the No. 10, 12, and 20 picks (the latter two from Dallas) for a substantial haul that nets them a trio of starting-caliber prospects. There's nothing to be upset about there if you're the G-Men.
With Dallas holding its two picks in the middle of the round, many expect the top players on Jerry Jones' big board to be defenders, who'd help the Cowboys' historically poor unit from last season that is now led by a new coordinator.
The Giants could use some help across the defense, as well, but one report suggests their attention could also be centered on an elite wide receiver, which Dallas shouldn't be focusing on in Round 1 at all.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo said the Giants have met with Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson multiple times, including at a dinner with general manager Joe Schoen. Garafolo says Tyson's odds of becoming a top-10 pick have now "increased substantially".
Drafting the top receiver in this draft would pit second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart with another reliable target to pair with Malik Nabers, who's recovering from a major knee injury. Still, the Giants may target defense at that No. 5 spot, meaning the Cowboys would need to bank on New York taking someone other than Dallas' top choice or feeling the need to trade up higher than No. 5.
The Arizona Cardinals at No. 3 have been rumored to be trade-down partners, but there isn't much smoke in whether Dallas has made those calls. The Cowboys would need to give up both No. 12 and 20 and would probably be in pursuit of one of the premier outside linebackers in this class, like Ohio State's Arvell Reese or Texas Tech's David Bailey, while also considering the can't-miss athletic freak Styles.
With just days until the first round on April 23, the Cowboys' longstanding rivals have made the first major dent in the draft order. Now we'll wait and see if Dallas helps make another.
