The boldest move upwards in the draft would be trading with the Arizona Cardinals for pick 3. This would most likely have the Cowboys giving up picks 12 and 20, and receiving a third-round pick, depending on the negotiations. This trade-up could be to select defensive end David Bailey or linebacker/edge rusher Arvell Reese (whoever the Jets pass on at two). While sacrificing two picks to move up would be risky, either available prospect would be a safe and reliable contributor to a poor defense seeking quick improvement.

Two other players that could be in play here are linebacker Sonny Styles and safety Caleb Downs. The Giants have been rumoured all offseason to be in on both Styles and Downs, and they have a good chance to pick either one at five. If the Cowboys want to block New York from acquiring one of these players, they could take one of them here. Both players are highly regarded talents with stable floors that fit the Cowboys’ positions of need, so it would not be surprising at all if they went for one of them with the third pick.

The Cardinals are likely entering a rebuild year and could use this opportunity to acquire more picks as they try to enter their next window for a championship, so it would make sense for them to trade back. This would be an exciting blockbuster that would get Cowboys fans excited. While there is a ton of risk, the team’s defense would surely be better going into the season, and with an offense this good, the time is now to capitalize. This may mean giving up future picks to get a premier talent.