Three NFL Teams to Watch for Potential Trades in 2026 Draft: Cowboys, Rams and Jaguars
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, three teams have emerged as the most intriguing to monitor for potential blockbuster trades: the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars. This assessment comes from multiple credible sources analyzing the current draft landscape and team needs heading into the event scheduled for late April 2026.
The Dallas Cowboys enter the draft with two first-round selections at Nos. 12 and 20. Despite their confidence in the talent available at these positions due to the draft’s defensive depth, there is growing speculation that the Cowboys could look to move up in the first round. Reports indicate the franchise is particularly interested in securing a player they believe has All-Pro potential if such a talent becomes available in the top five or six picks. This interest is notable given the Cowboys’ current salary cap situation, which could be alleviated by acquiring additional rookie contracts through strategic trades.
The Los Angeles Rams hold the 13th overall pick in the first round. Their focus appears to be on adding an offensive playmaker to complement their existing roster, especially following recent developments involving key offensive players. The Rams are also considering the possibility of moving up in the draft to secure a specific target, though their primary strategy seems centered on maximizing value at their current draft slot.
The Jacksonville Jaguars present a unique case, as they currently hold no first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. Though, they possess a total of 11 draft picks across all rounds, giving them significant ammunition to engage in trade negotiations. Jacksonville’s general manager is known for an active approach to draft capital management, suggesting the Jaguars will likely be active in seeking to improve their draft position through trades, potentially aiming to move back into the first round or accumulate additional high-value selections.
The potential for these three teams to significantly alter the draft landscape depends on their individual strategies and willingness to engage in trade discussions. For the Cowboys, a move up would require finding a willing trade partner and likely surrendering future draft capital. The Rams’ pursuit of an offensive weapon could involve either trading up or leveraging their current position. The Jaguars, with their abundance of picks, are positioned to be either buyers or sellers in the trade market, depending on their evaluation of available talent.
As draft week unfolds, the decisions made by Dallas, Los Angeles and Jacksonville will be critical in shaping their respective rosters for the 2026 season and beyond. The interplay between these teams’ strategies could create ripple effects throughout the first round and beyond, making them essential viewing for anyone interested in the strategic mechanics of the NFL Draft.
The next key checkpoint in the NFL offseason is the commencement of the 2026 NFL Draft, where the actual trades and selections will reveal which of these potential scenarios come to fruition.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continuing coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft and all the latest developments from around the league.
