.jpg)
2 hours ago
3
In the 2026 NFL Draft, the names of Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs are rising like wildfire. If we look back, it’s clear that it’s usually difficult for non-edge linebackers to get a spot in the top 10, but in the case of Styles (LB, Ohio State) and Downs (Safety, Ohio State), this script seems to be changing.
In the past 5-10 years, the value of linebackers on the draft board has dropped. For example, Jack Campbell was picked at 18th, and Jalon Walker went at 15th. Even a star like Micah Parsons had to wait until the 12th pick.
But today’s latest intel is challenging this old thinking. There’s increasing smoke between the New York Giants (pick 5) and the Tennessee Titans (pick 4) regarding Styles. Where, after the combine, only one executive saw Styles and Downs as top 10 picks, now the analysis has changed, and they are being considered top 5 contenders.
MORE: Browns 'really like' 6-foot-7, 366-pound OT with No. 6 pick that would be draft shocker
Cowboys-Browns trade development
For the Dallas Cowboys, this draft could be an ethical gamble. They need a playmaker, and allegedly, Dallas is considering big trades to get these players:
#1 The Cleveland Swap: The Cowboys could move up from pick 12 to pick 6, where there would be a strong guarantee of Styles or Downs being available.
According to ESPN's Bill Barnwell’s “all trades mock draft,” the swap between the Cowboys and the Browns would technically work like this: Dallas would send their number 12 and number 20 picks (both first-rounders), along with a 2027 second-round pick, to Cleveland. In return, the Cowboys would receive the Browns’ number 6 and number 24 picks (both first-rounders), as well as a 2027 fifth-round pick.
By jumping from pick 12 to pick 6, the Cowboys could potentially guarantee the availability of Styles or Downs, since the Titans (pick 4) and Giants (pick 5) have the first opportunity to select these players. By moving up to pick 6, Dallas could secure one of them if either the Titans or Giants decide to focus on another position (such as interior offensive line or tackle).
#2 The Jets Mega-Trade: In another scenario, Dallas could try to jump straight from pick 12 to pick 2, for which they might have to give up their 2027 first-round pick as well.
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs (DB34) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Some star defensive players from draft history who were top picks in the first round include:
- Devin White (2019): Pick 5 by Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Roquan Smith (2018): Pick 8 by the Chicago Bears
- Isaiah Simmons (2020): Pick 8 by the Arizona Cardinals (whose skill set is considered quite similar to Sonny Styles).
All details of the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft:
- Date: Thursday, April 23 – Saturday, April 25, 2026
- Location: Pittsburgh, PA (North Shore - Draft Theater; Point State Park - Draft Experience)
- Time (Day 1): Thursday, April 23, 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. local time
And yes, for the first time, Pittsburgh is hosting this massive event, where 500,000 to 700,000 fans are expected to attend.
More Cleveland Browns News:
Browns options with No. 6 overall pick has NFL insiders 'conflicted'
Browns may have officially won the Travis Hunter trade
Analyst makes bold Browns QB claim for 2026
Browns’ Shedeur Sanders sent unfortunate warning about future in Cleveland
English (US)