Dallas Cowboys Trade Up for Jeremiyah Love in 2026 NFL Draft

In a surprising move, the Dallas Cowboys have traded both of their first-round picks (Nos. 12 and 20) to the Arizona Cardinals to secure the No. 3 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. With this pick, the Cowboys selected Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, who is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the draft class. Love had a standout 2025 season, rushing for 726 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning a 93.7 PFF rushing grade, and helping the Fighting Irish reach the College Football Playoff national championship game in 2024.

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The Cowboys' decision to prioritize a running back comes despite their pressing needs on the defensive side of the ball. Last season, Dallas ranked 30th in yards allowed and 32nd in points scored against, indicating significant defensive shortcomings. Analysts had anticipated that the Cowboys would use their first-round picks to address these defensive issues. However, the allure of adding a dynamic offensive player like Love has shifted their focus.

Cowboys Predicted to Add 1,300-Yard RB Alongside Javonte Williams

Analysts like Jordan Plocher from Pro Football Focus and Vic Tafur from The Athletic have noted that while the Cowboys have re-signed running back Javonte Williams to a three-year, $24 million contract, the addition of Love could create a formidable backfield duo. Plocher emphasized that Love is "the best player in the draft class," suggesting that his playmaking ability could significantly enhance the Cowboys' offensive capabilities alongside quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.

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Conversely, some critics argue that this trade could hinder the Cowboys' ability to bolster their defense. The team has already made moves to improve defensively, including trading for linebacker Rashan Gary, but the decision to trade up for a running back raises concerns about their long-term defensive strategy. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed a desire to draft "natural and pure" players, indicating a preference for a more balanced approach rather than an aggressive trade.

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While the Cowboys have not released an official statement regarding the trade, analysts have speculated on the motivations behind it. Plocher noted, "Jerry Jones cares a lot about branding and putting on a show," suggesting that the decision may also be influenced by the desire to generate excitement among fans.

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The Cowboys' bold move to trade up for Love will be a major storyline leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, which is set to begin on April 23. The reaction from the fanbase and the broader NFL community remains to be seen, especially given the team's ongoing defensive needs.

Cowboys Shock NFL With Trade Up to No. 3 for Top RB Prospect

• “Jerry Jones cares a lot about branding and putting on a show, and in this mock draft, the Cowboys owner/general manager sends both of the team’s first-round picks, Nos. 12 and 20, to the Arizona Cardinals for the No. 3 overall selection and then selects the best player in the draft class in Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love,” — Jordan Plocher, Analyst

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• “No one is talking about how undervalued the running back position is when a polished prospect like Love pops up,” — Vic Tafur, Analyst

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This trade marks a significant shift in the Cowboys' strategy as they aim to enhance their offensive firepower while navigating the challenges of a struggling defense.

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