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Cowboys Shockingly Trade Prescott in Mock 2026 NFL Draft

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, April 9th 2026 at 8:03 GMT by Sporting News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Thursday, April 9th, 2026 - The anticipation is building as the 2026 NFL Draft rapidly approaches. Teams are finalizing their evaluations, identifying key needs, and, crucially, exploring potential trade scenarios. This year's draft promises to be particularly active on the trade front, with several organizations signaling their willingness to move up or down the board to secure their desired prospects. This mock draft reflects those expectations, incorporating several significant trades that could dramatically alter the landscape of the first round.

The biggest shock of the night? The Dallas Cowboys moving franchise quarterback Dak Prescott. While a controversial decision, the Cowboys clearly see a future they can build with a new signal caller and a bolstered defense, acquiring the 11th overall pick from Seattle in exchange for their veteran leader and a future pick.

Here's a look at how the first round could unfold, complete with trade details and player selections:

1. Chicago Bears (from Carolina) - Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State: The Bears, having secured a cornerstone receiver in the trade with Carolina, address their most pressing need. Harrison Jr. is widely considered the top receiver in the class, possessing exceptional route-running skills, reliable hands, and the potential to be a true No. 1 target for Justin Fields (or a future quarterback). With DJ Moore potentially departing, this pick makes perfect sense.

2. Washington Commanders (from Denver) - Joe McKinstry, CB, Alabama: The Commanders, after the trade with Denver, prioritize bolstering their secondary. McKinstry is a polished cornerback with the size, speed, and technique to make an immediate impact. Addressing the pass defense is critical for Washington's rebuild.

3. New England Patriots (from Tennessee) - Brock Vandagriff, QB, Arkansas: The Patriots have been searching for a franchise quarterback for years, and this mock sees them finally addressing the position with Vandagriff. He's projected to be a solid, if not spectacular, starter with the potential to develop into a long-term solution.

4. Arizona Cardinals (from Chicago) - Taliese Jackson, OT, Michigan: Protecting Kyler Murray remains paramount for the Cardinals. Jackson is a powerful and athletic offensive tackle who could provide immediate stability to a shaky offensive line.

5. Los Angeles Rams (from New York Giants) - Deion Sanders Jr., WR, Jackson State: The Rams need to revitalize their receiving corps, and Sanders Jr. offers an intriguing blend of speed, agility, and big-play potential. He's a dynamic player who could add a much-needed spark to the Rams' offense.

6. New York Jets (from Green Bay) - Malik Muhammad, Edge, Clemson: The Jets, after the deal with the Packers, continue to prioritize bolstering their pass rush. Muhammad is a disruptive force off the edge who could wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

7. Las Vegas Raiders (from New York Jets) - Caleb Presley, CB, Oregon: The Raiders desperately need to improve their secondary, and Presley offers a high-ceiling prospect with the potential to become a lockdown corner.

8. Atlanta Falcons (from Jacksonville) - Keishaun Hinton, DT, Wake Forest: The Falcons are rebuilding their defensive line and Hinton provides an immediate impact player, offering both run-stopping ability and pass-rushing potential.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Minnesota) - JD Coffman, OT, Syracuse: Continuing to protect Baker Mayfield is key, and Coffman brings size and strength to the offensive tackle position.

10. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Baltimore) - Darius Johnson, WR, Oregon State: The Steelers are in need of offensive weapons. Johnson is a reliable target with good hands and route-running ability.

11. Dallas Cowboys (from Seattle) - Jamal Johnson, LB, Georgia: After trading away Dak Prescott, the Cowboys turn to defense, adding a talented linebacker to address a need.

12. Seattle Seahawks (from Dallas) - A'Marion Brown, RB, Texas: The Seahawks address their running back position with Brown, a powerful and explosive runner.

13. New Orleans Saints (from Indianapolis) - Jalen Barton, DT, Iowa: Strengthening the run defense is a priority for the Saints, and Barton offers a disruptive presence in the interior.

The rest of the first round continues with teams addressing key needs, but the early trades clearly indicate a league-wide shift towards prioritizing immediate impact players and being willing to be aggressive in pursuit of them. This draft promises to be one for the ages, with plenty of surprises and unexpected twists along the way.