Welcome to the Monday edition of the Pick Six newsletter! With the 2026 NFL Draft now just 10 days away, the mock draft frenzy is hitting its peak. We're making the most of it by diving deep into projections, including a major hypothetical move from one of the league's most talked-about franchises.

This week's spotlight mock draft, courtesy of analyst Zach Pereles, features a blockbuster prediction: the Dallas Cowboys trading into the top 10. In this scenario, Dallas moves up to the 8th overall pick (via a trade with the Saints) to select Alabama safety Caleb Downs, a dynamic playmaker who would instantly bolster their secondary. This aligns perfectly with the Cowboys' glaring need to upgrade a defense that struggled at times last season.

For Cowboys fans, this kind of aggressive move would be classic Jerry Jones. The owner has never been shy about orchestrating draft-day drama, having engineered four first-round trades in the past 14 years. While most involved moving back, the precedent for a big jump up the board is there—most notably in 2012 when Dallas traded up to select cornerback Morris Claiborne. With defensive reinforcements a top priority, a bold trade to secure a blue-chip prospect like Downs is a compelling and plausible draft-night storyline.

Shifting to another top prospect, the situation surrounding Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. remains a key subplot. A dominant force off the edge, Bain is projected in this mock to land with the Washington Commanders at pick 7. His combination of power and technique makes him one of the most coveted defensive players in this class, and his draft slot will be a major indicator of how teams are prioritizing pass rush talent.

As the draft clock ticks down, these projections fuel the endless debate and excitement that makes this time of year so special for NFL fans. Will Jerry Jones make a splash? Where will top talents like Bain ultimately call home? We're just days away from finding out.