Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys have tough, important choices to make in the 2026 NFL Draft, as they appear to be one of the most aggressive teams heading into the draft, which is right around the corner. With multiple early picks and glaring defensive needs, the franchise is exploring all options to accelerate its rebuild.
One strategy gaining traction is a potential move up the board to secure a high-upside defensive prospect. Recent reporting suggests a specific name has emerged as a possible target. And interestingly, the comparison being made ties directly to a former Cowboys cornerstone.
Arvell Reese Emerges as Micah Parsons’ Replacement for Cowboys
During a recent appearance on the “DLLS Cowboys Podcast,” NFL insider Albert Breer shed light on Dallas’ potential plans. He revealed that the Cowboys are among the teams seriously considering a trade-up, with Ohio State star defender Arvell Reese emerging as a name to watch.
“I know Dallas is one team that a lot of teams have talked about potentially moving up,” Breer said. “Now what would that be for? One name that’s been thrown around, at least with me, is Arvell Reese.”
“I think part of the reason why is because he’s got the off-the-ball, on-the-ball flexibility,” Breer added. “You might see him a little bit like a Micah Parsons-type prospect. Not that he’s going to be Micah out of the box or anything like that, but he profiles the same sort of way, just as far as what he potentially could bring to the table.
Breer’s comparison highlights Reese’s versatility, which allows him to impact the game in multiple roles, similar to how Parsons did in Dallas before his departure. The Cowboys traded Parsons to the Green Bay Packers last year, and then he signed a four-year, $186 million contract extension. As a result, finding a dynamic defensive playmaker has become a top priority for Dallas
Breer also pointed out that current draft dynamics could work in Dallas’ favor if they choose to be aggressive.
“I think at this point, with a week to go, I would say, you know, [there are] a lot more teams looking to move down, which means if you’re looking to move up, you might be able to do so at a discount,” Breer added.
This market imbalance, with more sellers than buyers, could allow the Cowboys to climb the board without sacrificing as much draft capital as they usually do. And a win-win for the Jones and team as Reese enters the draft as one of the most intriguing defensive prospects available.
According to PFSN’s scouting report on Reese, “he was one of Ohio State’s most dynamic defenders,” finishing his final season with 6.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and earning consensus All-American honors. His ability to rush the passer, defend the run, and drop into coverage makes him a rare, scheme-versatile option.
The scouting report further details how his physicality translates into on-field performance. “He used that strength consistently to stack-and-shed in the run game, plaster solo blockers into the turf as a blitzer, and make solo stops in gap invasion,” the report noted.
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From a statistical standpoint, Reese’s 2025 campaign showed both promise and areas for refinement. According to the  PFSN CFB EDGE Impact Metrics, he recorded a 77.2 Impact score, ranking 62nd overall with a C+ grade, reflecting solid but not elite production.
Even so, Reese remains highly regarded, carrying a 91.65 grade and ranking No. 1 overall on the PFSN Consensus Big Board — further emphasizing his upside.
Dallas’ urgency on defense only strengthens the case for a bold move. The Cowboys finished the 2025 season with a 7-9-1 record after struggling mightily on defense.
According to PFSN’s Defense Impact Metrics, they posted a 62.1 DEFi score, ranking 32nd in the league with a D- grade. That placed them dead last in seasonal rankings and highlighted one of the weakest defensive performances in franchise history.
With two first-round picks and three selections in the top 100, Dallas has the ammunition to be aggressive. As the draft approaches, the decision will come down to how much they believe in Reese’s long-term potential.
