Cowboys Land Breakout Combine Star, Tenacious CB in 2026 Mock Draft

Dallas adds reinforcements to the secondary with top picks in post-Combine NFL mock draft.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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In a 2026 NFL mock draft, the Dallas Cowboys are projected to select Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman and Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell with their first-round picks. The additions would provide immediate help to the Cowboys' struggling pass defense, with Thieneman's impressive athleticism and Terrell's tenacious coverage skills.

Why it matters

The Cowboys had the NFL's worst pass defense in 2025, so upgrading the secondary is a top priority this offseason. Thieneman and Terrell would bring much-needed talent and versatility to the defensive backfield as the team transitions to a new defensive scheme under coordinator Christian Parker.

The details

Thieneman, who transferred from Purdue to Oregon for his final college season, was a standout performer at the NFL Combine, running a 4.35-second 40-yard dash and posting a 41-inch vertical jump at 6-foot, 201 pounds. He recorded 96 tackles, 5 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and 1 sack for the Ducks in 2025. Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons CB A.J. Terrell, is known for his physicality in coverage and run support, finishing his junior year at Clemson with 48 tackles, 5 forced fumbles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 9 pass breakups.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from Thursday, April 23, through Saturday, April 25.

The players

Dillon Thieneman

An Oregon Ducks safety who impressed at the NFL Combine with his athleticism and versatility, recording 96 tackles, 5 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and 1 sack in his lone season with the Ducks.

Avieon Terrell

A Clemson Tigers cornerback known for his tenacious coverage skills and physicality against the run, recording 48 tackles, 5 forced fumbles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 9 pass breakups in his junior season.

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What they’re saying

“There was pre-combine talk of what Thieneman was capable of athletically, and he proved it all correct in Indianapolis. A 4.35-second 40-yard dash with a 41-inch vertical jump at 6 feet and 201 pounds verified the athletic ability of a player who shows incredible range in both coverage and run defense.”

— Trevor Sikkema, PFF Analyst (si.com)

“Terrell weighed in at 5-foot-11 and 186 pounds with 31-inch arms. That was big for him, even if he didn't do all the athletic tests. He is one of the more tenacious cornerbacks in the class from a coverage and run-game standpoint, and he would be a very good addition to Dallas' secondary.”

— Trevor Sikkema, PFF Analyst (si.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.