Cowboys' 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup as Pre-Draft Cycle Ends

Dallas has two first-round picks and many defensive needs to address in the upcoming draft.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:04pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a Dallas Cowboys defensive player making a tackle, with the action broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color.The Dallas Cowboys' defense aims to take a more aggressive, disruptive approach in 2026 after a disappointing 2025 season.Dallas Today

The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 NFL Draft with two first-round picks and major defensive needs at cornerback, linebacker, and edge rusher. Experts have weighed in on who the Cowboys should target, with potential selections including EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami), CB Jermod McCoy (Tennessee), LB Sonny Styles (Ohio State), and others.

Why it matters

The Cowboys are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 7-9-1 season in 2025 where their defense struggled. Improving the defense through the draft will be crucial for the team to maximize their offensive firepower and make a playoff push.

The details

The Cowboys have the 12th and 20th overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. At 12, experts suggest they could target players like EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami), CB Jermod McCoy (Tennessee), CB Mansoor Delane (LSU), or LB Sonny Styles (Ohio State). With the 20th pick, options include CB Jermod McCoy, LB CJ Allen (Georgia), CB Colton Hood (Tennessee), EDGE R Mason Thomas (Oklahoma), and others.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April 2026.

The players

Rueben Bain Jr.

A defensive end prospect from the University of Miami who could be a dream pick for the Cowboys at 12th overall if he falls that far.

Jermod McCoy

A cornerback prospect from the University of Tennessee who is rising up draft boards and could be an option for the Cowboys at either 12 or 20.

Mansoor Delane

A cornerback prospect from LSU who is also in the mix for the Cowboys' first-round selections.

Sonny Styles

A linebacker prospect from Ohio State who could provide a boost to the Cowboys' defense if available at 12.

CJ Allen

A linebacker prospect from the University of Georgia who could be a target for the Cowboys with their second first-round pick.

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What they’re saying

“The Cowboys sent the largest contingent of any team to the Miami Hurricanes' pro day, and that wasn't just to watch Keonte Scott run. Jerry Jones has an inkling that Rueben Bain Jr. might fall to him, and the owner will be happy to snatch him up. Jones loves dogs in the trenches, and that's what Bain is.”

— Tim Crean, Writer, ClutchPoints

“(McCoy) can flat-out play when he's on the field.”

— Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN Draft Analyst

“Not every NFL Scouting Combine star ends up being a top-10 selection. Just like when Micah Parsons fell to them at No. 12 in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Cowboys luck out again this year, landing a much-needed run defender who can play in the box and track down ball carriers in space.”

— Chad Reuter, NFL.com Draft Analyst

What’s next

The Cowboys will look to address their defensive needs through the draft, with the 12th and 20th overall picks being crucial selections. They will need to weigh the top prospects at cornerback, linebacker, and edge rusher to determine the best fits for their team.

The takeaway

The Cowboys have a golden opportunity to significantly upgrade their defense in the 2026 NFL Draft. With two first-round picks, they can target impact players at multiple positions of need to help them bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and make a playoff push.