Cowboys Bolster Defense in Mock Drafts with Top Picks

Draft analysts predict Dallas will target edge rushers and defensive backs in the first round.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:48pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an abstract football scene, with sharp planes of navy, silver, and orange representing the Cowboys' focus on improving their defense in the draft.A cubist interpretation of the Cowboys' strategy to bolster their defense through the upcoming NFL Draft.Frisco Today

With two first-round picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys are widely expected to focus on improving their defense, which struggled mightily in 2025. Draft analysts have the Cowboys selecting edge rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Zion Young, as well as cornerbacks Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood, among other defensive standouts in their latest mock drafts.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' defense was one of the worst in franchise history last season, so shoring up that side of the ball with impact players in the draft is crucial for the team to bounce back and compete in the NFC East. Upgrading the pass rush and secondary will be a top priority for Dallas as they look to return to the playoffs.

The details

In ESPN's mock draft, the Cowboys are projected to take Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. with the 12th overall pick, followed by Missouri edge Zion Young at 20th overall. The Athletic's Bruce Feldman has the Cowboys trading up to 3rd overall to select Texas Tech edge David Bailey, then taking Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston at 20th. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein has the Cowboys taking Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at 12th and Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood at 20th. ESPN's Matt Miller has the Cowboys selecting Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy at 12th and Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at 20th.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in just 10 days in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
  • The Cowboys finished the 2025 season with a 7-9-1 record, missing the playoffs.

The players

Rueben Bain Jr.

A dominant pass rusher from the University of Miami who was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2025 after recording 9.5 sacks.

Zion Young

An edge defender from the University of Missouri who could provide the Cowboys with another talented pass rusher in the first round.

David Bailey

A standout edge rusher from Texas Tech who could be a target for the Cowboys if they trade up in the draft.

Denzel Boston

A big, physical wide receiver from the University of Washington who caught 125 passes for 1,715 yards and 20 touchdowns over the past two seasons.

Sonny Styles

A versatile linebacker from Ohio State who could be an ideal fit in the Cowboys' defense if he falls to them at 12th overall.

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What they’re saying

“The mission to fix the Cowboys' defense should start with the addition of Bain. The ACC Defensive Player of the Year has hands of destruction that will travel to the NFL, and he had 9.5 sacks last season for the Hurricanes.”

— Field Yates, ESPN Analyst

“A double dip at edge in the first round for Dallas? Why not? A dominant pass rush unlocks any defense, and this would be the Cowboys' third major investment at the position this offseason (Bain at No. 12 and the trade for Rashan Gary).”

— Field Yates, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Cowboys will be on the clock with their two first-round picks on April 24th when the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off in Pittsburgh.

The takeaway

The Cowboys are clearly focused on upgrading their defense through the draft, targeting top pass rushers and defensive backs who can help turn around a unit that struggled mightily in 2025. With two first-round picks, Dallas has a prime opportunity to land impact players who can immediately improve their defense and put the team back in playoff contention.