Cowboys Eyeing Top Defensive Talent in 2026 NFL Draft

Analysts predict Dallas will target secondary and pass rush with two first-round picks

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:27am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in shades of navy, silver, and white, depicting an abstract football scene or draft event, conveying the analytical and competitive nature of the Cowboys' draft preparations.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the strategic complexity and high-stakes energy of the Cowboys' approach to the 2026 NFL Draft.Frisco Today

With the 2026 NFL Draft just ten days away, analysts are predicting the Dallas Cowboys will focus on upgrading their defense with their two first-round picks at 12th and 20th overall. Potential selections include Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor, Tennessee cornerbacks Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood, and Auburn edge Keldric Faulk.

Why it matters

The Cowboys are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 7-9-1 season and need to find impact players on the defensive side of the ball. Their secondary and pass rush were major weaknesses in 2025, so shoring up those areas through the draft could help the team return to playoff contention.

The details

Analysts have the Cowboys targeting a mix of defensive backs and edge rushers with their two first-round picks. At 12th overall, names like Caleb Downs, Jermod McCoy, and Keldric Faulk have been mentioned, while 20th overall could see them select Akheem Mesidor, Colton Hood, or Spencer Fano. The team has said they're not pigeonholed into only drafting defense, but the consensus is they'll look to that side of the ball to find immediate impact players.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is just 10 days away, taking place from April 24-26.
  • The Cowboys are picking 12th and 20th overall in the first round.

The players

Caleb Downs

A safety from Ohio State who is projected as a potential first-round pick for the Cowboys at 12th overall. Downs is described as a smart, franchise-caliber player who could help improve the Cowboys' secondary.

Akheem Mesidor

An edge rusher from Miami who is considered one of the most NFL-ready prospects in this draft class. He had 12.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss in 2025 and could be an option for the Cowboys at 20th overall.

Jermod McCoy

A cornerback from Tennessee who missed the 2025 season due to a torn ACL. He impressed at his pro day and is viewed as a potential top cornerback in this draft, making him a target for the Cowboys at 12th overall.

Colton Hood

Another cornerback from Tennessee who could be an option for the Cowboys at 20th overall. He and teammate Jermod McCoy are seen as two of the top cover corners in this class.

Keldric Faulk

An edge rusher from Auburn who is considered a polarizing prospect, with some evaluators high on his potential and others concerned about his lack of production. He could be in play for the Cowboys at either 12th or 20th overall.

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What they’re saying

“Downs will be the smartest player on whichever team drafts him and should be a face of the franchise. The Cowboys need that on defense, even if safety isn't valued the same as pass rusher or cornerback.”

— Peter Schrager, ESPN Analyst

“Mesidor is one of the older players in this class, having just turned 25 years old, but he also might be the prospect most ready to make an immediate impact. He was an absolute menace for Miami, and he'd immediately become one of Dallas' top pass rushers off the edge.”

— Peter Schrager, ESPN Analyst

“The Cowboys look to take the best player at the cornerback position who can hang on the outside, and in this exercise that ends up being the talented Hood.”

— Nate Tice, Yahoo Sports Analyst

What’s next

The Cowboys will have their two first-round picks at 12th and 20th overall when the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off on April 24th.

The takeaway

The Cowboys are in a prime position to significantly upgrade their defense through the draft, with analysts predicting they will target top secondary and pass rush talent with their two first-round selections. Finding impact players on that side of the ball will be crucial for Dallas as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.