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Dallas Cowboys 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Based on the Cowboys’ current 6-5-1 record through Week 12 of the 2025 season, their projected finish is around 9-8, placing them at approximately the No. 17 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft (per ESPN’s FPI projections and Tankathon standings). This mid-first-round position aligns with a wild-card push but falling short of a deep playoff run, exacerbated by the trade of Micah Parsons and defensive inconsistencies. Dallas holds their own first-rounder plus an additional one acquired from the Packers in the Parsons deal (projected around No. 25 overall).
The Cowboys’ primary needs—free safety (to pair with Malik Hooker), linebacker (post-Parsons depth), defensive end (edge rotation), and cornerback (secondary upgrades beyond DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs)—guide this mock. I’ve prioritized scheme fit in Mike Zimmer’s defense: versatile safeties, athletic off-ball linebackers, explosive edge rushers, and press-man corners. Where needs align with elite talent, I’ve selected accordingly; otherwise, I’ve incorporated best player available (BPA) principles for high-upside defenders. This seven-round mock focuses on the top six picks, with notes on later selections.
Round 1, Pick 17 (Own): Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Round 1, Pick 25 (from GB): Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
Round 2, Pick 49: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
Round 3, Pick 81: Landon Jackson, DE, Arkansas
Round 4, Pick 113: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Round 5, Pick 145: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia (Compensatory or Trade Back)
Later Rounds Highlights
This haul bolsters the defense with five of six picks on that side, injecting youth and versatility while staying true to needs and BPA. Projected impact: Reese and Watts as instant starters, pushing Dallas back toward contender status in 2026.
Dallas Cowboys 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Based on the Cowboys’ current 6-5-1 record through Week 12 of the 2025 season, their projected finish is around 9-8, placing them at approximately the No. 17 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft (per ESPN’s FPI projections and Tankathon standings). This mid-first-round position aligns with a wild-card push but falling short of a deep playoff run, exacerbated by the trade of Micah Parsons and defensive inconsistencies. Dallas holds their own first-rounder plus an additional one acquired from the Packers in the Parsons deal (projected around No. 25 overall).
The Cowboys’ primary needs—free safety (to pair with Malik Hooker), linebacker (post-Parsons depth), defensive end (edge rotation), and cornerback (secondary upgrades beyond DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs)—guide this mock. I’ve prioritized scheme fit in Mike Zimmer’s defense: versatile safeties, athletic off-ball linebackers, explosive edge rushers, and press-man corners. Where needs align with elite talent, I’ve selected accordingly; otherwise, I’ve incorporated best player available (BPA) principles for high-upside defenders. This seven-round mock focuses on the top six picks, with notes on later selections.
Round 1, Pick 17 (Own): Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
- Height/Weight/Athletic Profile: 6-4, 243 lbs; projected 40: 4.65. Explosive with 58 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, and 6.5 sacks in 2025.
- Why Reese? Reese is the consensus top linebacker in the class (No. 1 LB per Kiper, Miller, and Reid), blending off-ball instincts with edge-rushing burst—ideal to replace Parsons’ hybrid role. His natural play recognition and tackling efficiency (7 run stops) address Dallas’ run defense woes (27th in yards allowed in 2025). As a top-10 overall prospect, he’s a BPA steal at 17, projecting as a Day 1 three-down starter alongside Damone Clark.
Round 1, Pick 25 (from GB): Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
- Height/Weight/Athletic Profile: 6-0, 205 lbs; projected 40: 4.50. 49 tackles, 5 TFLs, 2 INTs in 2025.
- Why Watts? With Juanyeh Thomas unproven as a long-term free safety, Watts (top-3 safety per PFF and WalterFootball) brings elite range and ball skills (4 INTs in 2024). His versatility fits Zimmer’s scheme, allowing deep coverage or slot duties. At a late first-round value (projected 15-25 range), he’s a plug-and-play upgrade, addressing the FS need without reaching.
Round 2, Pick 49: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
- Height/Weight/Athletic Profile: 6-2, 235 lbs; projected 40: 4.60. 52 tackles, 7 TFLs, 4 sacks in 2025.
- Why Walker? Depth at linebacker is critical post-Parsons; Walker (top-5 LB per ESPN analysts) is a sideline-to-sideline tackler with coverage upside (2 PBUs). His SEC pedigree and pursuit speed make him a rotational immediate, developing into a starter opposite Reese. BPA tilt here, as the class is LB-deep.
Round 3, Pick 81: Landon Jackson, DE, Arkansas
- Height/Weight/Athletic Profile: 6-6, 280 lbs; projected 40: 4.85. 39 tackles, 6 TFLs, 2 sacks in 2025.
- Why Jackson? Dallas’ edge group (DeMarcus Lawrence aging, Sam Williams inconsistent) needs power; Jackson (top-10 DE per WalterFootball) anchors against the run (11 run stops) while flashing pass-rush bend. His length and bull-rush fit as a 4-3 DE, providing Day 2 value in a trenches-heavy class.
Round 4, Pick 113: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
- Height/Weight/Athletic Profile: 6-2, 194 lbs; projected 40: 4.50. 28 tackles, 3 INTs, 8 PBUs in 2025.
- Why Johnson? Bland and Diggs are solid, but depth is thin; Johnson (top-5 CB per PFF) offers length and ball-hawking (5 INTs in 2024) for press-man fits. His recovery speed addresses slot vulnerabilities, projecting as a nickel starter with CB need met at value.
Round 5, Pick 145: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia (Compensatory or Trade Back)
- Height/Weight/Athletic Profile: 6-1, 205 lbs; projected 40: 4.45. 45 tackles, 3 INTs in 2025.
- Why Starks? Insurance at safety; Starks (top-5 overall safety per consensus) is a rangy centerfielder with elite instincts. Adds competition and special teams value, rounding out the secondary.
Later Rounds Highlights
- Round 6, Pick 193: T.J. Sanders, DE, South Carolina – Developmental edge with 5 sacks in 2025; rotational depth.
- Round 7, Pick 225: Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia – Speedy slot option (4.45 40); special teams ace.
- Undrafted Free Agent Targets: RB Donovan Edwards (Michigan) for change-of-pace back; OT Aireontae Ersery (Minnesota) for tackle depth.
This haul bolsters the defense with five of six picks on that side, injecting youth and versatility while staying true to needs and BPA. Projected impact: Reese and Watts as instant starters, pushing Dallas back toward contender status in 2026.
