The Athletic's 1st mock ( week 5)

[Hawkeye0202]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/66...ock-draft-2026-arch-manning-fernando-mendoza/

The college football season is a month old, and from an NFL Draft perspective, the biggest story has been what’s happening at the quarterback position.

9. Dallas Cowboys: Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn​

There isn’t a defensive player in this class with a more impressive combination of physical tools and athleticism than the 6-foot-6, 285-pound Faulk, who can line up anywhere from zero- to nine-tech while maintaining above-average coverage range. A young junior (he turned 20 on Sept. 7), Faulk isn’t the most polished pass rusher just yet. But he’s been productive since his true freshman season and is off to another strong start, including seven pressures versus Oklahoma.


No one is Micah Parsons, but this would be a steal for Dallas. Faulk could be a top-three player in the class.

26. Dallas Cowboys (from GB): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington​

A big-bodied outside weapon with a bunch of wiggle, Boston has made at least five catches in three of Washington’s four games. He’s a gigantic target with power and great ball skills. He’ll give off a few Puka Nacua vibes to those watching closely.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

Don’t know if Faulk is the guy, but generally speaking, I really like the idea of getting bigger talented guys at DE to create pressure. When you have undersized edge guys you give up size and stoutness against the run.

 

[Hardline]

Hopefully Peter Woods is still on the board when the Cowboys pick. Probably going to take a top 5 pick to get him.

 

[JeffInDC]

Don’t know if Faulk is the guy, but generally speaking, I really like the idea of getting bigger talented guys at DE to create pressure. When you have undersized edge guys you give up size and stoutness against the run.

That’s where I am as well these days - I want the legit 6’3”-6’5”, 260+ guys that can average 10+ sacks while also having a PFF Run D grade no lower than 65.

 

[Mr_437]

I like the positions they drafted for the Cowboys and the type of players. The '26 draft has several full-sized DEs and this team needs one of those guys early. Possibly, anticipating Pickens bolts in FA for big money and a WR1 spot, if so, a bigger WR makes sense for the passing attack.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

Hopefully Peter Woods is still on the board when the Cowboys pick. Probably going to take a top 5 pick to get him.

Maybe, maybe not .....just read a nugget that for some reason, he's not nearly as dominant this season.

 

[exciter]

We just dropped a 2nd on a strong side end in Kneeland, as someone else stated if we’re picking that high I’d be interested in Woods… if not then TJ Parker or Reuben Bain would be my preference unless this kid could add 5-10 lbs and play 3tech!

 

[Hawkeye0202]

We just dropped a 2nd on a strong side end in Kneeland, as someone else stated if we’re picking that high I’d be interested in Woods… if not then TJ Parker or Reuben Bain would be my preference unless this kid could add 5-10 lbs and play 3tech!

You probably have to trade into the top 5 for a chance at one of the top defensive players ( Bain, Wood or Down ) and GB's 1st will likely be the price.

 

[exciter]

You probably have to trade into the top 5 for a chance at one of the top defensive players ( Bain, Wood or Down ) and GB's 1st will likely be the price.

QBs being overdrafted will push them down.
At least one if not 2, including Matayo U Oregon should be available in the 8-18 range! Woods is the only one that might crack 5 and he’s being nit picked currently.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Im in on Faulk. You can use him all over the line. Once he is fully developed he can be a game wrecker in the Cam Jordan mold. Bain will be gone, but him or Parker could really help

 

[Acceptablename]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/66...ock-draft-2026-arch-manning-fernando-mendoza/

The college football season is a month old, and from an NFL Draft perspective, the biggest story has been what’s happening at the quarterback position.

9. Dallas Cowboys: Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn​

There isn’t a defensive player in this class with a more impressive combination of physical tools and athleticism than the 6-foot-6, 285-pound Faulk, who can line up anywhere from zero- to nine-tech while maintaining above-average coverage range. A young junior (he turned 20 on Sept. 7), Faulk isn’t the most polished pass rusher just yet. But he’s been productive since his true freshman season and is off to another strong start, including seven pressures versus Oklahoma.


No one is Micah Parsons, but this would be a steal for Dallas. Faulk could be a top-three player in the class.

26. Dallas Cowboys (from GB): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington​

A big-bodied outside weapon with a bunch of wiggle, Boston has made at least five catches in three of Washington’s four games. He’s a gigantic target with power and great ball skills. He’ll give off a few Puka Nacua vibes to those watching closely.

Our bigger issue is at LB and DB not that Faulk isn't a good pick. Id be ok with it. WR isn't our problem either but if we decline signing Pickens maybe. But the defense needs more.

 

[reddyuta]

my preference is game changing DT over DE but its still early in CFB so we will see.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Maybe, maybe not .....just read a nugget that for some reason, he's not nearly as dominant this season.

He has been heating up though. Should be right where he was as a top 6 guy

 

[Landryhat73]

Hopefully Peter Woods is still on the board when the Cowboys pick. Probably going to take a top 5 pick to get him.

He hasn’t looked that great this year.

 

[Beaker42]

Im in on Faulk. You can use him all over the line. Once he is fully developed he can be a game wrecker in the Cam Jordan mold. Bain will be gone, but him or Parker could really help

Who’s the 6’7” cat we got off the Chief’s PS who could’ve been a game wrecker but liked Mary Jane (and some other excesses) to much - David Irving??

 

[darthseinfeld]

Who’s the 6’7” cat we got off the Chief’s PS who could’ve been a game wrecker but liked Mary Jane (and some other excesses) to much - David Irving??

Yes

 

[DrlabonAggiesCowboys]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/66...ock-draft-2026-arch-manning-fernando-mendoza/

The college football season is a month old, and from an NFL Draft perspective, the biggest story has been what’s happening at the quarterback position.

9. Dallas Cowboys: Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn​

There isn’t a defensive player in this class with a more impressive combination of physical tools and athleticism than the 6-foot-6, 285-pound Faulk, who can line up anywhere from zero- to nine-tech while maintaining above-average coverage range. A young junior (he turned 20 on Sept. 7), Faulk isn’t the most polished pass rusher just yet. But he’s been productive since his true freshman season and is off to another strong start, including seven pressures versus Oklahoma.


No one is Micah Parsons, but this would be a steal for Dallas. Faulk could be a top-three player in the class.

26. Dallas Cowboys (from GB): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington​

A big-bodied outside weapon with a bunch of wiggle, Boston has made at least five catches in three of Washington’s four games. He’s a gigantic target with power and great ball skills. He’ll give off a few Puka Nacua vibes to those watching closely.

I do think they go D-line with the first pick, there will be 2 or 3 players there within the first 15 picks that are high quality. I just don't see them drafting a receiver with pick number 2, either Safety, Corner, or LB would be my guess. With my money on Safety.

 

[Smith22]

I will never argue with upgrading along the trenches.

The WR pick, as of right now, is questionable.

With that mock, with our 2nd pick, give me CJ Allen or the corner Delane.

 

[DrlabonAggiesCowboys]

I will never argue with upgrading along the trenches.

The WR pick, as of right now, is questionable.

With that mock, with our 2nd pick, give me CJ Allen or the corner Delane.

Do you think they go corner though? They have Bland and seem to be high on Revel, its not a foregone conclusion that Diggs leaves (although it is probably 50%). To me, the Safety position needs to be addressed, although the cowboys never seem to prioritize it. A late first on a safety would seem reasonable though.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

I do think they go D-line with the first pick, there will be 2 or 3 players there within the first 15 picks that are high quality. I just don't see them drafting a receiver with pick number 2, either Safety, Corner, or LB would be my guess. With my money on Safety.

I can see that but depending on where we are drafting........I'm 100% sure Eberflus will use a high pick on an LBer. I am not saying it will be a first, but def a top 3 IMO.