The Dallas Cowboys have the foundation to be an excellent team in the 2026 NFL Season, but it's going to take some savvy offseason moves and some 'hits' in the 2026 NFL Draft. It's possible, though, and with how great the offense was this year, the defense really doesn't have to be anything more than average.
Dallas does have to figure how out to get Javonte Williams and George Pickens back in the mix, but you get the sense that Jerry Jones and the front office are going to put a heavy emphasis on retaining both. The Cowboys could then make their lives a lot easier and shift their focus to almost entirely the defensive side of the ball.
There should be a ton of quality prospects for the Cowboys to choose from in each round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and this mock draft could bust open a Super Bowl window.
Cowboys hammer away at defensive needs in this 2026 NFL mock draft
15. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The Cowboys could come away with the best linebacker in the 2026 NFL Draft class if they end up with Sonny Styles with the first of two first-round picks. Styles is a complete player, a day one starter, and someone who can immediately elevate this LB room, which has left much to be desired in 2025.
19. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The brother of Atlanta Falcons' cornerback A.J. Terrell, Avieon Terrell can line up in the slot and outside, which is honestly a bit of a rare skillset you don't always see in NFL cornerbacks. What is such a shame with the Cowboys' CB room is that there's all the talent and potential in the world, but the unit just has not stayed healthy.
115. Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
Lee Hunter is a massive nose tackle who has 30 career tackles for loss, and someone this big getting into the backfield that often could really impact the entire defense in a good way. Interior pressure allows for the outside rushers to get home and also gives the secondary some breathing room in coverage.
155. Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State
Bryce Lance is a 6'3" target who had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for North Dakota State in 2024 in 2025, so he could be a late-round dart throw and contribute as a depth piece in 2026 and beyond.
177. Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
The thing with Domani Jackson is that this guy just oozes athleticism and potential, and that's really what teams bank on when they are picking this late in the NFL Draft. With the right coaches in place and the ability to perhaps sit and develop, Jackson has starter potential in the NFL.
The neat thing about building a defense in the NFL is that teams can 'buy' players on that side of the ball in free agency. The Cowboys could realistically improve their safety room and EDGE room with free agency acquistiions. Dallas won't have many picks to use and will have to ensure they invest in the right positions in 2026.