The Dallas Cowboys will assuredly be spending some of their top 2026 NFL Draft capital on defensive talent for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker to work with. However, some high-upside prospects may end up giving this roster an added factor of uncertainty and risk that could come back to bite them.
With the No. 12 pick in a 2026 NFL Mock Draft from The Athletic, Jon Machota had the Cowboys using their first of two selections on Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy. Perhaps no first-round prospect carries a greater deal of physical risk than McCoy does.
With the second of Dallas' two first-rounders, acquired from the Green Bay Packers in the Micah Parsons trade, the Cowboys may select a linebacker of the future in Georgia's CJ Allen. Both of these players carry with them some major red flags that can ruin their pro potential if not coached correctly.
Dallas Cowboys select Jermod McCoy, CJ Allen in 2026 NFL Mock Draft
In a weak cornerback class, a healthy McCoy would assuredly be a Top 10 pick due to his athleticism, physicality at the line, and ball skills. However, McCoy missed the entire 2025 season with the Volunteers due to an injury, and it is unknown how well (if at all) he has recovered from that ailment.
The Cowboys already took a chance on one bigger and oft-injured cornerback in Shavon Revel Jr. in 2025, and he didn't exactly light it up. Revel and McCoy together could be a long-term tandem on the outside, but they may spend more time in the blue tent than on the field.
Allen profiles as an incredibly strong run defender who can fill gaps and shut down an opposing backfield. However, at 230 pounds and a generous 6-1, he isn't the biggest player at his position. With some limited lateral mobility, coverage may be more of a work in progress for him.
Allen could be a nice two-down thumper in the middle of the defense, but is it worth drafting someone who is going to be targeted early and often on passing downs with a premium pick? Allen may be more raw than many other top linebackers in this class.
There are equally valid futures in play if the Cowboys draft McCoy and Allen. In one of them, both make Pro Bowls regularly and revitalize this unit. In the other, they are unable to overcome their shortcomings as the Dallas defense continues to let the offense down.