The Dallas Cowboys had an odd set of resources at their disposal heading into the 2026 NFL offseason. On the one hand, they had two first-round picks to play with. But on the other, perhaps heavier hand, they had no Day 2 selections and a cap situation I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.
But Jerry Jones was able to work some magic on the first day of the league year, as he made a conscious decision to revamp the depth of the defensive tackle room behind Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, as he dealt Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas within minutes.
Thomas was traded for a late-round pick swap with the Tennessee Titans, but Odighizuwa actually netted a third-round pick from the San Francisco 49ers. With the Cowboys now back in business on Day 2, let's try our hand at another mock draft.
In this one, we'll build out the secondary before finding a viable replacement for Odighizuwa.
Cowboys find Osa Odighizuwa replacement in 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft
Round 1, Pick No. 12 - Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Thieneman, after an incredible season at Oregon and an NFL combine performance that was just as impressive, is gaining steam to be the Cowboys' pick at No. 12. Dallas needed to retool its safety room and get younger this offseason, and adding P.J. Locke in free agency was a good starting point.
But Thieneman is downright elite and could be a potential game-changer for Christian Parker. He's a versatile piece in the secondary, but most comfortable at free safety, and has all the requisite physical tools, production, IQ and experience to be an impact player from Day 1.
Round 1, Pick No. 20 - Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Terrell comes from an NFL pedigree, as his older brother, A.J., is considered one of the league's premier cornerbacks. Although a bit smaller than his big brother, Avieon Terrell still has a great frame for a professional cornerback and has the speed and blanket coverage ability every coach covets.
He's fairly slender and not always the best tackler, but man, is he productive. His three college interceptions won't pop off the screen, but Terrell wasn't targeted all that often, which is a good thing. Plus, he forced five fumbles as a senior, so he finds a way to create havoc.
Round 3, Pick No. 92 - Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
Halton is our Odighizuwa replacement. Halton is a bit heavier than the former Cowboy is, but he is somehow faster on tape. In a base 3-4 defense, he should back up Williams and Otito Ogbonnia to begin his career, but his disruptive nature will allow him to see the field in some capacity right away.
While he is a classic "tweener" prospect, he is actually more adept against the run than he is getting after the passer. Halton has a relentless motor, and Cowboys fans can rest assured that what he doesn't have figured out right now, he will figure out in the not-so-distant-future.