The Dallas Cowboys' decision with wide receiver George Pickens, whatever it may be, could shape the entire NFL offseason. Right now, things are trending toward Pickens being franchise tagged, but even if that happens, there is still another can of worms that could be opened.
Earlier in February, it was reported by Ian Rapoport that the Cowboys could end up tagging and trading Pickens for a second-round pick. After acquiring Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers last offseason and seeing him have a career season, trading him would be a massive disappointment.
However, this front office traded Micah Parsons and seems to have an affinity for the spotlight. At the end of the day, Dallas being able to get an early day two pick for Pickens might be what the front office opts to do. How would the 2026 NFL Draft look for Dallas if Pickens does indeed get moved?
Dallas Cowboys' mock draft shakes up the NFL with George Pickens trade
12. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
There’s a lot to like about Avieon Terrell. He thrives in press-man coverage, which makes him a natural fit for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker and his Vic Fangio-rooted system that demands corners who can hold up one-on-one. Terrell brings that skill set in spades.
Add in the NFL bloodline — he’s the younger brother of A.J. Terrell — and the pedigree checks out, too. If he’s on the board at No. 12, Dallas could be landing the best cornerback in the draft.
20. Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
With 11.5 sacks in 2025, Cashius Howell played the best football of his collegiate career at the right time. Standing at 6-2 and 248 pounds, Howell is a densely built but elusive pass rusher who could be a rotational piece early in his career. It's also nice that he does have multiple years of collegiate production, as that can typically translate into the NFL, especially with first-round prospects.
In many instances, edge players aren't playing each down and are usually seen in the game on clear pass-rush situations. Howell does profile as a future every-down starter, but the Cowboys might have to be patient here. No matter how you slice it, though, Howell is a first-round prospect.
Trade: Cowboys acquire pick No. 40 from the Kansas City Chiefs for WR George Pickens
40. Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Chris Bell tore his ACL late last year, so his odds of going in the first round have lowered. The Cowboys end up trading Pickens for the Kansas City Chiefs' second-round pick, which comes in at no. 40. Dallas then jumps on Bell, a wide receiver from Louisville.
Bell is 6-2 and 220 pounds, so his frame is enticing for a second or third wide receiver on the depth chart. He's not nearly as athletic or explosive as Pickens, but rarely is anyone else. Bell profiles as a competent WR2 in the NFL, and that type of player would be perfect to pair next to CeeDee Lamb if Pickens is indeed moved.
112. Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M
Taurean York is only 20 years old, but he is a bit undersized at the linebacker position, standing at 5-10 and weighing 227 pounds. York did, however, rack up 228 total tackles in his three-year collegiate career.
For the Cowboys, multiple linebackers are needed this offseason. Free agent linebacker Nakobe Dean shares a connection with Parker, as they both spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles, but beyond a potential free agent signing, an NFL Draft pick should also be on the table.
150. Fa'alili Fa'amoe, OT, Wake Forest
A developmental right tackle prospect, Fa'alili Fa'amoe is the Cowboys' pick at 150 in our latest mock draft. Because of a lack of tackle-caliber athleticism for the NFL, Fa'amoe might have to kick inside to guard, but either way, it's a worthwhile selection here as we get into the later rounds.
177. Preston Hodge, CB, Colorado
Preston Hodge had 13 passes defended in 2025 for Colorado. That's an uncanny number and shows that Hodge does have good ball skills. Not only is cornerback a first-round need for Dallas, but it could also be a late-round need and a free agency need as well.
216. Adam Randall, RB, Clemson
The Cowboys re-signing Javonte Williams was a great move to keep the run game in a good spot moving forward, but that doesn't mean the work is done. Adam Randall is simply too enticing of a player to pass up at pick 216. He's 6-2 and 230 pounds, not far off the size of Derrick Henry.
Not only does Williams wear down opponents with his running style, but adding someone with Randall's size into the equation for late-game carries would really help Dallas develop a nasty edge on offense.
226. Wydett Williams Jr., S, Ole Miss
The safety room needs a top-tier free agent addition, but the Cowboys could also look to the NFL draft for some help. Wydett Williams Jr. had three interceptions and nine passes defended in 2025, so he's another defensive back Dallas can snag with above-average ball skills.