While the Dallas Cowboys plugged some holes in free agency, they didn't do nearly enough to set Christian Parker up for success in his first year as defensive coordinator.
Thankfully, the Cowboys are shopping for a veteran linebacker, and they seemingly have enough ammo in the NFL Draft to fill the remaining gaps before training camp. One could argue, though, that having only three picks in the top 100 isn't enough to get this defense where it needs to be.
Add us as a preferred source on GoogleTrading down in the first round has to be in the cards. And that is precisely what happens in this four-round mock draft.
The Dallas Cowboys keep a Texas star close to home in 4-round mock draft
Trade! Seeking to draft USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, the Los Angeles Chargers agreed to send picks No. 22, No. 55, and No. 86 to the Dallas Cowboys for picks No. 12 and No. 92.
Round 1, Pick No. 20 - Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
Even with the Rashan Gary trade, Dallas still has a glaring need for an edge rusher. They had their pick of the litter at No. 20 in Clemson's T.J. Parker, Oklahoma's R. Mason Thomas, and Auburn's Keldric Faulk, but Mesidor can step in and make a demonstrative impact from Day 1.
The one drawback with Mesidor is that he's already 25 years old. He doesn't have much room for growth, but that shouldn't matter to Dallas, as the former Hurricane arguably has the deepest pass-rush bag of any edge in the class.
Mesidor can win with finesse or power, and he has the determination when rushing the passer that is required to succeed in the NFL. That urgency buoys his ability to set the edge against the run. He was top 10 among all edge defenders last season in pressures (55), hurries (42), and forced fumbles (3), per PFF, stamping his case as arguably the most polished pass rusher in the draft.
Round 1, Pick No. 22 - Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Cowboys don't typically draft corners with short arms, but they've bucked that trend under Parker by signing Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick.
Terrell is undersized at 5'11" and 186 pounds, but he's tough as nails and his fluidity in coverage allows him to stick with bigger receivers. He'll concede contested catches on occasion due to his size, but he's a relentless irritant at the catch point, always managing to be in position to make a play on the ball.
The former Tiger was one of the very few Clemson defenders who had a strong season in a tough year for the program, allowing a 56.9 percent completion rate when targeted, while tallying 17 defensive stops, three sacks, and forcing five (!) fumbles, per PFF.
Terrell is most effective in press-man coverage, but he's comfortable in zone and can play inside and outside, logging 110 snaps in the slot last season compared to 463 outside. That, paired with his willingness to defend the run, makes him a perfect fit under Parker.
Round 2, Pick No. 55 - Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
It just feels like a match made in heaven. The Cowboys desperately need a linebacker, and Hill is a Dallas native and a five-star recruit out of Denton Ryan. Nothing hits on draft night like Dallas keeping a former Longhorns star close to home.
There is a lot to like about Hill's game, and he only fortified his stock at the Combine, tallying a 4.51 40-yard dash that was third-fastest among linebackers, a 10'5" broad jump, and a 37" vertical jump. The anti-Kenneth Murray, Hill is quick to diagnose and does not engage with unnecessary blocks.
With 17.0 sacks, 31.5 tackles for loss, and seven forced fumbles in three seasons, Hill is a splash play waiting to happen. He needs to learn to trust his eyes in coverage, and he can overpursue against the run at times, allowing for cutback opportunities, but at 21 years old, he has plenty of room for growth.
The Cowboys did not meet with Hill at the Combine, but they were heavily repped at Texas' Pro Day and had dinner with the young linebacker during their stay in Austin last week.
Round 3, Pick No. 86 - Bud Clark, S, TCU
Drafting Clark (6'1", 188 pounds) would follow Dallas' theme of adding undersized and versatile players who have an unteachable intensity that allows them to flourish despite their physical "limitations."
With 15 interceptions over the last four years, including four in 2025, Clark has the ball skills of a wide receiver. A team captain in his final three seasons at TCU, Clark notched a career-high seven pass breakups as a senior despite missing the final two games due to injury. Not even Christian Parker can coach that ball production into a player.
Clark is comfortable in man or zone, and he'd give Parker another chess piece at safety who has ample experience playing the nickel.
Round, 4, Pick No. 112 - Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest
The Cowboys have shown interest in Claiborne, as running backs coach Darrick Foster attended Wake Forest's Pro Day to get a closer look at the former Demon Deacon.
One of the fastest RBs in the class, Claiborne has the rare ability to turn a routine five-yard gain into an explosive play once he turns the corner. At 188 pounds, he doesn’t project as a 20-carry back in the NFL, but it’s not like the league is churning those out anyway.
Claiborne had an uncharacteristic five fumbles last season after recording none the previous two years. Assuming that gets cleaned up, his long speed and ability to change direction without losing momentum make him an ideal fit in a Dallas rushing attack that needs more big-play ability behind Javonte Williams.