We now know where the Dallas Cowboys will be drafting in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft. With the Packers being upset against the Bears, their pick, which belongs to the Cowboys, is set at 20. That has to be significantly higher than the Cowboys anticipated when they made the move to trade Micah Parsons this offseason.
Armed with two top 20 selections, the Cowboys should be able to find two Day 1 starters in Round 1. But which direction might they go in? Here is a full 7-round mock draft for the Cowboys coming out of Round 1 of the NFL playoffs:
2026 7-round mock draft for Dallas Cowboys
Pick No. 12: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
You can make an argument that linebacker is the biggest need for Dallas this season, and Styles might be the best off-ball prospect in this class. His combination of size, speed, and length is rare, and he is one of the surest tacklers in the entire class.
Styles is a former safety and really improved in coverage during the 2025 season. While drafting an off-ball linebacker at No. 12 isn’t great from a positional value sense, Styles is an elite linebacker prospect who would pair well with DeMarvion Overshown. And with all of the investments at defensive tackle, Styles should thrive in this defense.
Pick No. 20: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Cowboys don’t have a long history of drafting undersized cornerbacks in Round 1, especially under Will McClay. But that might have to change depending on their new defensive coordinator. They could use more cornerbacks who are aggressive in the run game and are willing to tackle. And that’s why Terrell could be an excellent value at No. 20.
Terrell played over 100 snaps in the slot during the 2025 season and has the versatility to play in the box and as an outside cornerback. He forced five fumbles last season, which led the ACC. That stat alone tells you what kind of player he is and Dallas could use more “dawgs” on defense. Will they ignore their size preferences for an experienced cornerback with a knack for making timely plays? We shall see.
Pick No. 112: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
Regardless if Javonte Williams returns in 2026, the Cowboys need to invest in their running back room again. Allen is a physical running back who excels between the tackles. He doesn’t have home run speed (expected to run in the mid-4.5s), but he’s one of the best runners in this class after contact. Allen could wind up being drafted much higher than this, but let’s be optimistic.
Pick No. 150: Bishop Fitzgerald, SS, USC
The Cowboys will need more safety help in 2026 with Donovan Wilson likely on his way out. Fitzgerald isn’t an elite athlete, but he has NFL size and recorded five interceptions during the 2025 season. He will start his career on special teams, but he has a knack for finding the ball and has really improved in coverage over the last two seasons.
Pick No. 177: Max Llewellyn, EDGE, Iowa
Defensive end will be a position the Cowboys need to beef up this offseason and Llewellyn has the size and motor to find his way into the defensive line rotation. He recorded 12 sacks over the last two seasons for Iowa and 50 hurries. He might not have the high-end athleticism to be a star in the NFL, but Llewellyn can play.
Pick No. 215: Josh Moten, CB, Southern Mississipi
The Cowboys love their toolsy cornerbacks and Moten fits the bill. He’s bounced around college football, but his 10 interceptions over the last two seasons are too good to ignore. At this stage of the draft, it’s never a bad idea to bet on players with traits and big-time production from smaller schools.
Pick No. 211: Nolan Rucci, OT, Penn State
With Terence Steele’s situation influx, the Cowboys could look to add more developmental offensive tackles. Rucci is a mammoth right tackle who was a two-year starter, playing over 1,000 snaps. He’s steadily improved, but he is a much better run blocker than pass blocker at this stage of his career.
Pick No. 225: Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor
Robertson’s 2025 season didn’t quite go as planned, but he’s got the size NFL teams will love. He also has a bunch of experience with 1,000 attempts in four seasons. He is a pocket-passing quarterback who could use a season or two on a practice squad before earning the chance to be a backup quarterback in the NFL.