The Dallas Cowboys could on the cusp of something special in 2026. We've already seen a ton of defensive changes this offseason, notably hiring Christian Parker as the new defensive coordinator and bringing in two 'plus' players in Rashan Gary and Jalen Thompson.
Right now, the unit is far from being complete, but a ton of progress has been made, and with two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, Jerry Jones and the rest of the Dallas front office have a great chance to perhaps double-dip on defense, potentially creating a rock-solid unit for Parker in what could be a special 2026 season.
The NFC East does appear to be wide open right now, and if this recent mock draft haul ends up being the Cowboys' picks, fans would be doing backflips.
Dallas Cowboys latest first-round haul would send the defense into a new universe
Add us as a preferred source on GoogleThere aren't many in the NFL landscape who have more connections than ESPN's Peter Schrager, so when he releases a mock draft, it's worth noting. His two picks for the Cowboys would have this defense firing on all cylinders for 2026 and beyond:
"12. Dallas Cowboys
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia told me on "The Schrager Hour" that Downs will be the smartest player on whichever team drafts him and should be a face of the franchise. The Cowboys need that on defense, even if safety isn't valued the same as pass rusher or cornerback. Downs could team up with Jalen Thompson and Malik Hooker on the back end and help curtail the big plays that hurt Dallas last season (gave up 54 plays of 25-plus yards, most in the NFL). If he's on the board, he would be a steal at No. 12.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB)
Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami
Mesidor is one of the older players in this class, having just turned 25 years old, but he also might be the prospect most ready to make an immediate impact. He was an absolute menace for Miami, and he'd immediately become one of Dallas' top pass rushers off the edge. Mesidor tallied 12.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss in 2025."
Caleb Downs and Akheem Mesidor would almost be too good a haul to believe. Downs is a physical, hard hitting, do-it-all defensive back from Ohio State. He's proficient in man and zone coverage and does bring that sort of culture-setting attitude that every defense needs.
Downs being a physical player as a defensive back is extra notable, as defensive back are typically some of the smallest players on the field, so it says something about the player that they can play 'up' from their actual size.
One comparison that I believe works here for Downs in terms of size and physicality is Talanoa Hufanga of the Denver Broncos. Their size comparisons from their NFL.com draft profiles are a good start:
Downs
Height: 6-0
Weight: 206
Arm Length: 30 1/4
Hand: 9/12
Hufanga
Height: 6-0
Weight: 199
Arm: 32
Hand: 9 7/8
The size profiles are comparable, and Hufanga has established himself as one of the more physical safeties in the NFL. Downs might have that kind of potential. As for Mesidor, he's already 25 years old, but the production doesn't lie.
Not only can Mesidor get to the quarterback, but he's also a good run defender, and while that isn't really the first thing people look at when scouting EDGE players, it's arguably just as important. Finding an EDGE who can rush the passer and defend the run at a competent level is probably more valuable than an EDGE who gets to the passer at a high level but can't defend the run.
Mesidor, while older, is a complete player, an immediate impact starter, and does address a glaring need for Dallas.
Ending up with Downs and Mesidor would be close to the 'ideal' haul for the Cowboys in this year's draft.