While the Cowboys haven't been as aggressive in free agency as many expected, at least they are targeting the right positions. Most, if not all, mock drafts have Dallas taking two defenders at Nos. 12 and 20, and that should not change. Anything else would be malpractice.
With the holes they still need to fill, Jerry Jones would be crazy to take an offensive player at No. 12. It would be the worst kind of surprise. However, that idea has at least one supporter.
Jonah Tuls, an NFL Draft analyst, was interviewed on the Doin' Alright podcast and made the case for Dallas to draft an offensive player since the roster still has a ton of weak spots.
"I think (Jeremiyah) Love and (Francis) Mauigoa are two top five players in this class, and if you can find a way to get either of them at 12...I think you've done enough to justify taking an offensive player."
The Dallas Cowboys would be insane to draft an offensive player at No. 12
Jalen Thompson, P.J. Locke and Cobie Durant help the secondary, but you still need tons of help up front on defense.
Jeremiyah Love and Francis Mauigoa are undeniable studs, but the Cowboys have bigger fish to fry on defense. That didn’t stop Tuls from dubbing Mauigoa “Penei Sewell 2.0”, which is a huge compliment given Sewell is already a three-time First-Team All-Pro at 25 years old.
The only real argument is that Mauigoa would immediately replace Terence Steele. However, Steele’s restructured contract created $13 million in cap space, suggesting the Cowboys are comfortable with their offensive line heading into 2026. That makes the idea of taking Mauigoa, or any offensive tackle, all the more repulsive.
The Cowboys still need a linebacker to pair with DeMarvion Overshown, and even after adding Rashan Gary, there’s more work to be done at edge rusher. The Joneses are close to rebuilding this defense, but Tuls’ claim that they’ve done enough on that side of the ball is debatable.
In terms of running back, Love will likely be drafted within the first five picks anyway. Re-signing Javonte Williams was one of the first moves for the Cowboys this offseason. They need to figure out a solid backup, but it looks like Malik Davis may step into that role after a late-season surge.
The Cowboys' offense was already one of the best in the league last season, and they don't need to get cute and draft an offensive player when they still have tons of holes on defense. Period.