The Dallas Cowboys have an opportunity to cement themselves as a contender in the 2026 NFL Draft, as they have two first-round picks they can use to improve their defense and get them back in the postseason hunt following a disappointing 2025 season.
However, this could also be an opportunity for the rest of the NFC East to continue leapfrogging them. The New York Giants have a prime top pick, the Washington Commanders are a year removed from an NFC Championship nod and owns a Top 10 pick, and the Philadelphia Eagles have tons of Day 2 and Day 3 picks.
If this 2026 NFL Mock Draft comes to fruition, the Cowboys may need to accept a reality in which 2026 is going to be a very long year after all their rivals knocked it pout of the park.
Worst Case Scenario Dallas Cowboys 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Giants take Sonny Styles at No. 5
Styles had as good a combine as a linebacker could possibly put together, and Dak Prescott would be much better off if he didn't have to deal with a 6-5 titan that has wide receiver speed at the heart of John Harbaugh's defense.
Commanders take Caleb Downs at No. 7
Downs may be the best player in this class and is easily the best safety prospect since Kyle Hamilton. Washington's secondary was one of the main reasons they hit a wall in 2026, and Downs could be an instant fix to their biggest issue.
Cowboys reach for a WR at No. 12
Dallas has often found itself picking skill position players on offense when they need some extra help on defense, and Jerry Jones may be easily talked into someone like Carnell Tate or Makai Lemon if they are available.
Cowboys take a LB if CJ Allen is off the board
If Allen is on the board at 20, he might as well start looking for property in Dallas. If he's gone, however, the Cowboys may be forced to reach on a player like Texas' Anthony Hill Jr. or Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez rather than adding the best player available.
Eagles take Jordyn Tyson at No. 23
Tyson is starting to fall down many Big Boards due to some concerns about his medicals, and if the Eagles are still there, they have the depth needed to stomach that risk. Dallas will struggle to slow down Tyson, AJ Brown, and Devonta Smith all at the same time.