Early mock drafts show Dallas Cowboys focusing on defense — and a running back
The Dallas Cowboys’ season ended with a 34-17 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday, and they will miss the playoffs for the second straight season.
Defense was a major problem for the Cowboys, who gave up more points than any other team in the league, and the team is expected to focus on that side of the ball in the upcoming 2026 NFL draft.
The Cowboys have two first-round picks after the Micah Parsons trade, their own at No. 12 and one from the Green Bay Packers whose exact location will be determined in the playoffs.
Here are whom some early mock drafts have the Cowboys selecting:
Danny Kelly, The Ringer
Selections: Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State) and Cashius Howell (Edge, Texas A&M)
“The Cowboys get great value here with their first of two day one picks, adding a big-time defender in Downs. The younger brother of Colts receiver Josh Downs, the former Buckeye is a do-everything playmaker who can line up just about anywhere in the back end to cover, blitz, and tackle. He’s the type of talent Dallas can build its secondary around.”
“The Cowboys continue to build on defense, using the second of their two first-round picks to grab an edge defender. Howell is an explosive, flexible rusher with a quick first step and the ability to dip and duck under blocks to get into the pocket. The former Aggies standout has his gas pedal mashed to the floorboard at all times and should up the intensity on the Dallas defensive line.”
Nate Tice and Charles McDonald, Yahoo Sports
Selections: Keldric Faulk (Edge, Auburn) and Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
“They currently don’t have a defensive coordinator, but Faulk’s versatility and strength against the run make him a fit regardless. Faulk is long, can hold up against the run, align at multiple spots, is young, and has developed more as a pass rusher this season, even if his box score numbers weren’t overwhelming. He can be more of a DeMarcus Lawrence replacement than Micah Parsons.”
“Jerry Jones can breathe easy because Love is still there for Dallas’ second selection! The Cowboys have a young and talented offensive line with quality coaching under Klayton Adams, who turned the run game into a weapon in 2025. Love is a true first-round quality running back who can take any play to the house as a runner and receiver.”
Jordan Reid, ESPN
Selections: Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State) and Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)
“The Cowboys desperately need defensive help, and Styles would give them a building block at the spine of their defense, which allowed a league-high 30.1 points per game in 2025. He would be a massive upgrade to Kenneth Murray Jr., who struggled in every way imaginable this season after being acquired from the Titans.”
“McCoy did not play at all this season after suffering an ACL tear last January. That makes him a tough evaluation, as scouts have varying opinions on when he should come off the board, but one could argue that he had top-10 potential entering the season. While he won’t likely be that, the Cowboys need reinforcements at cornerback, especially after releasing former Pro Bowler Trevon Diggs.”
Ayrton Ostly, USA Today
Selections: Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame) and Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
“Love is the most dynamic offensive weapon in this draft and cannot fall farther than the Cowboys. He’s the ideal back for the modern NFL with solid size (6-foot, 214 pounds), game-changing speed and proven ability as a receiver out of the backfield.”
“Dallas is disappointed with where this pick falls, as it’s too late for one of the top three cornerbacks. It’s their last pick until the fourth round, so they address the second-biggest need on defense with Styles. He was the top prospect at the position entering 2025; his drop in status to No. 2 is all due to [teammate Arvell] Reese’s rise.”
Gordon McGuinness, Pro Football Focus
Selections: Arvell Reese (LB, Ohio State, LB) and Keldric Faulk (Edge, Auburn)
“Dallas did well to acquire Quinnen Williams for a lacking defensive interior, although further investments are needed if the Cowboys want to become contenders. There are similarities between Reese and former Cowboys star Micah Parsons in their college usage, and Reese earned a 72.5 PFF pass-rush grade from 112 pass-rushing snaps this season.”
“After acquiring more pass-rush juice with Arvel Reese earlier in the round, the Cowboys can look to find a replacement for DeMarcus Lawrence here. While Lawrence was good as a pass rusher, he was elite as a run defender — something the Cowboys have lacked in 2025.”
Mike Renner, CBS Sports
Selections: Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State) and T.J. Parker (Edge, Clemson)
“Sonny Styles feels like exactly what the Cowboys need in their front seven: someone with elite range who also is assignment-sure. The former safety turned linebacker is easily the best tackler at the position in the draft class.”
“T.J. Parker is, at minimum, an upgrade for the Cowboys in the run game. He’s a powerful defensive end who’s been productive ever since his freshman year at Clemson. It would bolster their by-committee approach in the wake of the Micah Parsons trade.”
