The Dallas Cowboys endured a difficult campaign in 2025, missing the playoffs and finishing 7-9-1. Jerry Jones and Brian Schottenheimer understand the assignment moving forward. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker must improve a unit that allowed a league-worst 30.1 points per game.
The Cowboys own eight total selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. Heavy emphasis will be placed on defensive acquisitions who can help Parker successfully install his scheme. We’ve conducted a Cowboys seven-round mock draft using our Mock Draft Machine.
Round 1 (No. 12 overall): Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The state of the Cowboys' linebacker play was atrocious throughout 2025. It's a top offseason priority. Ohio State's Sonny Styles possesses the athletic skill set required to be an every-down linebacker. Styles covers sideline to sideline with easy change-of-direction and top-notch movement skills.
Round 1 (No. 20 overall): Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Cornerback was another sore spot for the Cowboys. Trevon Diggs' injury-related falloff really crushed this position group. Tennessee's Colton Hood is a competitive cover-man who established his first-round status with an excellent Senior Bowl last week. Parker has a background as a defensive backs coach and he'll appreciate how Hood approaches playing corner.
Round 4 (No. 112 overall): Quintayvious Hutchins, EDGE, Boston College
Sam Williams, Dante Fowler Jr., and Jadeveon Clowney are all slated for free agency. That trio of veteran pass rushers combined to produce 12.5 sacks. The Cowboys can't re-sign them all, given their difficulties against the cap. Boston College's Quintayvion Hutchins would add some much-needed depth and youth. Hutchins had his moments at the Senior Bowl, but he's still raw after making the transition from offense to defense.
Round 5 (No. 150 overall): Keylan Rutledge, IOL, Georgia Tech
The Cowboys have three interior offensive linemen on expiring contracts. They'll need to restock the cupboard with Brock Hoffman, T.J. Bass, and Robert Jones possibly playing elsewhere next season. Keylan "BIG RED" Rutledge is a hard-nosed blocker who plays through the whistle. Drafting Rutledge would also give the Cowboys flexibility to move Tyler Smith around as needed.
Round 5 (No. 177 overall): VJ Payne, SAF, Kansas State
Kansas State safety VJ Payne is experienced and durable with leadership qualities. Payne displayed his excellent communication skills and football IQ at the Panini Senior Bowl. The Cowboys could use more of that at safety.
Round 6 (No. 215 overall): Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M
The Cowboys are in an interesting spot at offensive tackle. It's a do-or-die season for Tyler Guyton, who hasn't been healthy or consistent. Right tackle Terence Steele also doesn't possess any holdover guaranteed money on his contract. With some potential movement here, Texas A&M's Dametrious Crownover has the length and wingspan to play tackle in the NFL.
Round 7 (No. 221 overall): Jaden Dugger, LB, Louisiana
The state of Dallas' linebacker room warrants a double down. Louisiana linebacker Jaden Dugger was flying around the East-West Shrine Bowl. Dugger has desirable measurements with the athleticism needed to fly around the field.
Round 7 (No. 225 overall): Kejon Owens, RB, Florida International
The Cowboys will probably re-sign Javonte Williams, but there's room for competition behind him after Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah produced little to nothing as rookies. Florida International's Kejon Owens earned a well-deserved invitation to the Senior Bowl. Owens runs with contact balance and power, leading to a 1,334-yard, 11-touchdown season in 2025.
