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It’s the Monday following the bye week for the Dallas Cowboys so what better time than now to throw out a franchise-changing mock draft? With two first round picks at their disposal, the Cowboys are perfectly situated to make a splash.
The priority remains on fixing their cellar-dwelling defense but drafting for need is often the recipe for disaster so the Cowboys will keep an open mind as they navigate the draft board. Defensive end, linebacker, cornerback and safety are all needs in the 2026 offseason so the Cowboys should be able to roll with the punches.
Dallas’ situation at offensive tackle is borderline dire, with Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele combining to form arguably the worst pass protecting duo in the NFL. Questions also remain at running back and receiver since starters Javonte Williams and George Pickens each face free agency. In other words, if the Cowboys stray from defense, they have options.
Being responsible stewards of the franchise, one would think the Cowboys front office makes some necessary upgrades in free agency, so they don’t come into the 2026 NFL draft painted into particular corners.
The Cowboys first pick will target the defensive line with Auburn standout Keldric Faulk. Dallas is loaded on the interior, but need a strong base defensive end to work opposite Donovan Ezeiruaku.
Faulk, 6-foot-6, 285-pounds, is an enormous prospect abnormally athletic for a man his size. He’s an elite run defender who can play across the line in either odd or even man fronts. While he’s not fully developed as a pass rusher, he has all the traits to be a star. This is an extremely safe prospect with high end potential and crazy value at Pick No. 14.
Despite concerns from fans annoyed Dallas has already over-invested in the offensive line, the Cowboys have needs at OT that can’t be denied. Steele is probably a cap casualty, and the clock is ticking on Guyton to play competently. The 2026 draft class is a deep class at tackle so there’s a good chance a high-end starter will fall to the Cowboys somewhere in the first round.
Proctor, 6-foot-7, 366-pounds, is a massive left tackle prospect who made Bruce Feldman’s annual freaks list for his size, speed, strength combination. A better run blocker than pass protector, Proctor requires technical refinement but doesn’t come in nearly as a raw as Guyton. He’s only allowed one sack this season and has loads of experience protecting the blindside.
Scott isn’t the prototypical long and rangy cornerback the Cowboys target but rather a midsized, scheme versatile player who’s solid in run support. With the ill-fit of Matt Eberflus’ system, Dallas might finally value scheme versatility in their secondary and Scott is just that.
Scott, 5-foot-11, 190-pounds, is inside-outside CB who can be a nickel starter on Day 1. As a strong tackler, he can blitz and offer support in the running game. He can cover slot receivers or play zone outside without looking out of element. Scott’s 28.6 completion percentage allowed is in elite territory, and his special teams ability seals the deal.
The Cowboys could very well move away from both Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker this offseason meaning both starting spots are wide open. Bray Hubbard could slide into one of those roles fairly easily. He may never be a centerfielder like Hooker but he’s certainly not a box-only safety like Wilson is either.
Hubbard, 6-foot-2 and 213-pounds, is a high-end zone safety with some limited man coverage skills out of the slot. He has a nose for the football with a great understanding of assignments and responsibilities. He’s explosive to ball whether it’s against a ball carrier or breaking on a ball in coverage, making for a solid all-around safety.
The Cowboys hopefully have the top of the depth chart worked out at linebacker with DeMarvion Overshown and Logan Wilson penciled in. Then again, Wilson is probably on a decline and Overshown might be best used as a moveable pass rusher, so Marist Liufau and Shemar Lames could be called into action at a moment’s notice.
Regardless of how things end up at LB in 2025, the Cowboys need new blood in their LB ranks and that probably means a new veteran in free agency and a young prospect like Drayk Bowen in the draft. Bowen, 6-foot-2, 235-pounds, is a big hitter with gap discipline and quick play recognition. He’s a smart player, team leader and someone who can shed blocks.
Bowen’s a strong athlete with all the tools but needs more work in coverage just like Liufau and James. He’s scheme versatile and just the kind of LB Dallas like to groom.
The Cowboys double-dip late with another linebacker when they select Kyle Louis out of Pitt. Louis, 6-foot-1, 220-pounds, is the opposite of what the Cowboys already have in Liufau, James and Bowen. Instead of being an explosive and powerful run-stuffer, he’s a coverage specialist who could be a special nickel LB for Dallas.
Louis is said to be a hardworking player who’s dedicated to the film room. He might be the best cover LB in the draft, but his size and frame are going to turn teams off. Louis might be best used in a hybrid LB-safety role than plays predominantly passing downs or simply in a big nickel look. Regardless of his role, he’s a great player who’s having a great season.
You can follow Reid on X @ReidDHanson and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys post-bye 7-round mock draft: Rebooting defense, OT for 2026
Continue reading...
The priority remains on fixing their cellar-dwelling defense but drafting for need is often the recipe for disaster so the Cowboys will keep an open mind as they navigate the draft board. Defensive end, linebacker, cornerback and safety are all needs in the 2026 offseason so the Cowboys should be able to roll with the punches.
Dallas’ situation at offensive tackle is borderline dire, with Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele combining to form arguably the worst pass protecting duo in the NFL. Questions also remain at running back and receiver since starters Javonte Williams and George Pickens each face free agency. In other words, if the Cowboys stray from defense, they have options.
Being responsible stewards of the franchise, one would think the Cowboys front office makes some necessary upgrades in free agency, so they don’t come into the 2026 NFL draft painted into particular corners.
Pick 14: Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
The Cowboys first pick will target the defensive line with Auburn standout Keldric Faulk. Dallas is loaded on the interior, but need a strong base defensive end to work opposite Donovan Ezeiruaku.
Faulk, 6-foot-6, 285-pounds, is an enormous prospect abnormally athletic for a man his size. He’s an elite run defender who can play across the line in either odd or even man fronts. While he’s not fully developed as a pass rusher, he has all the traits to be a star. This is an extremely safe prospect with high end potential and crazy value at Pick No. 14.
Pick 24: Kadyn Proctor, LT, Alabama
Despite concerns from fans annoyed Dallas has already over-invested in the offensive line, the Cowboys have needs at OT that can’t be denied. Steele is probably a cap casualty, and the clock is ticking on Guyton to play competently. The 2026 draft class is a deep class at tackle so there’s a good chance a high-end starter will fall to the Cowboys somewhere in the first round.
Proctor, 6-foot-7, 366-pounds, is a massive left tackle prospect who made Bruce Feldman’s annual freaks list for his size, speed, strength combination. A better run blocker than pass protector, Proctor requires technical refinement but doesn’t come in nearly as a raw as Guyton. He’s only allowed one sack this season and has loads of experience protecting the blindside.
Pick 114: Xavier Scott, CB, Illinois
Scott isn’t the prototypical long and rangy cornerback the Cowboys target but rather a midsized, scheme versatile player who’s solid in run support. With the ill-fit of Matt Eberflus’ system, Dallas might finally value scheme versatility in their secondary and Scott is just that.
Scott, 5-foot-11, 190-pounds, is inside-outside CB who can be a nickel starter on Day 1. As a strong tackler, he can blitz and offer support in the running game. He can cover slot receivers or play zone outside without looking out of element. Scott’s 28.6 completion percentage allowed is in elite territory, and his special teams ability seals the deal.
Pick 153: Bray Hubbard, SAF, Alabama
The Cowboys could very well move away from both Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker this offseason meaning both starting spots are wide open. Bray Hubbard could slide into one of those roles fairly easily. He may never be a centerfielder like Hooker but he’s certainly not a box-only safety like Wilson is either.
Hubbard, 6-foot-2 and 213-pounds, is a high-end zone safety with some limited man coverage skills out of the slot. He has a nose for the football with a great understanding of assignments and responsibilities. He’s explosive to ball whether it’s against a ball carrier or breaking on a ball in coverage, making for a solid all-around safety.
Pick 177: Drayk Bowen, LB, Notre Dame
The Cowboys hopefully have the top of the depth chart worked out at linebacker with DeMarvion Overshown and Logan Wilson penciled in. Then again, Wilson is probably on a decline and Overshown might be best used as a moveable pass rusher, so Marist Liufau and Shemar Lames could be called into action at a moment’s notice.
Regardless of how things end up at LB in 2025, the Cowboys need new blood in their LB ranks and that probably means a new veteran in free agency and a young prospect like Drayk Bowen in the draft. Bowen, 6-foot-2, 235-pounds, is a big hitter with gap discipline and quick play recognition. He’s a smart player, team leader and someone who can shed blocks.
Bowen’s a strong athlete with all the tools but needs more work in coverage just like Liufau and James. He’s scheme versatile and just the kind of LB Dallas like to groom.
Pick 218: Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt
The Cowboys double-dip late with another linebacker when they select Kyle Louis out of Pitt. Louis, 6-foot-1, 220-pounds, is the opposite of what the Cowboys already have in Liufau, James and Bowen. Instead of being an explosive and powerful run-stuffer, he’s a coverage specialist who could be a special nickel LB for Dallas.
Louis is said to be a hardworking player who’s dedicated to the film room. He might be the best cover LB in the draft, but his size and frame are going to turn teams off. Louis might be best used in a hybrid LB-safety role than plays predominantly passing downs or simply in a big nickel look. Regardless of his role, he’s a great player who’s having a great season.
You can follow Reid on X @ReidDHanson and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys post-bye 7-round mock draft: Rebooting defense, OT for 2026
Continue reading...
