Dallas Cowboys Eye Star Linebacker Sonny Styles with No. 12 Pick in 2026 NFL Draft

The Dallas Cowboys are poised for a busy offseason as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, marking a rare opportunity for America’s Team to make a significant impact in the first round. For the first time since 2005, the Cowboys will hold two picks inside the top 20, giving them the flexibility to address multiple roster needs while targeting the best talent available.

While the draft is still months away, analysts and scouts are already projecting where the Cowboys might turn with their selections. Dane Brugler of The Athletic recently released a mock draft based on “early buzz” from conversations around the league, placing the Cowboys in a position to make an intriguing defensive-first selection at No. 12.

Sonny Styles: A Defensive Force

Brugler projects the Cowboys selecting Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the 12th overall pick. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 240 pounds, Styles combines rare size with 4.5-second speed in the 40-yard dash, making him a dynamic presence against both the run and the pass.

“He doesn’t miss tackles, and his read-react skills improve every game,” Brugler notes, highlighting Styles’ natural instincts and high football IQ. Styles has been a standout on a stacked Buckeye defense, recording 83 tackles (46 solo), one sack, one interception, and a fumble recovery this season. His consistent performance earned him First Team All-Big Ten honors and a spot on the AP All-American second team.

The season prior, Styles was instrumental in Ohio State’s national championship run, tallying 100 tackles and helping anchor a dominant defensive front. His combination of athleticism, tackling efficiency, and leadership has scouts projecting him as a day-one starter in the NFL.

Clemson Cornerback Avieon Terrell Could Be Next

Brugler also projects the Cowboys using their 20th overall pick on Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell, continuing a potential back-to-back draft strategy focused on bolstering the defense. Terrell, known for his length, speed, and coverage skills, could help address a Cowboys secondary that struggled at times in 2025. Pairing Styles and Terrell would give Dallas a formidable young defensive core poised to improve both the front seven and the back end of the defense.

Alternative Projections: Styles Could Go to the Rams

Despite the Cowboys’ interest, Styles is widely regarded as one of the most coveted prospects in the draft, and several teams could target him before Dallas has a chance to pick. ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Styles as the No. 7 overall prospect and the No. 2 draft-eligible linebacker, while other mock drafts, including Yahoo Sports’ Nate Tice and Charles McDonald, have Styles landing with the Los Angeles Rams at No. 13.

“Styles has an element of speed and range to his game that the Rams could really use,” they wrote. “He would give them a much sturdier front seven than the boom-or-bust unit they currently field.”

This competition underscores the importance for Dallas to carefully evaluate their strategy, as a misstep could see Styles slip out of reach, forcing the Cowboys to pivot to another top defensive target or consider other roster needs.

Draft Strategy: Defense First

The Cowboys’ approach to the draft reflects a broader organizational philosophy emphasizing defense and versatility. After surrendering over 30 points per game in 2025, the team is prioritizing players who can make an immediate impact. The addition of a player like Styles, who combines elite tackling with the ability to cover in space, aligns with the Cowboys’ goal of creating a disciplined, aggressive defensive unit under a new coordinator.

Moreover, using the 20th pick on a cornerback like Terrell would continue that strategy, pairing a dynamic linebacker with a shutdown defensive back to form a core capable of defending both the pass and the run effectively.

Potential Impact on the Team

If the Cowboys land Styles and Terrell, the impact could be felt immediately. Styles’ ability to read offenses, anticipate plays, and make tackles in open space could shore up weaknesses that plagued the defense last season. Meanwhile, Terrell’s coverage skills could reduce big-play opportunities for opposing quarterbacks, giving Dallas the ability to control games defensively.

Beyond the stats, both players bring intangibles such as leadership, football IQ, and work ethic, qualities that are highly valued in a locker room looking to blend young talent with veteran guidance.

Looking Ahead to April

While the NFL Draft is still months away, the early buzz around Styles and Terrell highlights the Cowboys’ potential to make a significant defensive splash. Analysts agree that these two prospects are among the most NFL-ready defensive players in this class, and their addition could accelerate the team’s rebuild on the defensive side of the ball.

Fans and analysts will be watching closely as April approaches, knowing that decisions made in the top 20 could define the Cowboys’ trajectory for the next several seasons. For a franchise accustomed to balancing high expectations with strategic roster building, nailing these early picks could be the difference between another middling season and a legitimate playoff run.

Conclusion

The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 NFL Draft with unprecedented opportunity, holding two top-20 picks and a chance to bolster a defense that struggled in 2025. With Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles projected at No. 12 and Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell at No. 20, the team has the potential to redefine its defensive identity.

Whether Styles remains available for the Cowboys or slips to another team, the draft will provide a litmus test for the organization’s front office strategy and vision. One thing is certain: America’s Team is ready to make a statement in April, and fans will be watching every pick with anticipation.