Dallas Cowboys Focus on Defensive Rebuild in 2026 NFL Draft: LSU’s Mansoor Delane and Ohio State’s Sonny Styles Topping the Board

The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear mission: accelerate the rebuilding of a defense that has struggled to consistently pressure quarterbacks and stop elite offenses in recent seasons. Known for their front office’s ability to unearth talent through the draft, the Cowboys face critical decisions with two first-round selections, both of which could define the team’s trajectory for years to come.

While the possibility exists that one of the picks could be used on an offensive player—such as a left tackle to protect Dak Prescott or reinforce the offensive line—most mock drafts, analysts, and scouts are pointing squarely at defensive needs. The Cowboys’ primary concerns include the edge, linebacker, and cornerback positions, all areas that were exposed repeatedly throughout the 2025 season. The strategy seems clear: add immediate-impact defenders who can contribute from Day One, while complementing the existing core.

Jacob Infante of Pro Football Sports Network has recently weighed in with a mock draft scenario that embodies this philosophy. Infante envisions the Cowboys using their first pick at No. 12 overall to replace Trevon Diggs with LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, followed by Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 20. According to Infante, these selections address pressing needs while providing high-upside talent capable of transforming the Cowboys’ defensive identity.

Pick No. 12: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

LSU’s Mansoor Delane has been on the radar of NFL teams for some time, and for good reason. In 2025, Delane allowed an astonishingly low passer rating of just 26.7 when targeted, effectively shutting down receivers throughout the season. Known for his fluidity in coverage, quick instincts, and aggressive tackling, Delane represents the type of cornerback who can take over a secondary immediately.

“Delane is my top corner in the 2026 NFL Draft because of his instincts in coverage, impressive fluidity in space, competitiveness at the catch point, and his physicality as a tackler,” Infante explained. “He’s the definition of a shutdown corner.”

A Day One starter, Delane brings a rare combination of confidence and technical skill that allows him to shadow top receivers without needing excessive safety help. For the Cowboys, who lost Diggs to free agency, acquiring a cornerback capable of producing at a high level immediately is essential to maintaining competitiveness in the NFC East. Delane’s ability to read routes, anticipate quarterback tendencies, and close quickly on passes could dramatically reduce big-play opportunities for opposing offenses.

Moreover, pairing Delane with Trevon’s former teammates gives the Cowboys the opportunity to recalibrate the secondary around a corner who is both physical and cerebral. Delane’s size, athleticism, and willingness to engage in run support make him a versatile piece, capable of fitting into multiple coverage schemes, from press-man to zone-heavy defenses.

Pick No. 20: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Following the selection of a top-tier cornerback, Infante has the Cowboys turning their attention to the linebacker position with the 20th overall pick, targeting Ohio State’s Sonny Styles. Often overshadowed by teammate Arvell Reese, Styles has quietly emerged as a premier linebacker prospect. Standing out for his explosive athleticism, large tackling radius, and ability to operate effectively in coverage, Styles could become an immediate force in the middle of the Cowboys’ defense.

“Arvell Reese gets a lot of the 2026 NFL Draft hype in that Ohio State linebacker room, but Sonny Styles is a freak of nature in his own right,” Infante said. “His instincts have improved consistently, and he’s a well-built athlete with the ability to make plays sideline to sideline.”

Styles’ skill set addresses multiple weaknesses. The Cowboys have struggled in previous seasons with linebackers who can cover tight ends and running backs effectively, particularly in third-down passing situations. Styles’ range and speed make him capable of both dropping into coverage and playing near the line of scrimmage against the run, providing immediate flexibility for defensive coordinator Dan Quinn’s schemes.

Pairing Styles with a dynamic young cornerback like Delane creates the foundation of a more balanced, versatile defense. One that can contain explosive offenses while still pressuring quarterbacks and defending intermediate routes. While Styles may not carry the same name recognition as some peers, his combination of athleticism, instincts, and football IQ makes him a potential cornerstone for the Cowboys’ linebacker corps.

Beyond the Draft: Free Agency and EDGE Considerations

While the first-round picks would significantly strengthen the Cowboys’ secondary and linebacker groups, the team will almost certainly need to supplement the roster in free agency, particularly along the edge. EDGE rushers capable of pressuring the quarterback consistently have been a chronic need for Dallas, and multiple options exist on the market, ranging from established veterans to high-upside younger players.

Adding an elite pass rusher would complement the selections of Delane and Styles, creating a balanced front capable of generating pressure without relying on exotic blitz packages. For a team seeking to return to NFC Championship contention, these moves could shift the defensive identity immediately, while also providing long-term stability.

A Blueprint for Rebuilding

The 2026 NFL Draft presents the Dallas Cowboys with a rare opportunity: two first-round picks capable of reshaping the defense for years to come. By selecting Mansoor Delane at No. 12 and Sonny Styles at No. 20, Dallas addresses two of its most pressing needs while adding players capable of contributing immediately. Coupled with strategic free-agent acquisitions at EDGE, the Cowboys could accelerate a defensive rebuild and establish themselves as a contender in the NFC East and beyond.

As the draft approaches, Cowboys fans will be watching closely to see if the front office can execute on this plan. The selections, development, and eventual integration of these two players will likely define Dallas’ defensive identity for the next several seasons. In a division that features perennial threats like the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders, every edge matters, and the Cowboys’ 2026 draft strategy could very well determine their success in the years ahead.