🚨 BREAKING: Dallas Cowboys Focus on Defense in 2026 NFL Mock Draft – A New Era Begins with Mansoor Delane at No. 12 👇

The Dallas Cowboys may have finished 2025 with a losing record, but there’s no denying the potential within the team. The offense was one of the most lethal in the NFL, and the defense, though solid, needs a few more key pieces to reach its full potential. The Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker, hired after parting ways with Matt Eberflus, brings a wealth of experience from the Vic Fangio coaching tree, promising to elevate the defense further.

Defensive Reinforcements: Cowboys Make Bold Moves in the 2026 NFL Draft

In the latest 2026 NFL mock draft, the Dallas Cowboys prioritize defense, a move that could potentially put the rest of the NFC on notice. While the offense remains formidable, the defense will be key to the Cowboys’ future success, and this mock draft reflects the team’s intention to solidify its foundation.

Pick 12: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU – A Game-Changer for the Secondary

With the 12th overall pick, the Cowboys land Mansoor Delane, a standout cornerback from LSU who could instantly elevate the secondary. While it may seem unlikely for Delane to fall to No. 12, his availability in this mock draft presents a perfect opportunity for the Cowboys to pounce.

The Cowboys’ cornerback group in 2025 was filled with talent, but injuries plagued the unit throughout the season. Trevon Diggs is no longer in the picture, and players like DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel Jr. have dealt with injuries, leaving the cornerback position in need of reinforcement.

At 6-foot-0 and 190 pounds, Delane offers great size and athleticism for the cornerback position. He has a remarkable ability to track the ball, proven by his 8 career interceptions and 27 passes defended in just 44 games at Virginia Tech and LSU. His ability to disrupt plays and cover ground quickly makes him a dynamic addition to the Cowboys’ defense.

Delane is also a solid tackler, totaling 191 tackles and 7 tackles for loss in his collegiate career. His all-around skills and high football IQ give him Pro Bowl and All-Pro potential, making him a game-changer for the Cowboys’ defense.

Why Delane Makes Sense for the Cowboys

While the Cowboys’ offense is in a good place, defensive upgrades are necessary to make a run for the Super Bowl. Adding a player like Delane provides the Cowboys with a young, athletic cornerback who can anchor the secondary for years to come. His ability to contribute immediately, especially given the injury woes in the secondary, will help the Cowboys become stronger and more dynamic on defense.

With Delane, the Cowboys would have a lockdown corner to pair with the rest of their defense, and the Parker-led defense could reach new heights.

The Future of the Cowboys Defense

This defensive-heavy approach in the 2026 NFL mock draft signals the Cowboys’ commitment to building a championship-caliber team from the inside out. With Mansoor Delane in place, the Cowboys will have the talent and depth to challenge for a Super Bowl in the coming seasons. Adding Delane to a defense that already has pieces like Micah Parsons, Demarcus Lawrence, and Leighton Vander Esch could make them one of the most feared units in the NFL.

Dallas Cowboys 2026: The Path to Contending

If the Cowboys continue to build on their already formidable offense and add key defensive pieces like Delane, they will be poised to become one of the top contenders in the NFC. With Christian Parker leading the defense and Mansoor Delane making an immediate impact, the Cowboys are building a team capable of winning it all in 2026.