The Dallas Cowboys have been active but relatively quiet during the early stages of NFL free agency. While owner Jerry Jones hasn’t made a blockbuster move yet, the team has addressed several defensive needs and added depth across the roster.
Among their offseason moves so far:
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Signing Cobie Durant
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Signing Jalen Thompson
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Signing Otito Ogbonnia
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Re-signing Sam Williams
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Trading for pass rusher Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers
However, several roster holes remain. A projected 2026 mock draft suggests how Dallas could continue rebuilding its roster.
Cowboys 2026 Mock Draft: Filling Remaining Needs
Round 1 – Pick No. 12
Jermod McCoy – CB, Tennessee Volunteers
Even after signing Cobie Durant, Dallas still needs a long-term elite cornerback.
McCoy could be the best cornerback in the 2026 draft class. The 6-foot-1 defensive back offers:
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Smooth footwork and fluid hips
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Excellent ball skills
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Strong coverage instincts
Across two seasons at Tennessee, he recorded:
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16 pass breakups
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6 interceptions
Although he missed the most recent season due to a torn ACL, his upside remains extremely high.
Round 1 – Second Pick
Keldric Faulk – EDGE, Auburn Tigers
Dallas doubles down on defense by selecting a young pass rusher.
Faulk is only 20 years old, making him one of the youngest prospects in the class. While his sack totals aren’t huge (10 sacks in three seasons), he is known more as a disruptive defensive presence than a pure sack specialist.
Strengths include:
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Versatility along the defensive line
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Strong run defense and gap discipline
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Leadership and locker-room presence
He could develop into a foundational defensive piece.
Round 3
Brian Parker II – OT, Duke Blue Devils
The Cowboys add offensive line depth with Parker.
The 6-foot-5, 309-pound lineman brings valuable versatility. While he played tackle in college, some scouts believe he could transition inside to:
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Guard
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Center
His strengths include:
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Strong, physical hands
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Good mobility for his size
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Ability to play multiple positions
That flexibility makes him a valuable mid-round addition.
Round 4
Ted Hurst – WR, Georgia State Panthers
Dallas already has star receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, but adding depth at the position could make the offense even more dangerous.
Hurst is described as a high-upside playmaker from a smaller program. His style is often compared to Pickens thanks to:
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Physical play style
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Highlight-reel catches
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Strong vertical ability
While he may not immediately see heavy snaps, he could become a long-term weapon.
Round 5
Keyshaun Elliott – LB, Arizona State Sun Devils
Elliott brings effort, leadership, and football IQ.
Over four college seasons, he recorded:
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300+ tackles
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Nearly 30 tackles for loss
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11.5 sacks
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10 pass breakups
While he may lack elite athleticism, he profiles as a high-effort rotational linebacker who could contribute on defense and special teams.
Additional Late-Round Picks
Dallas also adds depth in the trenches later in the draft:
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Round 5, Pick 177: Parker Brailsford – IOL
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Round 5, Pick 180: J.C. Davis – OT
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Round 7, Pick 218: Nadame Tucker – EDGE
Big Picture for Dallas
If Jerry Jones follows a similar approach, the Cowboys’ strategy would focus on:
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Strengthening the secondary
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Adding pass-rush depth
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Reinforcing the offensive line
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Building long-term depth at skill positions
Combined with current stars like CeeDee Lamb and new defensive additions such as Rashan Gary, this approach could help Dallas remain competitive in the National Football League.
✅ Bottom line:
The Cowboys may not have made splashy free-agency moves, but a smart draft could fill key roster gaps and set up Dallas for sustained success over the next several seasons. 🏈
