{"id":135959,"date":"2026-01-07T10:53:41","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T10:53:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=135959"},"modified":"2026-01-07T10:53:41","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T10:53:41","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8-nfl-draft-prediction-dallas-cowboys-2026-mock-draft-espn-calls-for-defense-with-both-first-round-picks-could-this-bold-move-be-the-key-to-strengthening-dallas-defen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=135959","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8 NFL DRAFT PREDICTION: Dallas Cowboys 2026 Mock Draft \u2014 ESPN Calls for Defense with Both First-Round Picks \u2014 Could This Bold Move Be the Key to Strengthening Dallas’ Defense and Taking Them to the Next Level? Fans Are Hyped for What\u2019s Ahead! \ud83d\udc47"},"content":{"rendered":"

\ud83d\udea8 Dallas Cowboys in Offseason Mode: Two Key Defensive Picks in the First Round? \ud83d\udc47<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

As the Dallas Cowboys<\/strong> officially enter offseason mode<\/strong>, their main priority will be improving their roster to ensure that they are playing postseason football<\/strong> next year rather than watching from the sidelines. After a disappointing exit from the playoffs in 2025, Dallas must address a variety of areas, including staff changes, roster decisions, and, of course, the NFL Draft<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

With key players like George Pickens<\/strong>, Jadeveon Clowney<\/strong>, and Javonte Williams<\/strong> under consideration for roster changes, and the looming defensive coordinator vacancy<\/strong> left by Matt Eberflus<\/strong>‘ firing, the Cowboys have a lot of decisions ahead. But one of the most pressing matters will be their first-round picks<\/strong> in the 2026 NFL Draft<\/strong>, where they could double down on defense, according to recent mock drafts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys\u2019 2026 Draft Picks: Double-Dipping on Defense?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As the Cowboys<\/strong> are slated to pick 12th overall<\/strong>, along with another pick at #25<\/strong> (via the Green Bay Packers<\/strong>), it\u2019s clear that this draft could play a pivotal role in the team\u2019s future. ESPN\u2019s Jordan Reid<\/strong> recently released a mock draft<\/strong> where he has Dallas making significant moves in the defensive sector with their first-round selections.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what Reid predicts the Dallas Cowboys<\/strong> will do with their two first-round picks:<\/p>\n

12. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1)<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Sonny Styles<\/strong>, LB<\/strong>, Ohio State<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s no secret that the Cowboys\u2019 defense<\/strong> had major issues in 2025, giving up a league-high 30.1 points per game<\/strong>. As a result, the Cowboys need immediate reinforcements at linebacker, and Sonny Styles<\/strong> from Ohio State<\/strong> fits the bill.<\/p>\n

Styles<\/strong> is an explosive playmaker<\/strong> with excellent instincts, range, and awareness<\/strong>. His aggressive playing style is something that could help stabilize a defense that struggled to maintain consistency. Over the course of his career at Ohio State, Styles has proven to be a versatile linebacker, capable of making impactful plays both in coverage and in the run game. With six sacks in 2024<\/strong>, his ability to blitz<\/strong> and create negative plays<\/strong> would be a massive upgrade over Kenneth Murray Jr.<\/strong>, who struggled significantly after being acquired from the Tennessee Titans<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

By adding Styles to the mix, the Cowboys<\/strong> would have a new foundational player at the middle linebacker<\/strong> spot, pairing him with DeMarvion Overshown<\/strong> to create a strong presence in the heart of the defense<\/strong>. This would provide stability and could quickly elevate the entire defensive unit, helping to limit explosive plays and improve overall team performance.<\/p>\n

25. Dallas Cowboys (from 9-7-1 GB)<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Jermod McCoy<\/strong>, CB<\/strong>, Tennessee<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Cowboys\u2019 cornerback group<\/strong> has been hit hard in recent years, and after the release of Pro Bowler Trevon Diggs<\/strong>, they are once again in need of reinforcements<\/strong>. Enter Jermod McCoy<\/strong>, a talented cornerback<\/strong> from Tennessee<\/strong>, who was considered a top-10 talent<\/strong> before he suffered an ACL injury<\/strong> in January 2025.<\/p>\n

McCoy\u2019s injury complicates his evaluation, and while some scouts are hesitant about where he should be selected in the draft, there\u2019s no denying his talent. Before the injury, McCoy was known for his ball skills<\/strong>, coverage ability<\/strong>, and overall physicality at the cornerback position. He is expected to make a full recovery, but the risk of drafting a player coming off an ACL injury is not insignificant.<\/p>\n

Despite this, the Cowboys<\/strong> could still take the chance on McCoy at #25<\/strong>, hoping that the upside<\/strong> and long-term potential<\/strong> outweigh the risk of his injury. Given the Cowboys\u2019 need for depth and talent at cornerback, McCoy could be a value pick<\/strong> at this spot, especially if he returns to his pre-injury form.<\/p>\n

Is Taking McCoy a Risk Worth It?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While McCoy\u2019s talent is undeniable, selecting him at #25<\/strong> comes with a significant degree of uncertainty. As Reid notes, the Cowboys\u2019 front office<\/strong> has shown a willingness in the past to take risks on injured players<\/strong>, with Shavon Revel Jr.<\/strong> being a notable example from last year\u2019s draft.<\/p>\n

However, given Dallas\u2019 current roster situation<\/strong>, taking a high-risk player<\/strong> like McCoy might not be the best choice, especially in the first round<\/strong>. While McCoy could develop into a top-tier cornerback for years to come, his injury history means there\u2019s a chance that he may not reach his full potential. The Cowboys need immediate contributors to a defense that gave up a league-high 30.1 points per game<\/strong> last season.\"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas may want to consider looking elsewhere for more proven options<\/strong> in the first round, or even target McCoy in the second round<\/strong>, assuming he\u2019s still available. However, the potential upside of adding him at #25<\/strong> makes it a fascinating option for the Cowboys.<\/p>\n

Alternatives for Dallas in the Draft<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If the Cowboys<\/strong> are uncomfortable taking McCoy due to his injury, they could look at other areas of need, particularly on offense<\/strong> or defense<\/strong>. Given the wealth of talent in this draft, especially at defensive line<\/strong> and offensive line<\/strong>, Dallas may decide to fortify both sides of the ball<\/strong> with their picks.<\/p>\n

Additionally, if McCoy\u2019s medicals<\/strong> are a concern, the Cowboys could explore defensive tackle options<\/strong>, where players like Mazi Smith<\/strong> or Bryan Bresee<\/strong> could provide immediate impact. Another cornerback option<\/strong> could be Kelee Ringo<\/strong> from Georgia<\/strong>, a player who is highly regarded for his speed and cover skills, and has less injury risk<\/strong> than McCoy.<\/p>\n

Conclusion: A Defensive Rebuild for the Cowboys?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Dallas Cowboys<\/strong> are clearly focusing on defense<\/strong> in the 2026 NFL Draft, with potential selections like Sonny Styles<\/strong> and Jermod McCoy<\/strong> offering immediate improvements to a unit that allowed too many points in 2025. While Styles<\/strong> represents a safer and more stable choice to rebuild the linebacking corps<\/strong>, McCoy\u2019s upside<\/strong> at cornerback<\/strong> is enticing, but the risk associated with his injury recovery<\/strong> may give the Cowboys pause.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, Dallas needs to ensure that any moves they make in the draft provide immediate value<\/strong> for a team ready to compete for a Super Bowl<\/strong>. While McCoy<\/strong>\u2019s talent is undeniable, a safe pick<\/strong> at cornerback<\/strong> might serve the Cowboys better in the long run, but if they take the chance on McCoy, it could pay off in a major way. As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see if Dallas focuses on the draft to bolster their defensive depth<\/strong>, or if other needs\u2014like offensive line<\/strong>\u2014become the focus.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\ud83d\udea8 Dallas Cowboys in Offseason Mode: Two Key Defensive Picks in the First Round? \ud83d\udc47 As the Dallas Cowboys officially enter offseason mode, their main priority will… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":136008,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-135959","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nfl"],"yoast_head":"\n\ud83d\udea8 NFL DRAFT PREDICTION: Dallas Cowboys 2026 Mock Draft \u2014 ESPN Calls for Defense with Both First-Round Picks \u2014 Could This Bold Move Be the Key to Strengthening Dallas' Defense and Taking Them to the Next Level? 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