2026 NFL Combine: 3 prospects the Cowboys need to medically clear

COLUMBUS, OHIO - DECEMBER 21: Defensive back Jermod McCoy #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers looks on in action during the College Football Playoff First Round game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The 2026 NFL Combine is just right around the corner and it’s a great opportunity for the Cowboys and the rest of the league to get a better understanding of this year’s rookie draft class. Through the on-the-field drills and interview process the Cowboys should able to better fill out their draft board with all of the information they should be able together.

There are a few players participating in the combine they should be particularly paying close attention to. Below we’ve listed the ones they could be targeting with their two first-round picks in April and why they should take a deeper dive into the results from the combine.

CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

After sustaining a season-ending knee injury in 2024 that caused him to miss the entire 2025 season, all eyes will be on Jermod McCoy’s medical results at the combine. With no recent tape to go one, teams are having to rely on his 2024 tape. Based on that, he’s still in contention to be the top CB drafted in April, however, that could change depending on what his medical checkup reveals. If he gets the thumbs up, he could be one of the top players the Cowboys target at 12. He’s a potential starter as a rookie and would be a great fit in Christian Parker’s scheme.

Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami

Ahkeem Mesidor is without a question one of the top pass rusher’s in the 2026 draft class. He possesses first-round talent and could be in play for the Cowboys at either 12 or 20. But at 25 years old with a history of foot problems, questions have arisen as to whether he’s worth getting selected so high, quite possibly falling out of the first round altogether. He will not only need to excel in the on-the-field drills and interviews, but also get a clean bill of health on his medicals that there will be no lingering issues with his feet moving forward.

WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Currently in possession of the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Cowboys could find themselves sitting pretty if they are considering trading George Pickens. One or both of either Carnell Tate or Jordyn Tyson could still be on the board when Dallas is on the clock. Both are Day 1 potential starters, however, Tyson has some past injury history that needs to be cleared up at the combine. If everything checks out, he would make a nice complement for CeeDee Lamb as Pickens’ potential replacement.