Cowboys 2026 mock draft: First-round trades highlight defense heavy draft
With the conclusion of the East-West Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl, the 2026 NFL Draft season is heating up with all of the new influx of information that could shake up player rankings and put different prospects on the radar. As player rankings change, draft boards do as well, which makes these mock draft exercises change focus over time.
Today, we thought we’d attempt to predict who the Dallas Cowboys could select with each of their draft picks this complete seven-round mock draft using Pro Football Focus’ draft simulator. We believe we’ve upgraded nearly all of Dallas’ team “needs” and even used in expendable former second-round pick, reuniting him with Mike McCarthy, to select a coveted defensive playmaker.
This draft is very trade heavy for Dallas in an attempt to cover as many roster spots as possible. While the Cowboys doing something this extensive with trades is unlikely, as an exercise it demonstrates what is possible.
*TRADE*
Cowboys receive 1.14, 4.115; Baltimore receives 1.12
Round 1, Pick 14 – CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
The player we would’ve selected at No. 12 was still on the board two picks later for the Cowboys. McCoy’s medicals have to come back clean, but he’s an ideal fit in Christian Parker’s scheme on the outside. He’s a Day 1 plug-and-play player who will upgrade and solidify Dallas’ CB room.
*TRADE*
Cowboys receive 1.28, 3.69; Texans receives 1.20, 5.150
Round 1 Pick 28 – S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
The last time Dallas drafted a safety in the first-round was in 2002 (Roy Williams). We decided to buck the trend this year though because Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a perfect fit for Christian Parker’s defense. He checks all the boxes from a physical standpoint and has the versatility to play in the box, deep, or in the nickel.
Round 3, Pick 69 – EDGE Derrick Moore, Michigan
Taco Charlton and Mazi Smith were bust for the Cowboys, but Derrick Moore should break that trend as far as former Michigan players are concerned. He needs to further improve his pass rush repertoire, but his athleticism, strength, and flexibility to capture the edge should make him an immediate contributor as a rookie.
*TRADE*
Cowboys receive 3.99; Steelers receive 4.112, TE Luke Schoonmaker
Round 3, Pick 99 – LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Jacob Rodriguez was still hanging around at the end of the third-round so we pulled off a trade with the Steelers to snatch him up. Rodriguez is a football player in every sense of the word and the playmaker Dallas needs at MLB. He should immediately upgrade the position.
Round 4, Pick 115 – OT Dametrious Crownover, Texas A&M
Weighing in at 331-pounds and at nearly 6’7″with 35 5/8″ arms, Dametrious Crownover is a massive RT prospect who possesses an elite physical foundation (strength, power, athleticism). He’s a better run blocker than pass protector right now, but he has the tools and skill set to potentially replace Terence Steele immediately.
Round 5, Pick 177 – TE Tanner Koziol, Houston
After parting ways with Luke Schoonmaker in the trade with the Steelers, we go back to the TE well to add an impressive prospect who would bring something different to the position with the Cowboys. Tanner Koziol (6’6″, 247 with 34″ arms) is a contested catch machine and could be an immediate red zone threat in Dallas.
Round 6, Pick 215 – EDGE Vincent Anthony Jr., Duke
At 6’6″, 250-pounds, Vincent Anthony not only looks the part of of a starting caliber pass rusher in the NFL, but possesses the talent as well. Despite that, he still needs a lot of work from a technical standpoint, making him a development project. His upside is worth betting on at this point in the draft.
Round 7, Pick 221 – RB Kaelon Black, Indiana
Kaelon Black is pretty similar to Kyle Monangai, the Bears seventh-round pick last year. He’s a smaller back (5’9″, 208), but runs with surprising power for his size. He shows a good understanding of setting up his blocks, has smooth footwork, and proved to be a better than expected receiver at the Senior Bowl.
Round 7, Pick 225 – CB Charles Demming, SFA
Charles Demming made himself a lot of money at the Senior Bowl. At 6’1″, 191-pounds with 32″ arms he fits the prototypical size in an NFL CB. The small school prospect proved he belonged amongst his peers and was in the hip pocket of several of the WRs in Mobile. His draft stock could skyrocket. Getting him here would be a steal.
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