This complete seven-round Dallas Cowboys 2026 mock draft includes trades, as the team looks to address its 31st-ranked defense, hoping to match its second-ranked offense. Thanks to Pro Football Network for the draft simulation tool and player stats. Thanks to Fox Sports for NFL team stats and rankings.
Dallas had the worst pass defense in the league last season, so when a couple of teams came knocking for this pick, it was easy to decline. It cannot pass on safety Caleb Downs, who leaves nothing to complain about. His run support, processing, physicality, positioning/technique, hip fluidity, and agility/twitch are all scored at a blue-chip level, with elite explosiveness and long speed to boot. A five-star recruit out of high school, Downs immediately elevates the floor of the embarrassing defense.
What better to pair with a first-round safety than a first-round cornerback, to improve an abysmal pass defense? CB Avieon Terrell is the perfect addition to this Cowboys 2026 mock draft. His physicality, technique, and processing are a must-add for this defense.
This was a shopping opportunity. With nothing standing out that wouldn’t be available at the team’s next pick of this Cowboys 2026 mock draft, the Arizona Cardinals traded a 2027 third and fourth-round pick for this one. The Cardinals drafted WR Zachariah Branch from Georgia with the pick.
A four-star recruit out of high school, EDGE Derrick Moore truly emerged in 2025, with 10 sacks and 10.5 tackles for a loss, although perhaps over-reliant on his size and explosiveness. If he can advance some technicalities in his game, Moore has long-term starter potential.
Taurean York does everything he can to be the best linebacker possible; it’s just unfortunate he doesn’t have the size to match. Pro Football Network called him “one of the best MIKE linebackers in the class.” York’s leadership, IQ, and athleticism outweigh most of the issues from size, and he’d make a great brain for the Cowboys’ defensive operations.
Offensive tackle Carver Willison has played both the left and right side, and is believed to have the build and ability to play all over the OL. His physicality is nearly unmatched in the draft, and he pairs it nicely with above-average hand usage and footwork.
At this point, everything is muddy in this Cowboys 2026 mock draft. The Denver Broncos wanted to move up to get EDGE Nadame Tucker from Western Michigan. The trade saw Dallas send picks 180 and 218 in this draft, along with a 2027 sixth and seventh-round pick, in return for a 2027 fourth-round selection.
The results of this Cowboys 2026 mock draft would address major defensive concerns, while also raising their ceiling in the 2027 draft. Stay tuned to Stadium Rant all the way up to the draft in Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026.
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