When it comes to predicting the Dallas Cowboys first-round draft picks the last couple years, ESPN’s Peter Schrager has proven to have the knack of hitting the nail on the head. Last year he predicted the Cowboys would select guard Tyler Booker with the 12th overall pick, and the year prior in 2024 he predicted they’d select tackle Tyler Guyton at No. 24. He’s clearly tapped into the Cowboys.
Things might be a little bit more difficult for Schrager to extend his streak to three years in a row predicting
the Cowboys first-round draft picks considering they have two selections this year, No. 12 and No. 20, but it’s not completely out of the realm of possibility. According to his crystal ball, he’s predicted the Cowboys use both of their first-round selections on the defensive side of the ball in his 2026 first-round mock draft.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
“Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia told me on “The Schrager Hour” that Downs will be the smartest player on whichever team that drafts him and should be a face of the franchise. The Cowboys need that on defense, even if safety isn’t valued the same as pass rusher or cornerback. Downs could team up with Jalen Thompson and Malik Hooker on the back end and help curtail the big plays that hurt in Dallas last season (gave up 54 plays of 25-plus yards, most in the NFL). If he’s on the board, he would be a steal at No. 12.”
Caleb Downs was one of the Cowboys official 30 pre-draft visitors, so we know there is a real interest there, especially considering he could fill that all-important nickel safety role in Christian Parker’s defensive scheme. He’s arguably a Top 5 ranked player in the 2026 draft class, so him sliding right in Dallas’ lap could be a dream come true. The Cowboys haven’t drafted a safety in the first-round since 2002 (Roy Williams), Downs could be the exception. He’d be an immediate difference maker as a rookie.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB)
Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami
“Mesidor is one of the older players in this class, having just turned 25 years old, but he also might be the prospect most ready to make an immediate impact. He was an absolute menace for Miami, and he’d immediately become one of Dallas’ top pass rusher’s off the edge. Mesidor tallied 12.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss in 2025.”
It’s interesting Schrager predicts the Cowboys select Akheem Mesidor with their second first-round pick. It’s rare 25-year-old players get selected in the first round, especially ones with documented foot injuries. Dallas has shown an interest meeting formally with him at the combine, so there is that. And, he does fit a “need”. The talent is there to be an immediate contributor as a plug-and-play starter, but again, his age and past foot injuries are red flags that have to be taken into consideration, making him a potential risk to take in the first round.
