319 players at this year’s 2026 NFL Combine participated in a variety of on-the-field drills as well as attended interviews with different teams around the league. This big event of the offseason is an excellent tool to confirm and gather more information about different prospects, as well as potentially learn who the Dallas Cowboys could be targeting from visits.
With all of this new information and what we’ve learned recently about Christian Parker’s defense and the players he could be looking for,
we decided it’s a good time to do another mock draft exercise. Due to the way certain players performed at the combine such as LB Sonny Styles, a favorite target in mock drafts at 12 for the Cowboys, Dallas could find themselves in a situation where they’re looking to trade down. We explore that possibility today.
First 11 picks (pff similator)
- Las Vegas Raiders – QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
- New York Jets – EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State
- Arizona Cardinals – OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
- Tennessee Titans – EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
- New York Giants – WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
- Cleveland Browns – LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
- Washington Commanders – EDGE Ruben Bain Jr., Miami
- New Orleans Saints – CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
- Kansas City Chiefs – RB Jeremyiah Love, Notre Dame
- Cincinnati Bengals – S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
- Miami Dolphins – CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
*TRADE*
- Cowboys receive 1.28 , 2.38 , 5.165 (1205 pts)
- Texans receive 1.12 (1200 pts)
With the lack of defenders who could be of interest to the Cowboys and a thin list of blue-chip players, Dallas is looking to trade down in this scenario. We found a trade partner in the Texans who were looking to move up for Spencer Fano, who they can plug-and-play to immediately upgrade their offensive line.
*TRADE*
- Cowboys receive 1.31, 2.63 (870 pts)
- Patriots receive 1.20, 5.177 (876 pts)
We had every intention of standing pat at 20, but the Patriots were looking to trade up for OT/G Kadyn Proctor and the idea of adding another second-round pick was too good to pass up. With this trade, and the previous one with the Texans, the Cowboys now have four picks in the Top 100 to help upgrade their roster.
1.28: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Thieneman put on a show at the combine and has the tape to back it up. He could be a plug-and-play starter as a rookie playing safety and the versatile nickel role in Christian Parker’s defense.
1.31: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
Johnson confirmed his status as one of the top CBs in the 2026 draft class with his performance at the combine, where he met formally with the Cowboys. He has the potential to challenge for a role on the outside.
2.38: LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Rodriguez has been heavily scrutinized throughout the draft process, but should have finally cemented himself as a top LB this year. He met formally with the Cowboys and could be an immediate impact player from Day 1.
2.63: EDGE Malachi Lawrence, UCF
Lawrence was a top performer at the combine posting impressive numbers in every event. He also met formally with the Cowboys and would be a designated pass rusher as a rookie while developing into a three-down player.
4.112: RB Kaytron Allen, Penn State
Allen did everything but run the 40-yard dash at the combine. His performance didn’t really move the needle much, but he could step in as a rookie with the Cowboys to form a really good RB duo with Javonte Williams.
5.150: OL Trey Zuhn, Texas A&M
Zuhn might be the most versatile offensive lineman in the entire 2026 draft class. Although he was the Aggie’s starting LT the last few years, is expected to kick inside at the next level, giving Dallas potential five position flex.
5.165: EDGE Trey Moore, Texas
Moore put together an impressive performance of the combine where he met formally with the Cowboys. He has the potential to be a chess piece type of defender with the position flex to potentially play OLB or off ball.
6.212: WR Colbie Young, Georgia
At 6’5″, 218-pounds with 4.49 speed, Young possesses an intriguing size/speed combo. He has starting potential, but there are some red flags after a 2024 arrest/suspension that need to be cleared up.
7.221: DT Nick Barrett, South Carolina
At 6’3″, 315-pounds, Barrett is a well-built nose tackle. He doesn’t offer much as a pass rusher, but he is a run-stuffer and block-eater who could help the interior of Dallas’ DL in a rotational role as a rookie.
7.225: LB Xavian Sorey Jr., Arkansas
A former Georgia transfer, Sorey had a formal visit with the Cowboys at the combine and has ties to Dallas as well through former Bulldogs coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe. That could help him earn a roster spot as a rookie.
