We are officially less than two weeks away from the start of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Dallas Cowboys and all other 31 teams are finalizing their draft prep and will be putting the finishing touches on their draft boards in the coming days.
Before the real deal kicks off, we take another stab at predicting how things will shake out, giving you a seven-round Cowboys mock draft.
TRADE: DAL trades pick 3.92 and 5.180 to MIA for LB Jordyn Brooks
Before the draft even kicks off, Dallas makes a move to upgrade
a major position of need. After striking out at the linebacker spot in free agency, the Cowboys absolutely need to add a starting-caliber linebacker in the coming weeks. Taking a chance on finding that player in the draft comes with increased risk, and acquiring an available veteran via a trade may be the smarter route.
Jordyn Brooks, who has been linked to the Cowboys plenty in the past few weeks, would be a perfect trade target at the position. Miami, a team in full rebuild mode, would likely be willing to part with him for a top-100 pick in the upcoming draft. The Cowboys do just that, sending picks 92 and 180 to the Dolphins for the talented linebacker.
With a starting-caliber linebacker acquired, the Cowboys can turn their attention to upgrading their pass rush and secondary in the first round. Instead of waiting and hoping a talented defender falls to pick 12, Dallas once again picks up the phone and makes a trade to select a top defensive talent.
TRADE: DAL trades picks 1.12, 5.152, & 2027 second-round pick to NO for pick 1.8
Pick 1.8: DE Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami)
With top defenders Arvell Reese, David Bailey, Sonny Styles, and Caleb Downs all off the board by pick eight, the Cowboys have seen most of their top defensive targets slip away. The Cowboys need to walk away with an instant-impact defender with their premium first-round selection, so Dallas makes an aggressive move to do just that. The Cowboys sacrifice the future to make an immediate upgrade, moving up to select pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr.
Bain comes with some question marks of his own, but there is no denying just how impactful he could be in Dallas’ 2026 defense. Bain is the exact type of instant-impact pass rusher the Cowboys need, and the rookie could come in from day one and upgrade the position group in a significant way. Giving up the 2027 second-round pick is a big risk, but it’s worth it for a player who could take your defense to the next level, and Bain is that guy.
Pick 1.20: CB Avieon Terrell (Clemson)
After upgrading their pass rush in a big way, the Cowboys can turn their attention to the secondary with their second selection of the first round. Avieon Terrell and Colton Hood, whom the Cowboys hosted on a 30 visit, are both still available, giving Dallas their pick of the two. While Hood may have the more ideal size profile, the Cowboys opt for Terrell’s versatility, making him their pick.
Terrell is a disruptive player that the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker, could use in many ways. The Clemson product can play both inside and outside, and would give the Cowboys a much-needed insurance policy at cornerback if either Daron Bland or Shavon Revel is unable to stay healthy.
Pick 4.112: TE Michael Trigg (Baylor)
After adding three starting-caliber defenders, the Cowboys flip their attention to offense with their fourth-round pick. The pick comes down to taking a chance on a high-upside offensive lineman or tight end. Dallas decides on the ladder, selecting Michael Trigg out of Baylor.
Lunda Wells, Dallas’ tight ends coach, was in attendance watching Trigg at Baylor’s Pro Day, showing the Cowboys may be interested in the tight end. Trigg has impressive size (6’4) and athleticism that give him a chance to make an impact at the next level.
Pick 5.177: S Cole Wisniewski (Texas Tech)
The Cowboys turn their attention back to the defensive side of the ball in round five, selecting their second 30-visit prospect of the draft, safety Cole Wisniewski. The Texas Tech product is a smart, reliable tackler who can play a hybrid safety/linebacker role. Christian Parker has made it known he is looking for high-IQ players, and Wisniewski fits this role to a tee.
Pick 7.128: RB Desmond Reid (Pittsburgh)
With their final selection of the draft, the Cowboys take a chance on Pittsburgh running back Desmond Reid. While the 21-year-old is undersized (5’8), he is an excellent athlete and is a high-level receiving threat out of the backfield. Reid could serve as a chance-of-pace back at the next level, and his ability to be a consistent threat in the passing game is something Dallas could use to their advantage.
Let us know what you think about our selections in the comments section.
