3 draft prospects who no longer fit Cowboys plans after Parker presser – Mike Crum, The Landry Hat
The Parker-defensive regime will look different than under previous Coordinators.
CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
The Cowboys seem to have their two outside cornerbacks in Bland, who was just paid well, and Revel Jr., who was seen as a first-round talent who fell due to his injury. Before hearing Parker talk about the nickel cornerback spot, many believed Mansoor Delane could be drafted to play that role. Now that Parker spoke about the position as a clear safety type, Delane seems less likely. If the team
is worried about Bland’s injury history or Revel Jr.’s recovery, Delane could still be an option, but looking for depth at corner with so many holes on defense is a long shot now.
4 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch at the 2026 Scouting Combine – Mark Heaney, Inside The Star
Draft season is upon us.
3. Jermod McCoy, Cornerback, Tennessee
Now, onto the guys that are important solely because of Dallas’s potential interest, we have Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy.
The 20-year-old Tyler, Texas native is a phenomenal corner, and, if healthy, a clear-cut contender to go 12th overall to the Cowboys; the only problem is a familiar one for Dallas to grapple with.
Last draft, they took a risk on a first-round talent at corner in Shavon Revel, despite a torn ACL that dropped him to the third round. If Dallas wants McCoy, they better have great intel on his knee, after he suffered a torn ACL in January 2025, which forced him to miss the regular season.
If the Cowboys like what they see, expect McCoy to be firmly in the mix at 12.
Dream Cowboys 2026 Mock Draft Lands ‘Sticky’ CB, Micah Parsons Replacement- Josh Sanchez, Sports Illustrated
To noone’s surprise, another defensive-heavy mock draft.
Pick No. 20 (via Packers): Akheem Messidor, edge, Miami
Mesidor began his six-year college career at West Virginia before transferring to Miami in 2020. In his final season, Mesidor had a breakout season with 63 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles.
“After trading Micah Parsons last August, the Cowboys could lose Jadeveon Clowney, Dante Fowler Jr. and Sam Williams in free agency. Donovan Ezeiruaku, last year’s second-round pick, flashed a well-rounded game in Year 1, but he needs some help on the edge,” Filice wrote.
“Mesidor might be gone by the time Dallas goes on the clock at No. 20, but the Miami product’s advanced age (turns 25 in April) could push him down the board. On the plus side, he might have the most advanced pass-rushing arsenal in this draft after six seasons (and 52 starts) at the college level.”
Cowboys just got 58 million reasons to walk away from controversial free-agent gamble – Jerry Trotta, The Landry Hat
Is Jerry willing to cough up big money to try and fill the Parsons-sized hole in the defense?
A trade for Maxx Crosby is intriguing if the Raiders’ reported asking price drops, but longtime Bengals star Trey Hendrickson is the crown jewel of this year’s edge rusher market. But just because Hendrickson towers over his peers doesn’t mean Jones should automatically chase him.
While Hendrickson would only cost money, Spotrac projects him to land a two-year deal worth $58.74 million, which is $29.4 million annually. That’s a hefty commitment for a 31-year-old defensive end who appeared in just seven games last season before undergoing surgery to repair a core muscle injury.
A two-year deal is hardly a long commitment, but the Cowboys have little — arguably zero — margin for error as they work to field a competitive defense while Dak Prescott and the offense are still functioning at an elite level, and Hendrickson comes with a lot of inherent risks.
Hendrickson is just one year removed from leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks, and he made four straight Pro Bowls from 2021 to 2024.
Under normal circumstances, it would be fair to wonder whether his best football is behind him. Add in the fact that he’s coming off core muscle surgery, and the risk factor only grows. He had been incredibly durable up until 2025, but history says the wear and tear doesn’t get kinder after 30.
Committing more than $25 million per year to Hendrickson is a risky endeavor on its own, but the ripple effect could hinder the Cowboys’ ability to address other needs. They already have a ton of money tied up in their defensive tackle trio, and their offense would become among the most expensive in the NFL if they get a deal done with George Pickens.
Cowboys 2026 offseason preview: Linebackers- Jess Haynie, Blogging The Boys
A status check on the 2026 linebacking corps as it stands now.
Under Contract
DeMarvion Overshown – When he’s healthy, Overshown is one of the most exciting players on the roster. But after his missing his entire rookie year, four games in 2024, and 11 last season, these early chapters feel like another tragic tale of a talented Cowboys LB who can’t stay on the field. Dallas desperately needs Overshown to finally avoid IR and become the weekly playmaker that he’s shown so much potential for, and he needs it just as badly in the final year of his contract.
Marist Liufau – There were high hopes for Liufau’s second-year development under Matt Eberflus, but it was another of last year’s many disappointments. Liufau is still has perceived upside and will hopefully achieve more with improved coaching and scheme around him. If he could make a third-year leap, it would greatly boost Dallas’ LB depth and perhaps even earn him significant playing time.
