Cowboys Double Down on Defense in Mock Draft

0:00On March 21st, the latest pro football focus mod draft for the 2026 NFL Draft has the Dallas Cowboys doubling down on defense with their first round picks at number 12 and number 20. They select Ohio State Safety, Caleb Downs early, followed by Clemson Cornerback, Avion Terrell, skipping more popular edge rush options to rebuild their secondary. This comes right after the Cowboys locked in key defensive pieces during free agency, including safety Jalen Thompson. Still, the simulation shows Dallas prioritizing players who can dominate near the line and mirror receivers with sharp instincts and timing, addressing last season's breakdowns in big games. Fans and analysts see this as a direct push for playoffs success, especially in the tough NFC East. Downs brings run-stopping power to create third and long situations, while Terrell adds lockdown coverage against top whiteouts, turning. Vulnerabilities into strengths. Later rounds fill out the trenches and add depth. Like Florida Center Jake Slaughter at Pick 92 for his size and past protection against elite,

1:06competition, and Texas A&M Cornerback will lead the third at 112 to suffocate outside threats. These choices signal, Dallas is racing against the closing championship window, surrounding their offense with immediate impact offenders to finally break through in January.