Cowboys Draft: Speed, Smarts, and Defense

0:00On April 23rd, the Dallas Cowboys head into the 2026 NFL Draft with prime picks at 12 and 20, giving them real flexibility, too. Shake things up on defense. In this mock scenario, they trade at one spot to 11, sending a fifth rounder to Miami for cornerback Mansour Delane, the top guy on boards with. His speed and smarts despite his size. They don't stop there. Wheeling and dealing down from 20 to 27 with San Francisco, grabbing an extra second rounder while landing edge. Russia, Malachai Lawrence. This 6 foot 4Bs brings explosion off the edge and coverage skills, perfect for new coordinator Christian Parker scheme. Fans and analysts are buzzing because Dallas loads up the secondary heavy, addressing glaring holes after free agency spins. Delane locks down the outside and his signals a full remake back there, with Parker moding versatile defenders to fit his vision. Later rounds keep the defensive focus. Second round D.B. trade-and-stukes for nickel and safety flexibility. Third round L.B. Kyle Lewis as an undersized.

1:05Speed demon, plus depth like interior linemen, both Stevens, linebacker Jack Kelly, and safety Cole Wasnefsky. No early tight ends, but undrafted gems are on deck. All in, this hall prioritizes immediate starters and high upside pieces, but expect veteran linebackers via trade or free agency to round out the front seven before camp hits.