Cowboys' Draft Strategy: Defense First

0:00On April 23rd, the 2026 NFL draft is finally here, and all eyes are on the Dallas Cowboys with their first round picks at number 12. And number 20. Top insiders like Daniel Jeremiah see them grabbing safety, Caleb Downes from Ohio State at 12, then Ed Rusher Malachi Lawrence from UCF at 20, for a dream defensive hall. Earlier this week, Mel Kuiper Jr. predicted a bold trade-up to number 6 for linebacker Sunny Styles from Ohio State, sliding back to number 39 and round 2 for cornerback Chris Johnson from San Diego State. Lance Zeerline agrees on moving up, this time to 6 for linebacker Arvel Reese, also from Ohio State, pairing him with cornerback Jermad McCoy from Tennessee at 20. Cowboys fans are buzzing about these Ohio State studs and the need for immediate starters at linebacker and in the secondary, especially after. Admitting they have 12 first round grades this year. Trading up makes sense if their top target slip, but staying patient could land a

1:03lead corner Mansour Delane from LSU naturally. Peter Schreger has them jumping to number 9 for Delane, then dropping to 29 for Lawrence again while Matt Miller and Field Yates keep it. Simple with Delane at 12 and Edge Keldrick Falk from Auburn at 20. Names like these fit the Cowboys mold for athletic long defenders. Never move they make tonight, it's clear the Cowboys are poised to beef up that defense and set the tone for the rebuild.