Cowboys Snag Delane & Golday in Mock Draft

0:00On March 2nd, the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine just wrapped up, shaking up draft boards league-wide. In a fresh mod draft from NFL Draft on Sports Illustrated, the Dallas Cowboys snagged two first-round talents to plug big roster holes. They grabbed cornerback Mansour Delane from LSU at pick number 12, then linebacker Jake Golday from Cincinnati at number 20, acquired from the, hmm, Packers. Here this week in Indianapolis, standouts like Delane rose fast, emerging as the top corner prospect in a thin class. Cowboys fans know their secondary struggled last year as the league's worst past defense, so adding his instincts and coverage skills makes perfect. Since right away, meanwhile, the linebacker spot screams knee-2, and Golday impressed everyone with his athleticism. This 6'4", 2.0039 pounds stand out, lead the 10'5' broad jump. Their best there, and the 39-inch vertical, 5th. Overall, his 104 tackles last season earned him first team all big 12 honors.

1:05These picks shift from usual mocks that eyed other spots first, focusing instead on immediate starters. Delane brings 45 tackles, two picks, and a bunch of passes knocked away from his final year after transferring to LSU. Golday might be a slight reach at 20, so trading back could net extra day 2 value if he's their guy. With the draft set for Pittsburgh from April 23-25, expect more twists as boards keep evolving.