Schrager Mock: Cowboys Draft Safety, Edge Rusher

0:00On April 8th, Peter Schreger, from ESPN, has nailed the Dallas Cowboys first round draft picks the last two years straight. He called Gar Tyler Booker at 12 last time and tackled Tyler Geiten at 24 the year before. Now for the 2026 draft, with Cowboys holding picks at 12 and 20, he's going all defense to keep his streak alive. At 12 overall, Schreger sees them grabbing safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State. Buck Eyes, DC Matt Patricia, raved about him as the smartest guy on any roster, perfect to anchor the secondary. Downs could pair with Jalen Thompson and Malik Hooker to shut down those long bombs Dallas gave up last season, the most in the league. Cowboys hosted Downs as a top 30 pre-drive visitor, signaling real buzz, especially for that nickel role in their scheme. He's a top 5 talent who might slide right to them, and it would end at 24 year drought since they last took a safety in round 1 back in. 2002, their second pick at 20 via Green Bay goes to edge rusher Akim Mesador from Miami.

1:05This 25 year old beast had 12.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss last year, ready to plug in as a top pass rusher. Day 1, Dallas met him at the combine, fitting their edge need. Schreger's bold calls match Cowboys defensive holes, but Mesador's age and foot injury history raise flags for a first round gamble. If both hit, Dallas defense levels a big time streak or not, this mock has fans hyped for what's next.