As we inch closer to the NFL draft, some good things are starting to be released about the 2026 Dallas Cowboys season.

One of those is knowing that they will be playing a football game out of the country again this year and it will take place in Brazil against the Baltimore Ravens.

This game will be played in week 3 of the regular season, and I am not a fan of teams playing these games when they are not coming off a bye week, it is just so annoying for all of them to leave the country and then come back and either have to hit the road for an away game or get a late prep on a home game.

This will be considered a ‘home’ game for the Cowboys meaning they will lose a game at AT&T stadium this year.

Look for the Cowboys game in Brazil to be in late September, per sources.
Get your passports ready

— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) February 24, 2026

Teams going out of the country to play a football game and then having to come all the way back for a game either at home or on the road the following week is so draining for those guys and players have even talked about that as of late.

The NFL is starting to have games in just about every country they can. NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell has even talked about trying to get a team full-time, maybe in Mexico, but I’m not sure that is a great idea.

It would make travel and other things awful for the league.

Over The Years

The Dallas Cowboys have played one regular-season game outside the United States, a 31-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London on November 9, 2014.

They are scheduled to play their second regular-season international game in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2026. Including preseason, they have played abroad roughly 10 times, including games in Mexico, Japan, and Canada.

1986 was the first time the Cowboys ever left the country to play a football game.

In a preseason game at Wembley Stadium, the Cowboys fell to the Chicago Bears 17-6. It was the very first of the NFL’s “American Bowl” series that held games outside of the U.S. from 1986 to 2005 in hopes of promoting the sport to an international audience.

In 1992, they played in Tokyo, and then Japan in 1993, followed by Mexico City in 1994, Toronto in 1995, Monterrey in 1996 and Mexico City in 1998.

They would again play Mexico City in 2001 and, after losing nine straight games outside of the country, they finally won, beating the Raiders 21-6. Now remember, the NFL did not start regular season games outside of the United States until 2005. So all of these games were just preseason.

After that, the Cowboys as mentioned above did not play another game out of the country until the regular season game in 2014, which they won as noted above.

1-0 in the games that matter, though, that is the important part, but this game in week three against the Ravens is just a bit too early for my liking. It’s fresh into the season and guys are going to still be getting back used to the travel and the grind of the year and then have to leave the country for a game that should be until the bye weeks start.

Either way, it doesn’t matter what I think, because the NFL does care or take thoughts from anyone not in the main office, so we will have to hope that the Dallas Cowboys can win maybe the first or second game of the season before they head out there.

This game in week three is the only date that we have thus far. There is no idea who they will play on opening weekend or week two before they head to Brazil.

Tyler Guyton has one job next season. The young left tackle needs to start settling in on the left side of the offensive line.

I know several fans are ready to just write off Tyler Guyton as a failed draft pick. I get it, but this guy is going into his third year and is still only 24 years old.

I’m not going to baby him in this article, but there is still growth to be had with this player and the Cowboys need him to take the next step.

I don’t know if everyone can see where the problem is with Tyler Guyton, but I can see his biggest problem.

He played 650 offensive naps last season, with 648 of those at left tackle, where he received a 57.5 overall grade from PFF, a 50.0 pass-blocking grade, and a 64.9 run-blocking grade. On top of those grades, he allowed 31 pressures, 6 hits, and 2 sacks.

To me, that doesn’t scream disaster, but it definitely does not scream “problem solved” either.

When I watched Guyton, I saw a young tackle with real tools, size, and now two years of starting experience. I also see a guy who still looks too shaky in the part of the job that matters the most.

Pass protection, and that is where it starts and ends at left tackle.

The Tyler Guyton Pressure Number

The two sacks allowed can fool people. A lot of fans can look at that number and think, “That’s not terrible.” And it’s not.

The number that is worrisome is the 31 pressures allowed on 418 pass-block snaps, or 7.42% of the time. I don’t feel like those numbers are good for Dak Prescott.

Ranking 81st out of 89 qualifying tackles is pass-blocking, tells me this was not just one or two bad days, but a season-long issue.

Consistency is key for Tyler Guyton, and when you watch him play you might see these things too.

The pass sets need to be cleaner, hands need to be quicker and more accurate, balance has to hold up when rushers counter, and his anchor has to be stronger when speed turns to power.

The False Start Drives Everyone Crazy

I don’t think Tyler Guyton’s false starts get overlooked, but if they did, we will take a look.

Guyton was flagged a total of 7 times for 49 yards in 2025. He had 4 false starts, 1 holding, 1 tripping penalty, and 1 ineligible downfield pass.

What jumps out to you?

For me, over half his penalties were false starts. His problem isn’t just about getting whipped physically, but more about discipline, comfort, rhythm, and confidence before the snap.

Honestly, that is encouraging in a weird way, because false starts are fixable.

I don’t see this as some fatal flaw. What it is: a young left tackle still learning how to settle into the speed of the league, lock into cadence, and play under control before the play begins.

If we see him get calmer there, I think a lot of the rest starts calming down too.

I Need His Hands and Feet to Grow Up

I don’t know how else to say it, but his hands and feet need to grow up together.

You can only get away with raw athleticism for so long, and that hasn’t really helped him so far.

At some point, Tyler Guyton has to become a technician and know how to get into his set, stay square, strike on time, recover without panicking, and anchor without losing his base.

Guyton absolutely has the body to succeed at left tackle. The young man is 6’7” and 327 pounds, so he looks the part.

I want to see more striking, less lunging, better inside hand placement, and him to trust his feet enough not to start grabbing.

Believe It or Not, He Has Shown Progress

One of the reasons I’m not going to go overboard with criticism is the penalty numbers have improved from his rookie season.

The penalty numbers went from 14 accepted penalties for 100 yards in 2024 to 7 accepted penalties for 49 yards in 2025.

This tells me something got better. Not enough, but better.

So when I say Guyton needs to improve, I’m not saying he’s stuck. What I’m saying is the next jump has to be bigger and more noticeable.

Tyler Guyton doesn’t need a miracle. He needs the kind of growth that does not always make headlines, but absolutely changes an offense.

I call this boring improvement. That is what the Cowboys need.

I love players like Eli Heidenreich more than most people. It’s not because they are perfect prospects, but once you get into Day 3 you don’t look for perfect anyway.

I like to look for players who can give me something different, guys who outplay where they get drafted.

That’s exactly why Eli Heidenreich stands out to me as a Cowboys’ sleeper pick.

He’s 6’0” and 198 pounds and runs a 4.44 forty, so I don’t think he is just some fun gadget guy. There is some real juice there.

Eli Heidenreich’s Measurements and Combine Results

Those numbers are part of why I like this prospect. He’s not tiny or slow, and when you pair that with the way he was used at Navy, you can start to see why he’s an interesting late round pick.

Paired with a power back like Javonte Williams, he could create a good one-two punch out of the backfield and keep the offense on its toes with Heidenreich’s receiving ability.

Why Eli Heidenreich Stands Out

What I like most is that he produced in a versatile role at Navy.

In 2025, Heidenreich finished with 51 catches for 941 yards and 6 touchdowns, while also running 77 times for 499 yards and 3 more scores.

This guy isn’t just lining up everywhere and not producing. He is added to the offense by being a runner and receiver.

Navy also lists him as the program’s career receiving-yardage leader at 1,994 yards, which tells me he was a major part of that offense, not just a gimmick player.

He is like a poor man’s Christian McCaffrey.

I’m not saying Eli Heidenreich is Christian McCaffrey, let’s kill that right now. He is not that level of prospect, but if we are talking about a lesser version of the versatility, where he can move around, catch the ball, and give your offense a little extra juice, then yeah, this fits.

Why Schottenheimer’s Comment Matters

This is when the fit really clicked for me.

Brian Schottenheimer said Dallas has to “evolve” and mentioned maybe doing a little more two-back stuff while letting Hunter Luepke do some things.

Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer on the next step for Dallas' offense: "Evolve. We got to evolve. We're looking at some different things. Maybe a little bit more two-back, letting Hunter Luepke do some things. … I'm pleased with where we were, but because we were one of the…

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) March 30, 2026

The second I saw that, my mind went straight to a player like Eli Heidenreich.

If Dallas really wants to evolve, then adding another movable piece makes a lot of sense.

I wouldn’t draft Heidenreich and act like he’s a normal RB2. That would miss the whole point and limit the options.

I’d draft him because he can be part of two-back looks, motion out, catch the ball, and make the offense feel less predictable. That is where his value would come from.

Eli Heidenreich Makes Sense Late

Heidenrich is probably going to be available late because he doesn’t have a position. A lot of teams are going to see him as a “tweener” and move on, not knowing what he can actually offer.

I like the wrinkle he could give Brian Schottenheimer, another toy or chess piece to help this offense evolve.

On Day 3, I feel like this is the kind of bet I would be willing to take.

This Cowboys mock draft trade changes everything because moving from No.12 would force Dallas to build depth, defense, and upside instead of one star pick.

This Cowboys mock draft focuses on the trade back for two players who are still well known, and a front-seven reload that could reshape the identity of the roster.

One thing I wanted to do with this draft was make it feel like it actually changes something. I don’t want to trade just to collect bodies, I want it to give the Cowboys a new edge on defense and a clearer identity across the roster.

I’m not building around the splash names. I built it around toughness, volume, and the idea that Dallas can come out of one weekend deeper, faster, and more disruptive than it was going into the draft.

The Cowboys Trade Starts with Peter Woods at 20

If I’m moving down from No.12, I need a centerpiece. A player I can point to and say that is why the move happened.

NFL.com’s prospect profile says Woods is a young interior defender with room to add play strength. They predict him to become a plus starter.

If Peter Woods becomes a force across the defense front, I can defend this draft plan.

I can live with passing on the glamour of sitting at 12 if Dallas walks away with a disruptive defensive lineman who can play any position across the 3-4 front. The extra capital to keep building is just icing on the cake.

If Peter Woods only becomes a decent starter, this whole mock gets judged much harder, but that comes with the territory when you trade away a premium first-round pick.

Emmanuel McNiel-Warren Gives the Cowboys a Physical Edge at 27

Emmanuel McNiel-Warren, sitting there at 27, added some physicality and range. In just the first two picks, the defense has a new look.

ESPN lists Emmanuel McNiel Warren at 6’2” and 202 pounds, and his 2025 season totals included 36 solo tackles, 3 forced fumbles, two interceptions, and 6 pass breakups.

That is the kind of safety I want in a defense-first class.

I don’t want Dallas just adding athletes and hoping it works out. We’ve seen that route before. I want the Cowboys to add defenders who bring range, size, and a real physical tone. McNiel-Warren can help make the middle of the field feel more violent.

When I put this pick up next to the Peter Woods pick, you can see this draft isn’t about finesse, it’s about adding guys who want to bring attitude and an edge to the defense.

Jacob Rodriguez Keeps the Trend Going at 58

Jacob Rodriguez is the third defender I took in a row in this draft, and he keeps the tone going.

Rodriguez is listed at 6’1” and 231 pounds and logged 1,512 defensive snaps over 2024 and 2025. This man is a disruptor and highly productive as seen by his 10 forced fumbles, 5 interceptions, and 112 stops over that stretch.

That should be easy for anyone to like.

In a Cowboys draft built around speed, instinct, and defensive tenacity, Jacob Rodriguez fits the mold.

Mike Washington Jr. Gives the Offense Something Useful at 92

By now you know this draft is about the defense, but we can’t leave the offense hanging, and this piece could matter.

Mike Washington Jr. is a big back at 6’1” and 223 pounds and in 2025 at Arkansas, he had 167 carries for 1,070 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns, averaging 6.4 yards per carry behind a shaky offensive line.

I feel that Washington can give the Cowboys another big back with real experience and enough production to create competition.

Going defense heavy in this draft, I know the offense needs an addition that is more than a throwaway and this pick gives Dallas that guy.

The Middle Rounds Push Out the Same Message

This is where I really started to build something.

Pick 112 I took Devin Moore, a cornerback from Florida who is 6’3” and 198 pounds. He brings length and production with 23 solo tackles, 1 forced fumble, 2 interceptions, and 3 passes defended.

At 152, Kaleb Elams-Orr brings more speed (4.47 forty) and tackling (130 tackles in 2025) at linebacker, while being 6’2” and 234 pounds he has some size.

With pick 177, I chose Caden Curry from Ohio State. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 257 pounds, he had 11 sacks, 16.5 tackles for a loss, and 66 tackles in 2025.

Trey Moore at pick 180 is a defensive end from Texas, who is a hybrid defender who can play standing up or with a hand in the dirt at 6’2” and 243 pounds. He finished his Longhorn career with 50 tackles for a loss and 30.5 sacks.

With my last pick (218) of the 2026 NFL Draft, I chose Jordan Hudson, a wide receiver from SMU. He is 6’1” and 200 pounds who had 61 catches for 766 yards and 6 touchdowns. That’s enough production to take a flyer in a defender heavy draft.

A Cowboys Draft to Change the Outlook

In this draft, I was betting on moving pick 12 for the 27th and 58th picks, while adding a 2027 3rd and 4th from the San Francisco 49ers would give a better chance to rebuild the attitude of the defense.

I can see how this would make fans nervous, but that may be the price to be paid for a trade like this one.

If Peter Woods becomes that guy and Emmanuel McNiel-Warren can be the safety Dallas has been missing, this class could look smart in a hurry.

You may not agree and that’s fine, because when I do a mock I take what comes to me and that’s just part of the fun.

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• Dallas Cowboys Top 30 Visits Reveal Some Draft Clues
• Brian Schottenheimer Opened the Door for Offense in 2026 NFL Draft

All the NFL owners agreed on some things yesterday, and there are four new rule changes that will start this year, but I will say they are mostly things that really don’t even matter.

The 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting is held from March 29 to April 1, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. Team owners, executives, and head coaches meet to vote on rule changes, discuss league policies, and review the previous season.

No, the tush push did not get banned and honestly will never be because other teams can’t prefect it and it was not as effective in 2025 as it has been in all the previous years, but take a look below and I will go over what was approved to change and my thoughts about them all and if they even really matter.

NFL owners have approved four rules changes, per source:

🏈 By Competition Committee; to permit the kicking team to declare an onside kick at any time during the game.

🏈 By Competition Committee; to eliminate the kicking team’s incentive to intentionally kick the ball out of…

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 31, 2026

Rule Changes

The first by the Competition Committee; to permit the kicking team to declare an onside kick at any time during the game. This is the one that just does not even make sense.

How about we go back to allowing the eliminate of surprise, like the Saints did in the Super Bowl? You play to win the game, take chances, you should not have to tell the other team when you are declaring to kick an onside kick.

Allowing onside kicks at any time could really change late-game strategy. Coaches are going to get a lot more creative with risk-taking.

They are approved to eliminate the kicking team’s incentive to intentionally kick the ball out of bounds when kicking off from the 50-yard line.

The new rule, designed to improve the New Kickoff Rule adopted in 2024, likely places the ball at a disadvantageous spot for the kicking team (e.g., the 40-yard line or further back) if they kick out of bounds, reversing the previous strategic advantage.

The third and final kickoff rule that they agreed to change is to modify the kickoff alignment requirements for the receiving team players in the setup zone, again something that doesn’t even matter.

The only one for the season that could help, but it won’t work UNLESS a flag is thrown and not just a missed call on the field is for one year only, to allow the NFL Officiating Department to correct clear and obvious misses made by on-field officials that impact the game.

One of my favorite days of the year!!! Our 18th annual NFL Head Coaches day-drinking day at the NFL Owners Meeting. I started this with Mike Tomlin 18 years ago (yes, we raised a glass to him) to get the head coach fraternity to bond together, bounce things off each other, ask… pic.twitter.com/V7HH8r2dpQ

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) March 31, 2026

In the event that there is a work stoppage involving the game, officials represented by the NFL Referees Association.

My guess for this last one is that they are going to test it like they did about to replay and challenge the pass interference calls like they did a few years ago. It was so bad they just decided to get rid of it and now everyone wants it back.

I don’t think anyone will even notice any of these changes, but these are the biggest things that came from the owners’ meetings and today is the last day and then next is the NFL draft starting on April 23rd and the Dallas Cowboys have two first round picks.

The NFL is dealing with the possibility of replacement refs, these random rule changes, and we have to see what is going to happen with George Pickens, who might not even report to the offseason program, so a lot is going on right now, and that is good, I guess because it gets pretty boring trying to write 5 posts a week with not a long going on in the offseason.

The NFL plans to begin hiring replacement officials before the May 31 expiration of its labor deal and deploy them in training camps to have them ready if no agreement is struck with the NFLRA.

As one source said today: “Our direction (from owners) is not to be unprepared.” pic.twitter.com/XNDv5d8om4

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 30, 2026

Let’s see how the rest of this month goes and look forward to the NFL draft at the end of it and what else the Cowboys do.

2026 NFL Draft prospect Jermod McCoy showed out at the University of Tennessee Pro Day. Did it put him on the radar for the Dallas Cowboys?

I think it should have, but does the Cowboys’ cornerback depth chart put the brakes on taking a cornerback high in the draft? I just don’t see enough certainty on the depth chart.

I see Jermod McCoy as a fit for Dallas, and after that pro day it makes it easier to see.

McCoy ran a 4.38 40-yard dash, posted a 38-inch vertical, and had a 10’7” broad jump. For a corner coming off an ACL injury that cost him the 2025 season, that is a strong response.

The pro day didn’t just get attention, but it backed up what people already liked on the 2024 tape.

The 2024 Tape Tells a Story

I like the testing. It’s great, but that is not the main reason to like Jermod McCoy.

I’m not trying to sell anyone on McCoy just because of his pro day. That would be the easy way out. What makes him interesting is his 2024 season gave him a case as a legit outside corner.

The workout just helped clear up the biggest concern.

You’re not talking about a guy with average tape who suddenly ran fast in shorts. This is about a player who looked the part, then showed the athleticism after the injury.

I feel like that changes the tone on this player a bit, and for Dallas it should matter.

Dallas has Cornerbacks: That is Not the Same as Having Answers

I believe this is where the argument gets better.

When you look at the Cowboys’ cornerback room, you see all the bodies.

There are names all over the depth chart with the letters DB next to them. You have DaRon Bland, Corey Ballentine, Trikweze Bridges, Caelen Carson, Cobie Durant, Derion Kendrick, Shavon Revel Jr., Alijah Clark, and P.J. Locke.

I don’t think this is about whether Dallas has enough corners to line up and play. Obviously they do.

The question is, do they have enough talent to pass on a high-end outside corner if he is sitting there?

To me, it’s a no.

Jermod McCoy would not just be another name in the room, he would give Dallas a chance to lock down that outside spot instead of hoping someone grows into it.

The Fit Opposite DaRon Bland Feels Natural

The part that makes the most sense to me is if the Cowboys want to keep DaRon Bland outside, that actually helps the McCoy argument.

Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer mentioned the nickel spot when asked about needs on defense.

He expands on that point here and mentions that the plan is to keep CB DaRon Bland on the outside.

“We feel like he can shut down a side of the field.” pic.twitter.com/lJOZlAcwyz

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) March 30, 2026

The Cowboys don’t need to force McCoy into the nickel spot. He doesn’t have to be a do-everything answer. He looks like an outside corner, and the Cowboys need another outside corner this defensive staff believes in.

Bland on one side and McCoy on the other.

Everybody else just falls into their natural spots after that.

I think that is how the room should be built. Depth is great, but depth looks better when you have clearly defined starters.

I would much rather see Dallas add real outside talent and let the rest of the room settle behind them, rather than ask the whole group to fight for a job that feels open.

Not a Disaster, but No Certainty

When I look at the Cowboys’ cornerback room, I don’t see a disaster, but I also don’t see enough clarity to feel comfortable passing on a player like Jermod McCoy if he’s on the board.

That’s why I like the fit so much.

We still need an answer opposite of DaRon Bland, and if Jermod McCoy can be that answer, let him be.

Related Stories

• Jermod McCoy: Fallback Plan or the Cowboys’ Real Target?
• 2026 Cowboys Mock Draft Trade Changes Everything
• 2026 NFL Draft: Dallas Cowboys Can Cross 2 Draft Stars Off Their Board

Remember back in 2012, the last time the NFL had to deal with hiring replacement referees and how much of a disaster it was?

If you have not heard, the league is already in the process of starting the process once again, and if that happens it will be hard to watch just like it was the first time.

The NFL has not come to terms on a new collective bargaining agreement with the Referees Association.

If a deal is not reached by May 31, then there will be a work stoppage akin to what happened in the 2012 season, which famously had replacement referees through the first three weeks of the regular season. The league is already making replacement ref plans as a contingency.

The NFL plans to begin hiring replacement officials before the May 31 expiration of its labor deal and deploy them in training camps to have them ready if no agreement is struck with the NFLRA.

As one source said today: “Our direction (from owners) is not to be unprepared.” pic.twitter.com/XNDv5d8om4

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 30, 2026

What Is The Issue?

According to ESPN the NFL released Tuesday, league staff members could alert a replacement referee if they see clear and obvious evidence of an uncalled foul for roughing the passer, intentional grounding or an act that would normally lead to disqualification.

New replacement officials will begin training on May 1, which is a couple of months earlier than the last time this situation arose.

Maybe, just maybe the league should hire them full-time and then none of this would be an issue, and then have guys that have experience but don’t want to do it full-time be the backups? I think that makes perfect sense.

I understand they will have a handful of months off when the season is coming, but you can’t tell me that the NFL does not have the money to be able to pay those dudes in the offseason, and if they want, let them work outside the league calendar year.

To sum this up, the major issue is the league’s desire to increase accountability for poor performance and the union’s demand for higher salaries and better benefits, but I think the issue is they want more, but they are still doing poorly, if that makes sense.

Hiring full-time might help that, but it also might not, so that is the tough part.

Look at the MLB. For example, the ABS system has done wonders, and it’s only been one week of the season.

How about you have guys up in the booth or in New York to make sure they get the right call! If a bad call is made on the field, overturn it every single time.

Say the ref throws a flag, and before he turns his mic on, New York can buzz down and keep the call on the field or change it. I really think it is that simple.

Whether the Dallas Cowboys are good or not in 2026, nobody wants to watch replacement refs like they did for the first month of the season in 2012. It actually made some people appreciate how badly good the other guys were because the replacements were so bad!

Uh Oh: The NFL will likely hire 150–180 officials from DI, DII, and DIII colleges as replacement refs to prepare for the upcoming season.

Currently, no progress is being made with the current referees.

Next season is going to be really interesting…

😬😬😬 pic.twitter.com/oRiD1TuacQ

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 30, 2026

I am not sure how this is going to play out, but nobody wants to watch that product again, but that is the way it is heading, and the refs always have the upper hand because the product they put on the field to replace then will be so bad that the league will have no choice but to get to a number that the originals want to bring them back.

I am sure all of this will be old news by the time anyone reads this today, but it truly does stink that the NFL is the only sport that does not have these guys on a full-time payroll, and they need to be if they want to fix the issues that have every single year.

The Cowboys ended 2025 with a 7-9-1 record and a defense that finished dead last in the league. Micah Parsons left. The secondary leaked yards at an alarming rate. And yet Dallas still managed to field an offense that put up points week after week, with Dak Prescott completing a league-high 404 passes across all 17 games. That split personality defined the season and will define the one to come.

For 2026, the front office made moves. Rashan Gary arrives from Green Bay to fill the pass rush void. Jalen Thompson signed a 3-year, $33 million deal to shore up safety play. Cobie Durant brings 7 career interceptions on a 1-year deal worth up to $5.5 million. A new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker, steps in after working as pass game coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The question is simple: can these additions fix what broke last year?

Sportsbooks think maybe. They set the Cowboys’ win total at 8.5, one game higher than the 7.5 projection before last season. That half-game improvement tells you everything about the market’s read on Dallas.

There is cautious hope here, tempered by memory.

The Offense Remains the Foundation

Prescott played all 17 games in 2025. He enters this offseason healthy, which matters given his injury history. His 404 completions led the league, and the passing attack functioned at a high level despite defensive struggles that put the offense in constant catch-up mode.

The receiving corps and offensive line questions will resolve through training camp and preseason, but the core structure exists.

CeeDee Lamb continues to produce. The scheme under Brian Schottenheimer has shown consistency in generating points. When your quarterback plays every snap and throws more completions than anyone else in the league, you have a starting point.

The concern is balance. A defense that ranked 32nd forces the offense to play at an unsustainable pace. Prescott threw often because he had to. If the defensive acquisitions create any improvement, the offense might operate under less strain.

What the Betting Markets Say About Dallas

Oddsmakers have set the Cowboys’ win total at 8.5 for 2026, a full game higher than last season’s projection. That number suggests mild optimism after defensive acquisitions like Rashan Gary and Jalen Thompson, though the 7-9-1 finish in 2025 lingers in the background.

Bettors scanning current sportsbook offers and promotions, season-long futures, and prop markets will find Dallas priced as a middle-tier contender rather than a serious Super Bowl threat.

The over/under reflects uncertainty about whether Christian Parker can repair a defense that ranked last in the league. Two first-round picks offer upside, but missing the second and third rounds limits depth.

Defensive Rebuild Under Christian Parker

Parker inherits a mess. The Cowboys’ defense after Parsons left looked nothing like the unit that harassed quarterbacks in previous seasons. Parsons’ ability to rush from multiple positions and drop into coverage created problems that opponents could not scheme around. His absence exposed how much the system depended on him.

Gary provides a different skill set. He comes from Green Bay with pass rush production and experience, though injuries have slowed him at points in his career. He will line up on the edge and do what edge rushers do, which is get after the quarterback. The question is how often and how effectively.

Thompson adds experience at safety. His 3-year deal signals the front office views him as more than a stopgap. Durant’s 7 interceptions suggest ball skills, and his 1-year deal gives both sides flexibility. If he plays well, he gets paid elsewhere or re-signed. If not, minimal damage.

Parker’s scheme will determine how these pieces fit together. His work in Philadelphia showed competence, and the Eagles defense performed well during his tenure there. Translating that to Dallas requires time, player buy-in, and rookies who can contribute immediately.

Draft Capital and Its Limits

Dallas holds 2 first-round picks in 2026. That gives the front office premium selections to address roster holes. The defensive line needs youth. The secondary could use another body. Linebacker depth remains thin.

The problem comes afterward. No second-round pick. No third-round pick. The draft class will be top-heavy by necessity. If both first-rounders hit, the rebuild accelerates. If either misses, the team lacks the middle-round selections that often produce starters.

This structure creates risk. Most teams build depth in rounds 2 and 3, finding players who develop into contributors over 2 or 3 seasons. Dallas will rely on free agents, undrafted signings, and late-round picks to fill those spots. The margin for error shrinks.

The NFC East Remains Difficult

Philadelphia won the division last year. Washington improved. The Giants exist as a wild card. Dallas will play 6 games against division opponents, and those matchups often decide playoff positioning.

The Cowboys split with most of their divisional foes in 2025, winning and losing in predictable patterns. Road games posed problems. Home games went better. Nothing about that pattern suggests dominance or collapse, which fits the 8.5 win projection.

Winning the division requires something closer to 10 or 11 wins. Reaching that number means beating teams Dallas lost to last year. The schedule includes that game in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, making the Cowboys participants in the NFL’s first regular-season game held there. Travel, environment, and timing will factor into that contest differently than a standard road game.

Realistic Expectations for 2026

An 8-9 or 9-8 finish seems most probable based on current roster construction. The offense should produce points. The defense might improve from 32nd to something less embarrassing, perhaps the low 20s if Gary and Thompson integrate quickly.

Playoff contention depends on the division. A 9-win team can make the postseason as a wild card if the conference cooperates. A 9-win team can also miss entirely if 3 or 4 other teams finish at 10 wins.

The Cowboys project as a team that will win more games than last year but may not win enough to matter in January. The 8.5 line from sportsbooks captures this read. Bettors who take the over need the defensive fixes to work. Bettors who take the under need the defense to remain broken.

Conclusion

Dallas enters 2026 with a functional offense, a rebuilt defense, and a quarterback who played every game last season. The additions of Gary, Thompson, and Durant address specific weaknesses without solving all of them. Parker brings a scheme from Philadelphia that should provide structure.

The 8.5 win total projection from oddsmakers prices the Cowboys as a team capable of modest improvement. Two first-round picks offer paths to acceleration if the selections produce early contributors. The absence of second and third-round picks limits depth.

Success for the Cowboys in 2026 means reaching 9 or 10 wins and competing for a playoff spot into December. Failure means another season around .500 with questions about coaching, roster construction, and the direction of the franchise. The pieces exist for something better than 7-9-1. The question is how many of those pieces fit together once games begin.

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Well, you knew it was coming at some point, didn’t you? The first report came out today from Cowboys reporter Todd Archer.

The start of the Dallas Cowboys’ offseason program isn’t for a few weeks, but head coach Brian Schottenheimer did not promise that the franchise-tagged wide receiver George Pickens would be in attendance.

Pickens, who the Cowboys placed the tag on over a month ago, has not yet signed it or agreed to a long-term deal with Dallas, but I mean, at the end of the day, $28 million dollars is no joke, but he wants his money.

Jerry Jones is the type of guy who is not going to do you any favors, and if Pickens does not show up, I find it hard to think Jerry is going to give his money.

The only other time I remember this was the Dez Bryant situation and the problem with that was, Bryant signed a five-year deal and only played with the Cowboys for two seasons after signing that massive deal. Sometimes it is not worth it.

The good news is that Pickens wasn’t part of the offseason program last year for the Cowboys and he still had a career year.

It’ll be fine. https://t.co/MpY20HIOQ0

— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) March 30, 2026

No New Details

Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer was asked whether he has an assurance from Pickens to attend the offseason program.

“No, and I haven’t pushed that on him,” Schottenheimer said, via the team website. “We’re all going through the process. It’s almost April. We’re still a couple of weeks away. It’s going to play out the way it plays out. Again, it’s all voluntary, so we’ll see where it goes.”

The Cowboys have not had discussions with Pickens’ representatives regarding a multiyear deal after placing the $27.3 million tag on the receiver.

Since the Cowboys did not place the exclusive tag on Pickens, he can still be signed as a free agent with a team agreeing to give up two first-round picks or another deal that would be amenable to the Cowboys.

Let me tell you right now, no team is going to agree to a deal with him and give up two first round picks, so all of this is in the Cowboys favor.

I mean, I will take the two first round picks even though I am team sign Pickens. At the end of the day, do we really think that Pickens is going to take an entire year of football off after just posting a career best: catches (93), yards (1,429) and touchdowns (nine)?

He was named a second-team All-Pro as well as a Pro Bowler.

The Cowboys on offense will need him. I say that because I don’t think the defense will make a big enough jump this year to give them enough without an offense that averaged over 30 points a year ago.

Over the last few weeks Pickens has been spending a lot of time with CeeDee Lamb out on the boat and other things, take a look at the photo below.

It is clear that these two are hitting it off and the situation is good for Pickens to come back to Dallas, and we are probably going to have to wait until well into the summer months to see if he will get signed.

We know Jerry likes to wait until these guys make it worth it and if Pickens does not show up to the offseason program, you know Jones is going to use that to his advantage and try and bring the price down, but wide outs are getting paid this offseason and his value is going to keep going up until a deal is done.

I find it hard to believe that Pickens will sit out a full year, because that will make it hard to get signed next offseason, but crazier things have happened.

It may seem hard to believe, but we have only four “Mock Draft Mondays” left in the 2026 NFL Draft cycle, so you have to make them count!

Of course, the Dallas Cowboys desperately need to make their real-life picks count when Roger Goodell starts rattling off names on April 23rd, and that’s what I’ll cover in today’s mock draft.

Here’s how I’m going to conduct it: I’ll be using PFF’s Mock Draft Simulator tool, but for the first round, I’ll be making each pick based on what I actually think is going to happen based on visits and noise floating around the draft world.

As far as the other 31 teams are concerned, I’ll let the simulator take over for rounds 2–7, but Dallas’s first two selections will be based on where I believe things stand as of today, league-wide, not the randomness of a simulation.

So, without further ado, let’s get into this seven-round Cowboys mock draft!

First Round

1.12: Dallas Cowboys select Caleb Downs, Safety, Ohio State.

That’s right: as things stand right now, my best guess is former Ohio State star, Caleb Downs, makes it to the Cowboys with the 12th pick, and they send his card in as fast as humanly possible.

We’ve seen this happen with safeties before (Kyle Hamilton, most notably) and Downs, for all his on-field talent, isn’t the biggest or baddest athlete, and there are at least some questions around the medicals on his knee.

I think you could see two wide receivers and a guy like Auburn’s Keldric Faulk go before 12, thus pushing Downs down the board just enough.

There’s still a good bit of time, of course, but I think we crossed Downs’s name off the list of Dallas possibilities far too early.

Trade: Dallas Receives: 1.29, 3.72, 2027 5th Round Pick // Kansas City Receives: 1.20.

1.29 (via KC): Dallas Cowboys select Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF.

At 20, the Cowboys got on the clock with a plethora of options available that I think they’d love after the Downs pick.

Miami stars Akheem Mesidor and Keionte Scott, and Clemson’s Aveion Terrell and TJ Parker, just to name a few, remain on the board for Dallas in my current scenario. Some would say that increases their odds of sticking-and-picking their favorite of the crop; I disagree.

The Cowboys have long shown a liking to trading back in the 20s, and they’ve even managed to pull it off recently, so why not do it again?

Here, they slide down with the Chiefs and pick up the 72nd pick, and a future fifth in return.

At 29, they select the best pass-rusher on the board, and a guy who could ultimately be a contender at 20, Central Florida’s Malachi Lawrence.

UCF EDGE Malachi Lawrence has emerged in @MoveTheSticks's Top 5p NFL Draft prospects

Draft stock is rising after his impressive #NFLCombine performance 📈

9.90 RAS (2nd among EDGE)
6'4" 253 lbs
4.52 40-Yd Dash
1.59 10-Yd Split
40" Vertical
pic.twitter.com/Ptzy8mH5VH

— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) March 5, 2026

I believe Dallas really does like him, and I’m expecting he’ll become a 30-visit guy as the list continues to come out over these next few weeks. Downs and Lawrence, plus an extra third, leave the Cowboys feeling really good heading into Day 2.

Third Round

3.72 (via KC): Dallas Cowboys select Malik Muhammad, Cornerback, Texas.

If you’ve been digging deep into the Cowboys draft this year, you’ve probably seen this fit before (plus, Dallas has visited with him twice), and it’s for good reason.

Malik Muhammad is a Dallas native and 21-year-old former Longhorn who will be one of the top third/fourth round cornerback options if the Cowboys don’t take one earlier.

After going with Downs and Lawrence, they find Muhammad with the selection picked up in that earlier trade with the Chiefs, and I don’t think you can waste much time turning his name in. He’s young, fast, and physical, and while undersized, Dallas doesn’t seem to be concerned about that in their cornerbacks under Christian Parker.

3.92 (via SF): Dallas Cowboys select Kaleb Elarms-Orr, Linebacker, TCU.

With their final third-round selection, also picked up in a trade (a real-life one, of course), the Cowboys address the last of their big needs by finally bringing a linebacker into the fold.

Kaleb Elarms-Orr is another local product, and he’s also pretty clearly one of the best mid-round finds at the position in this year’s class.

A great athlete who plays with genuine physicality, has good instincts, and top-notch production? That sounds about right for the Cowboys’ defense, and especially when you consider this pick came from dealing Osa Odighizuwa.

They need to add an impact defensive player here, and I think this kid provides that. I do believe Dallas likes him, and we could hear more about that as the draft nears.

Fourth Round

4.112: Dallas Cowboys select Michael Trigg, Tight End, Baylor.

I think the 112th pick is a great spot for the first offensive pick in this year’s Cowboys draft class, and I’m starting to be convinced the position will be at tight end.

Dallas seems to have a genuine interest in this tight ends class, and after that somewhat worrisome season by Jake Ferguson, the continued disappointment of Luke Schoonmaker, and the failure of any other depth options to stand out much, how can you blame them?

Enter Michael Trigg, one of the more polarizing but fun prospects in this class.

He could very well turn out to be a big-time weapon in an NFL offense, though there are some real effort and work ethic concerns that could drop him here.

Fifth Round

5.152: Dallas Cowboys select Nick Barrett, Defensive Tackle, South Carolina.

Now we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of this mock draft, but if you’re a true diehard, that’s where the fun really begins.

Starting with the first of Dallas’s three fifth-round picks, I see them targeting former Gamecock defensive tackle Nick Barrett. He’s a combine visit guy for the Cowboys, and he’s got the kind of power that can play right away as a run stuffer in the NFL.

You can never have enough IDL depth.

5.177: Dallas Cowboys select Jam Miller, Running Back, Alabama.

I feel fairly confident that the Cowboys will draft a running back at some point in this class, and that it will be with one of these fifth-rounders; the only question is who catches their eye.

For me, I see Alabama’s Jam Miller as the potential answer to that question.

RB official 40s:

4.33 – Mike Washington Jr.
4.36 – Jeremiyah Love
4.37 – Demond Claiborne
4.42 – Jam Miller
4.44 – Eli Heidenreich
4.49 – Seth McGowan, Jadarian Price
4.50 – Adam Randall
4.52 – Robert Henry Jr.
4.56 – Emmett Johnson

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) February 28, 2026

Aside from his really fun name, Miller surprised many with a low 4.4’s 40-yard dash at the combine, carries an impressive build, doesn’t have too much tread on his tires, and is a Tyler, Texas native. I think the Cowboys may see a lot to like with this guy.

5.180: Dallas Cowboys select Alex Harkey, Tackle, Oregon.

If you haven’t heard of Oregon’s Alex Harkey, I can’t blame you; this is a true deep-cut.

On the other hand, if you do know this now-former Oregon Duck, it’s probably because you recall his days playing at Texas State, or from his younger days growing up in Buda, Texas.

Either way, the rundown on him is this: he blossomed in 2024 at Texas State, earning All-Sun Belt honors, but didn’t quite live up to the hype as a big transfer for Oregon in 2025. Still, the talent is there, as is the size and ability to move in space.

Dallas could use offensive line depth, and this guy matches up well as a project who could be molded into something legit.

Seventh Round

7.218: Dallas Cowboys select Nyjalik Kelly, EDGE, UCF.

Lastly, we have our second UCF EDGE of the draft class with Nyjalik Kelly; he also played for the Miami Hurricanes between 2022 and 2023.

Dallas has a 30-visit scheduled with Kelly, so that shows their interest already, but additionally, I think it makes sense to add more than one pass-rusher in this class, and this guy has some collegiate production that proves worthy of a dart throw.

He had 8.5 sacks and five forced fumbles over the past two seasons, and at 6’5″, 256, nobody can deny he’s got NFL size.

Stacking two 2026 NFL Draft prospects next to Dexter Coakley gets interesting fast when you look at size, production, and athletic profile.

The football world is not debating Dexter Coakley, Taurean York, and Jacob Rodriguez together, but when I line them up by size, play style, and production, I like the Coakley comp.

When I think about Dexter Coakley, I don’t think about some giant prototype linebacker. I think about a guy who was undersized, explosive, instinctive, and always around the football.

Trying to find stats from Appalachian State was difficult, but I found his collegiate career totals. Dexter Coakley had 616 career tackles, 350 solo tackles, 37 double-digit tackle games, and seven games with 20 or more stops.

That is absurd production and the reason he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Why Taurean York Feels Like the Style Comp

When you look at Taurean York, the first thing that jumps off the screen is his frame.

ESPN and other sites list him at 5’10” and 227 pounds, and that compact build gives me a Dexter Coakley feel right away.

York was also productive at Texas A&M, posting 228 career tackles, 106 solo tackles, and 122 assists.

He looks like the kind of linebacker who sees it, trusts it, and goes. Not much about his game seems flashy, but he is instinctive, compact, and always around the play.

I think that is where Dexter Coakley comp correlates for me. Not the historic stats, but the players’ style of play.

I don’t want to force the comp too far. Taurean York’s numbers are good, but they aren’t Dexter Coakley good.

I see this as more of a body-type and instincts match rather than raw production.

Jacob Rodriguez Changes the Conversation

Then there’s Jacob Rodriguez, and this is where it gets tough.

Rodriguez is close to the same body-type comp as Taurean York. He was listed at the 2026 NFL Combine as being 6’1” and 231 pounds, so he’s bigger and built slightly more like a modern off-ball linebacker.

What I think makes him impossible to leave out is his production. Texas Tech credits Jacob Rodriguez with 316 total tackles, 178 solo tackles, 25.5 tackles for a loss, 6 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, 6 interceptions, and 5 fumble recoveries. Man, that’s a stat line.

Still, half the tackle production of Dexter Coakley, but the production still makes the comp fit better.

Jacob Rodriguez is actually closer to Dexter Coakley’s NFL size than Taurean York, but the thing that I really like in the comp arena is the disruptive forces both Rodriguez and Coakley were in college. Just a bigger, more modern version.

The Best Comp for Dexter Coakley

If you ask me who feels the most like Dexter Coakley, I say Taurean York. The build, the compact frame, and the instinctive style all fit.

Jacob Ridriguez brings the most modern impact in the same spirit as Coakley. The production is better, the splash plays are bigger, and the overall player is more disruptive.

This is where I landed on this comparison.

Dexter Coakley is a good comp for both of these players. Taurean York matches the style of play, while Jacob Rodriguez matches the impact.

And I feel like that is what makes this a fun linebacker debate.

Yesterday, the Dallas Cowboys signed veteran defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard to a one-year deal. It was a minor move, but one that reinforces the fact that Dallas has been much more aggressive in free agency this year.

As a result, you’re going to see multiple Cowboys fighting for jobs they had for themselves in 2025.

That fact is undeniable, and we’re able to say it before the 2026 NFL Draft has even commenced; once it does, that list of players on the fringe of the roster is only going to go up.

Here, I’ll give you four Dallas Cowboys players who may just lose their roster spot after all the picks come this April.

1. Joe Milton Could Lose QB2 Job, Or Worse

Last year, the New England Patriots traded the strong-armed former Michigan Wolverine and Tennessee Volunteer to Dallas just one year into his NFL career. Now, he’s going to have to fight to keep his QB2 position that many felt he’d hold for years.

Joe Milton showed flashes, as always, but also a recurrence of the issues that have plagued him forever.

The Cowboys, seemingly wanting to put some pressure on his development, signed veteran Sam Howell, who could absolutely steal that QB2 spot if Milton isn’t locked in.

If Dallas also decides to draft a quarterback as a late-round flyer, Milton could be out of a job entirely.

2. The Luke Schoonmaker Experiment May Finally End

I don’t know a single Cowboys fan who didn’t shake their head in disappointment when the team selected blocking tight end Luke Schoonmaker with their second-round pick in 2023.

Also a former Michigan Wolverine, Schoonmaker’s average all-around player profile in college has carried over to the NFL, and he has struggled to stand out in a tight end room headed by the now highly paid Jake Ferguson.

Realistically, he’s been passed up on the depth chart by Brevyn Spann-Ford as well.

Cowboys will host Vanderbilt TE Eli Stowers on a 30 visit, according to @_RyanFowler_. pic.twitter.com/5fB0FCtcdO

— SleeperCowboys (@SleeperCowboys) March 27, 2026

Dallas is also showing a lot of interest in this year’s tight end class in the draft; if they find a player they like, it’ll likely mean the end of Schoonmaker’s Cowboys career.

3. Markquese Bell Could Be Odd-Man-Out In Safety Room

A former Florida A&M product, Markquese Bell, has more than exceeded expectations as a Cowboy, but his tenure may be on the brink of ending.

This offseason, new defensive coordinator Christian Parker has, as expected, prioritized a secondary rebuild. Guys like Jalen Thompson, PJ Locke, Cobie Durant, and Derrion Kendrick have all joined the secondary, and veteran Malik Hooker was restructured to stay put, too.

Bell is one additional guy coming in away from being on the chopping block; Dallas can’t afford to pay him with that many cooks in the safety room’s kitchen.

If they draft Caleb Downs or Dillon Thieneman, it’s all but over for Bell in Dallas.

4. Tyler Guyton Shouldn’t Count Chickens As Draft Nears

Former first-round pick Tyler Guyton hasn’t impressed nearly to the level Dallas had hoped when they drafted him, and while it is not the expectation, it would not shock me one bit to see them replace the former Oklahoma Sooner in the draft.

If the Cowboys are on the clock with the 12th pick and a defensive run has wiped their board clean, but a star tackle prospect like Francis Mauigoa or Monroe Freeling is available, watch out.

Dallas could absolutely jump on the chance to try again with a left tackle prospect as Dak Prescott ages and slows down mobility-wise, while flipping the young Guyton for additional draft capital.

Much crazier things have happened, and with the defensive players in this draft class seemingly rising by the day, it may not be such a far-fetched theory.

I wanted to see if the Cowboys’ defensive rebuild actually changed the shape of the roster, not just the names on the transaction wire.

So I went through the current Cowboys roster, grouped the defense into defensive line, linebacker, and defensive back, and looked at the average height, weight, and age by position.

I also compared the current group to last year’s defense, which included names like Jadeveon Clowney, Dante Fowler Jr., Kenneth Murrar Jr., Jack Sanborn, Payton Turner, and Donovan Wilson.

One of the things that stood out to me was that the Cowboys look thicker up front.

Cowboys Defensive Averages Show Where the Roster Really Changed

The defensive line group for the Dallas Cowboys came out to roughly 6’3”, 288 pounds, and 26 years old on average. Compared to last year’s defensive line, which was about 6’3”, 277 pounds, and 27 years old.

The linebackers assembled to this point is not much of a change from last season. Currently, the linebackers are 6’2”, 228 pounds, and 24 years old. Last season, the size was 6’1”, 234 pounds, and 25 years old.

The defensive backs room as it stands is 6’0”, 194 pounds, and 26 years old. Whereas last season the backs were 6’1”, 198 pounds, and 27 years old.

The defensive line got much bigger, the linebackers are about the same, but slightly younger. The defensive backs got shorter and light, but a year younger.

The Defensive Front is the Clearest Change

This is where I found the Cowboys look the most different to me.

The defensive front is the same height, but nearly 11 pounds heavier and a year younger. That tracks with what Dallas has done this offseason.

The current group mixes bigger interior bodies like Kenny Clark, Otito Ogbonnia, Jay Toia, Quinnen Williams, Jonathan Bullard, and edge rushers size from Rashan Gary and Sam Williams.

This is the biggest takeaway from my findings. Dallas wants a front that is bigger and harder to move.

Linebacker Went the Other Way

This one was surprising, but when I really thought about it, the Cowboys are not finished with this position.

The linebacker room is taller, but it’s also lighter and younger than the 2025 unit. The current group is built around Justin Barron, Shemar James, Isaiah Land, Marist Liufau, and DeMarvion Overshown.

Last year’s group was Liufau, Jack Sanborn, Kenneth Murray, Damone Clark, Shemar James, and Overshown.

Dallas isn’t trying to bulk up in this area, they are trying to make it longer, younger, and more mobile. This feels less like a linebacker makeover and more like a linebacker reset.

The Secondary Got Smaller and Younger

I found the defensive back room is where the size drop really showed.

Compared to last year, the current secondary is about an inch shorter, about four pounds lighter, and a year younger.

Last season, bigger veteran defensive backs littered the secondary.

That tells me Dallas is clearly chasing more movement on the back end. I don’t think that is accidental at all.

What I Think the Numbers are Saying

When I put all three groups side by side, the message is pretty simple.

The Cowboys have gotten bigger up front, leaner at linebacker, and smaller in the secondary.

That’s not just a roster churn.

It seems Dallas is putting more of the weight and power burden on the front, while asking the second and third level to play with more speed and range.

To me, this seems like a defensive identity being built.

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We are just under a month away from the 2026 NFL Draft, and with that comes a clearer view of where certain prospects may land. For the Dallas Cowboys, this is both good and bad news.

Dallas holds two first-round selections for the first time since 2008, when they drafted Felix Jones and Mike Jenkins. Additionally, up until the recent Osa Odighizuwa trade that netted the Cowboys the 49ers’ third-rounder, it was the first time in franchise history that they did not hold either a second or third round pick.

These two facts, combined with one of the worst defenses I’ve ever seen in 2025, mean those first two selections (12 & 20) are as critical as they come. It’s why the aforementioned clearer view of this draft is, as stated, good and bad news.

On one hand, they can start to narrow down their decision-making and expectations of who may be available.

On the other hand, it seems two of the draft’s most talented players, and the most frequently mocked to Dallas, won’t have a sliver of a chance of making it to #12.

Cowboys Can Wave Sonny Styles & Mansoor Delane Goodbye

The first name in question, Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, was constantly tied to the Cowboys for months; their glaring need at the position and the former Buckeye’s talent and athleticism made for an obvious pairing.

His chances of putting the star on his helmet, however, plummeted after a historically good performance at the NFL’s Scouting Combine.

Sonny Styles is putting together one of the most absurd combine performances of all time

6’5 | 245 lbs
11'2" broad jump (T-4th all-time)*
43.5" vertical jump (1st all-time)*
4.47 40-Yard Dash

Top ___ player in the class

* – Among LBs
pic.twitter.com/HQsKTIsJRW

— Barstool Gambling (@stoolgambling) February 27, 2026

Now, he seems increasingly likely to head to New York to put on the blue and red for incoming Head Coach, John Harbaugh. Dallas would likely need to strike a trade-up with the Jets, Cardinals, or Titans to get him, and that price is going to be steep.

Mansoor Delane, LSU’s superstar cornerback, has been the apple of Cowboys Nation’s eye for months, but that dream, too, looks to be dying as the draft nears.

The clear-cut best cornerback in the class would be a perfect roster and scheme fit, as the secondary remains a key focus for Dallas and new Defensive Coordinator Christian Parker continues to hunt players who match his defensive plan.

Unfortunately, his stock had been rising seemingly beyond the Cowboys for a while, and a stellar pro day at LSU all but locked that in.

NFL Network draft analyst and former Appalachian State quarterback Daniel Jeremiah confirmed so in a recent conversation with 105.3 The Fan. Delane-to-Dallas is going to have to overcome Washington, New Orleans, Kansas City, Cincinnati, and Miami to happen, and folks, that just ain’t happening.

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I think when people start looking at the Dallas Cowboys top 30 visits and Dallas Day visits, they go to the big names.

I can’t say I’m not guilty of this either. The bigger prospects are always going to drive the conversations because they are the players fans want to see drafted by Dallas.

When I looked at the current list, which isn’t full yet, I scanned past the big-time players and went to the ones not many have heard of.

#Cowboys Top 30 visits list updated with TE Eli Stowers. pic.twitter.com/a4h5unxdLn

— OCC44 (@OCC44) March 27, 2026

One thing I know about the Cowboys is this list shows you what type of player and position Dallas is looking at in the draft, and the lesser known players are showing how the Cowboys might be looking to add depth.

The Cowboys Look Serious About Defensive Versatility

The secondary is a major position the Cowboys are looking to add depth to and this list gives a hint as to the player archetype the staff likes.

Players on the list at cornerback are:

• Keionte Scott, CB-Miami
• Malik Muhammad, CB-Texas
• Kamari Ramsey, S-USC
• Charles Demmings, CB-Stephen F. Austin

These options tell me the Cowboys aren’t only looking for secondary depth, but options. We have outside corners, slot corners, and some versatility. Depth that can fit specific jobs.

The new defensive staff isn’t just looking for starters, they are looking for depth and guys who can move around.

The Under-the-Radar Corners Tell a Story

I think Malik Muhammad is one of the easier names to connect to Dallas because the fit makes sense, but he’s not the only corner drawing attention and a visit.

Keionte Scott feels like the kind of player when you want more than just a basic outside corner. While Charles Demmings is the type of small school athlete the Cowboys like to look at when they feel there is value deeper in the draft.

Styles is joined by David Gusta (@UKFootball), Zane Durant (@PennStateFball), Charles Demmings (@SFA_Football) and Dillon Thieneman (@oregonfootball) among the top five defenders based on Combine performance.

All five earned Next Gen Stats athleticism scores of 86 or higher. pic.twitter.com/my5RejBEpy

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) February 28, 2026

Kamari Ramsey is a prospect I bet the Cowboys think they can move around the scheme from the safety position and do some of the dirty work around the line of scrimmage.

I feel like this coaching staff is taking a real look at the secondary and I love these players as depth piece that could turn into starters.

Dallas Is Still Hunting Pass-Rush Juice

The edge rushers coming in for a visit may not be flashy names, but they can speed up a quarterback’s processing time.

I don’t think Romello Height from Texas Tech and Nyjalik Kelly from UCF are guys most fans will start off with in an edge rusher convo, but both fit the mid to late round draft profiles the Cowboys are pretty good at hammering out.

Both of these prospects have athletic traits the Dallas coaching staff may feel are worth betting on.

We all know not every edge rusher comes in as a polished every-down player. Sometimes that polish is hiding under a rough exterior and these guys can give you some pass-rush early and let them grow from there.

This team should never stop looking for edge rush help. I don’t care who this team has on the roster. If there is speed, bend, length, or pass-rush upside on the board, keep digging into the player.

A Few Offensive Players Too

The Cowboys’ defense was the worst part of the team last season and the visits list shows a heavy emphasis on that side of the ball, but there are still a few offensive names sprinkled in.

Eli Stowers from Vanderbilt may be more than just a tight end. He is a converted quarterback with good size and hands. I think he could be used as a receiving tight end and be moved all around the offensive formation to get mismatches.

Then there are names like EJ Smith from Texas A&M and Ashtyn Hawkins from Baylor.

EJ Smith is a running back with deep ties to the Dallas Cowboys. His father is Emmitt Smith, and he may not have his dads overall talent, but this is a guy who can run and catch. His football IQ may be some of the best in the draft.

Ashtyn Hawkins is a small receiver standing at about 5’8” and he’s not very fast, but he could give some production from the slot once he gets used to the speed of the NFL.

These may not be splash players, but I like that Dallas is doing their homework on local prospects and prospects who can bring some different elements to the offense. That is what these visits are all about.

Brain Schottenheimer spoke to a reporter at the University of Texas Pro Day and had some comments that told me the Cowboys will draft offense in the first round if players fall.

Dallas can talk defense all day long and fans can talk corner, edge, linebacker, or whatever other defensive position they think the Cowboys need.

However, when Brian Schottenheimer said, “you want to be prepared to do what we need to do on defense, but certainly we’re not going to pass on a great offensive player if they’re there at one of those spots.” It caught my attention.

With a statement like that, I want every Cowboy fan to stop thinking we are dead set on defense in the first round.

Two names come to mind if they are still on the board at 12, and I think this conversation gets serious fast if Carnell Tate or Jeremiyah Love are available.

Why Schottenheimer’s Quote Matters

What I really liked about the quote was it gives Dallas room to draft the board instead of drafting scared.

Fans can debate all day long whether the Cowboys did enough in free agency, but what if they did enough to avoid walking into the draft desperate in one spot?

He also made the comment about wanting to “draft natural and draft pure.”

I like this because we have seen the Cowboys, in the past, force picks to patch a hole instead of taking the best player.

So, with Schottenheimer leaving the door open for offense, I see flexibility.

I believe if Dallas really sticks with this mindset, then Carnell Tate and Jeremiyah Love both make a ton of sense for different reasons.

Carnell Tate Makes Sense if Dallas is Thinking Ahead

I feel like several of you would push back on a wide receiver at 12 because of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.

That’s fair, but only to a point.

George Pickens is on the nonexclusive franchise tag right now, which means Dallas has him for 2026, unless something crazy happens. It does not automatically solve the long-term future of the position.

There is the possibility of working out a long-term deal, and until that happens, I think it is smart to at least think ahead.

Thinking ahead leads me to Carnell Tate.

Carnell Tate is not some reach pick or “maybe this guy develops” type of player. ESPN has him projected as a top-10 type talent, and several analysts have him at or near WR1 in this class.

If Tate falls, I’m not saying he will, but work with me here, Dallas would not just be drafting another receiver. They would be drafting a premium player at a premium position while also protecting themselves in case George Pickens’ situation sours.

I love that kind of thinking. I would rather this team plan a year early than a year late.

Jeremiyah Love Would Give Dallas Something it Still Needs

Now let’s talk about the more realistic player who could fall.

I think Jeremiyah Love fits because even though Javonte Williams is back, and the Cowboys have him as the clear number one of the depth chart, I don’t think this backfield should stop Dallas from taking a special talent.

Jeremiyah Love is the kind of player who changes conversations about an offense.

He had a huge season at Notre Dame, and ESPN’s draft rankings have him as the best player on the board. If you’re going to take a running back at 12, he better be good and this one is.

I don’t think Dallas should pass on a rare offensive talent just because people are uncomfortable with the position value.

Dallas Should Not Overthink It

I think we all know how I feel at this point.

If Carnell Tate is there at 12, it’s a no-brainer due to the talent and the long-term uncertainty of George Pickens.

If Jeremiyah Love is sitting at 12, the Cowboys would have a very clean argument because he is good enough to break the usual “don’t take a back that high rule.”

This is why that one quote from Brian Schottenheimer matters so much to me.

It tells me Dallas is at least willing to think bigger than just plugging the biggest need on the roster, and they might actually trust the board.

If this happens, Tate and Love are exactly the kind of names that could make Cowboys fans lose their minds, for whichever reason, and Schottenheimer just cracked open the door.

Well, if you haven’t been on social media or looking around, the last few days, the Browns reworked the contract of Myles Garrett, and now everyone and their mother think that Cleveland will take calls for the best defensive player in the world.

According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the Browns pushed back the due date for Garrett’s option bonuses. It was originally due on Wednesday, but it “has been pushed back to seven days before the regular season each year.”

And what was the first thing everyone tried to say: he is going to be traded to the Dallas Cowboys!

Well, like all other realist Dallas fans, I am here to crush the dreams, just like Jerry Jones has been doing to all of us for the last 30 years.

And let me tell you, I just turned 30 last week, so I did not even get to experience the fun that most of you reading this did in the late 90s.

"I called the Browns and they said they're 100% definitely not trading Myles Garrett..

They were adamant about it" ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/7JM8LPrbsP

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 26, 2026

No He Isn’t

Sorry to burst the bubble, but tell me again why the Browns would do that. He is the best defensive player in all of football and has been for the last five years.

Dallas traded Micah Parsons for two first-round picks and a good player, and if the Maxx Crosby deal would have went through the Ravens were about to give up two first round picks as well, what do you think the Browns would ask for Garrett, I mean sure, the Cowboys COULD do it, but it is not happening.

In this hypothetical trade for Garrett, the Cowboys go all in, sending George Pickens to Cleveland along with a first-round pick in 2027 (via Green Bay), a first-round pick in 2028, and a third-round pick in 2028.

Last year, Garrett requested a trade out of Cleveland but stayed after signing a massive four-year, $160 million extension.

The Browns would get their no. 1 wide out, while the Cowboys get the player that would replace Parsons and while getting Williams, Clark and Gary all on the defensive line.

Of course, I would get on the phone, but the Browns reworking Garrett’s contract does not mean they want to trade him.

If they really think that they have their quarterback of the future and everything else, why give up the guy who has at least kept your franchise watchable? If it was not for him, they would have burned that team to the ground already.

In the first season of his new deal, Garrett won NFL Defensive Player of the Year after setting an NFL single-season record with 23 sacks, so his trade value has never been higher.

Field Yates reported this morning that the Browns restructured Myles Garrett's deal.

Is Garrett available?#DallasCowboys | @FieldYates pic.twitter.com/X2itnrWVPw

— DLLS Cowboys (@DLLS_Cowboys) March 26, 2026

I think the Dallas Cowboys are all but done making any more trades until after the 2026 season is over. They will use the draft to get some rookies. Hopefully, they will be ready to start day one with picks 12 and 20, and maybe bring back Clowney if he still is not signed.

Clowney led the team in sacks last year, and if they do not bring him back even for a one-year deal, this defense is going to have a new sack leader for the third year in a row, which stinks.

Let’s just sit back and let all of this stuff blow over and nobody will even remember that the Browns did this by the time the NFL draft gets here, but it is slow right now, and it was fun to talk about this topic for a day or two. That is what happens during the offseason.

A simple google search, and you will see 150 other posts just like this, it is the nature of the offseason.

When Daniel Jeremiah started talking about the Cowboys at pick 12 on 105.3 The Fan, I think he gave us the clearest clue yet about how this board might actually fall for Dallas.

And if you’re a Cowboys fan who has been dreaming about drafting Mansoor Delane, the interview would not be something you would love to hear.

Daniel Jeremiah did not leave much room for hope there. He said, “The Mansoor Delane plane has taken off.” Then followed up with, “It’s not landing anytime soon in DFW.”

.@MoveTheSticks tells @OThankKevin and @inthemageors that Caleb Downs is still in play for the #DallasCowboys at No. 12 overall. pic.twitter.com/YnmgM0sMOx

— 105.3 The FAN (@1053thefan) March 25, 2026

I think that is about as direct as it gets, and to me, that sounded like Jeremiah basically telling Cowboys fans to stop counting on Delane being there at 12.

I’d rather hear that now than spend the next few weeks building up a draft fantasy that might already be dead.

Mansoor Delane Feels More Like the Dream Scenario Now

I understand why fans want to keep talking themselves into Mansoor Delane. I have done the same thing, but the way Daniel Jermiah talked about him, I just don’t see the optimistic side of it now.

Delane is climbing fast and once corners start getting big momentum like this, they normally don’t start dropping back down.

We see it every year, teams talk themselves into traits, upside, ball skills, and versatility. Before you know it, a player, like Delane, who fans were hoping would be there is gone earlier than expected.

So, Dallas shouldn’t stop liking Mansoor Delane, but Cowboys fans probably need to stop expecting him.

Daniel Jeremiah Feels Caleb Downs Is the Name Cowboys Fans Should Be Watching

Now this is where I think it gets interesting.

I didn’t hear Daniel Jeremiah shut the door on Caleb Downs at all. In fact, I thought he sounded pretty open to the idea that Downs could still be in play for the Cowboys 12th pick, and when he started explaining why, it made sense.

First, he made it clear he believes in the player by saying, “Downs is legit.” I think this matters and not many can argue that about Caleb Downs.

This is not some “well, if the top options are, I guess he’ll do” kind of discussion. I didn’t feel like that was the tone Jeremiah had. He sounded like a person who sees Downs as a real difference-maker, even if the draft gets weird enough to push him down the board.

Daniel Jeremiah talked about how safeties slide in the draft. We have all seen it before with players like Derwin James, because teams started prioritizing other positions when players were coming off the board.

Daniel Jeremiah flat-out said, “Safeties historically drop.”

And that is the scenario Cowboys fans should be paying attention to.

This Is Why Caleb Downs Makes So Much Sense for Dallas

What I liked about Daniel Jeremiah’s comments was that he was not just selling Downs as an athlete.

He talked about communication, leadership, and the way one smart, steady, instinctive player can lift everybody else around him. He said some players are “greater than the individual parts.”

That line really stuck with me because that is the kind of player I want Dallas to be looking for if Delane is already off the board, which he will be.

Don’t get me wrong, I love traits just as much as the next guy. What team doesn’t want a long, explosive, freaky athlete with ridiculous upside, but sometimes the better pick is the guy who settles down the whole defense.

For this team that struggled so much last season, I think that matters a lot, and if Dallas is really trying to build something better on defense, then a player like Caleb Downs feels like the correct answer. Not some backup plan.

With the NFL draft less than a month away, I have started to dive into some guys that we might see the Cowboys draft outside of the 12th overall pick.

One guy that is very interesting that has clearly made an impression on Dallas is Anthony Hill Jr. a linebacker from Texas.

As of now, Hill is projected to go late in the first round or in the second, but he could be an option for Dallas with the 20th overall pick. They don’t have a second round pick, so I don’t see that happening.

REPORT:

After attending Miami's pro day, Schotty flew to Austin, TX and was present for the Cowboys' dinner with Texas LB Anthony Hill Jr.@clarencehilljr | #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/kmusxxGHHE

— DLLS Cowboys (@DLLS_Cowboys) March 25, 2026

Any Good?

In 26 games since the 2024 season, Hill has totaled 23.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and three interceptions. In basically every way, Hill was all over the field and impacting the ball in several ways.

The Cowboys did not fix the major issue at linebacker this offseason and look to be banking on hitting on a player or two in the draft, and they better hope they do because it will be a hard watch this year if they don’t.

Whomever they draft will likely have the chance to start right away, so maybe it will be Hill, and the reason why I saw don’t be shocked if it is, is because he clearly has already made a good impression on head coach Brian Schotty.

On Monday, Cowboys Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer flew to Austin for Texas Pro Day. After seeing him in action, Schottenheimer had dinner with him.

That is nice and all, but his numbers have been just okay since 2024, but it won’t be any worse than what Dallas currently has at linebacker, and he played with Overshown when he was at Texas a few years ago, so they would be teammates again.

As of now, the off-ball linebackers are DeMarvion Overshown, Shemar James and Justin Barron, who clearly needs some work.

It is reported that Marist Liufau is going to by the one the ball linebacker, so adding a guy like Hill wouldn’t hurt, but who knows if it would actually work, we may have to wait and see.

My major issue is that everyone is putting stock into Overshown, and he has played 18 games in three years because of that knee injury, and he has to at least show me that he is able to stay on the field before I buy all the way into him.

Anthony Hill Jr.
6020
238
9 5/8 hand
32 3/8 arm
79 wing

— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) February 26, 2026

They are just not very good at that spot, and the issue with picking at 12 is a little too late to be able to get Sonny Styles, the linebacker from Ohio State.

At the end of the day, it would not shock me if they used the 20th overall pick for him, or tried to trade it for more day two picks, because as of now all they have is one and that is coming in the 3rd round from the 49ers.

Let’s see how this goes, but the defense clearly still needs a lot of work, but if I had to pick Hill or someone else at pick 20 I would go with Jacob Rodriguez, the linebacker from the other school in Texas, Texas Tech.

I think he is a better prospect in terms of being able to use in a lot of different looks on defense, and he can play on the ball or off the ball, but neither are worth the 20th overall pick.

They should go very early in the 2nd round, so I don’t see Dallas getting either one, unless they pull the trigger a touch to early and take them with that 20th pick, we will see how it goes.

One corner is not being talked about enough; Jermod McCoy seems to have fallen behind Mansoor Delane. Especially after the LSU Pro Day when Delane put on a show.

Jermod McCoy might end up being the better fit for the Dallas Cowboys. Not only because of the Cowboys draft picks (12 &20), but I think he might fit better in the scheme.

If the Cowboys came out of the first round with Jermod McCoy, I wouldn’t see it as settling, but I think it would be knowing what the staff wants.

Understanding where value meets need and making the pick that actually matches the direction the defense is heading.

Christian Parker has said his defense will be multiple, starting from a 3-4 foundation but shifting to different fronts and coverages based on personnel. He also made it clear the scheme would fit the players, not trap them in one look.

This is the reason I think McCoy stands out as more than just a first-round fallback plan.

Why Jermod McCoy Fits What Christian Parker Wants

When I watched a little bit of tape on Jermod McCoy from 2024, I did not see a one-style corner.

I saw a player who was versatile and could play man or zone.

This matters because Parker has said if he has corners who can play man, he will lean into it. If the group is better in zone and pattern matching, he wants to be able to shift there too.

McCoy’s scouting profile lines up with the type of flexibility I was speaking of. He is 6’1” and 188 pounds and is strong in both zone and man-press coverage, with a mid-first round projection.

I feel this is the type of outside corner who can work in a defense that wants the freedom to change and disguise.

The Cowboys New Staff Makes this Fit More Interesting

I want everyone to know this isn’t just about Christian Parker calling the defense.

The staff Parker has assembled includes Ryan Smith coaching cornerbacks, Derrick Ansley as pass game coordinator, and Robert Muschamp assisting in the secondary. We all know Parker comes from a defensive backs background, so they know the type they need.

I like McCoy’s size for the outside corner spot. He has the movement ability to survive in different coverages, and is a smart enough player to be able to be molded not protected.

I believe the new defense is going to be aggressive without becoming predictable, and that matters.

The Ball Production Matches What Dallas Needs

This is the part that keeps pulling me back to Jermod McCoy.

Tennessee credits McCoy with 44 tackles, four interceptions, and 13 passes defended in 2024 while starting all 13 games.

He was also listed as a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist, a second team All-American, and an All-SEC selection.

If you think about what we as fans would like to see from one of our corners, would it be more of that type of production on the backend?

We know the Cowboys don’t just need corners who can stay where they’re supposed to be, but need corners who can find the football, finish at the catch point, and turn good coverage into drive-killing plays.

Jermod McCoy’s resume says he can do that.

The ACL Recovery Changes the Conversation

You cannot look at Jermod McCoy without bringing up the injury.

A player who missed an entire season after tearing his ACL has to be part of the evaluation process whether fans like it or not.

McCoy said that he was fully healed and expected to have “no limits” at Tennessee’s Pro Day.

I think the biggest remaining issue would be if his knee checks out. That doesn’t change the risk, but it does make the conversation more manageable.

Why McCoy Makes Sense at Picks 12 or 20

Having two first round picks changes the Cowboys draft outlook, just slightly.

It gives them room to attack a premium position, like corner, without forcing the pick and coming up with a bust.

ESPN recently ranked him as the top cornerback in the class while talking about his final landing spot could depend on how teams feel after his pro day.

Mel Kiper’s latest mock also connected him to Dallas at No.12, which tells you this is not some fringe projection, but it’s Kiper who will change his picks three more times before the draft.

However, I do feel like the Cowboys are the cleanest fit for Jermod McCoy.

He brings size, ball production, and man-zone flex, which makes sense for a defense that will be built on multiplicity.