Had the Dallas Cowboys even fielded an average defense, we could be talking about this team having just won one or more playoff games. With Dak Prescott and the offense being elite, all it's going to take in the offseason is some key defensive reinforcements.
Luckily, Dallas has two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft and could truly do a ton of damage here. It would not be a shock if many across the NFL landscape would then talk about the Cowboys being an early favorite to win the NFC East in 2026.
With a head coach that appears to be the right man for the job, the best quarterback in the division, and the potential for a much-improved defense, Dallas could be closer than you think. This updated mock draft would kick the defense into high gear.
Dallas Cowboys quit fooling around and address defense in a big-way in NFL mock draft
15. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Sonny Styles is a top-10 talent in the 2026 NFL Draft and might not make it out of the top-10, but he fell to the Cowboys in this mock draft. Dallas has to do something about the linebacker position, as Kenneth Murray was not even a serviceable player at the position in 2025.
Dallas gets a day one starter in the secondary and someone who can create an immediate impact on this unit for years to come.
20. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Cowboys do have a ton of talent at cornerback, but injuries began to pile up, so this unit just never really found its footing. Adding Avieon Terrell into the mix is a wise decision. He has a very high floor in the NFL and is the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback AJ Terrell.
He could also potentially play inside in the slot and as an outside cornerback.
112. Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
Donovan Wilson is a free agent this offseason, and overall, the Cowboys do need some major help at safety, which is a position teams can absolutely fill in free agency. Not only could the Cowboys do this, but they could also look to the NFL Draft as well for some help.
Wheatley is 6-2 and had 169 total tackles in his final two years in college. He seems to always be around the ball, as he's added four interceptions and five passes defended during this time as well.
150. Zane Durant, DT, Penn State
A bit undersized for a defensive tackle, Zane Durant could develop into some depth for the Cowboys. The defensive line figures to see notable free agency additions, but adding some homegrown talent in the NFL Draft can really be the icing on the cake here.
177. Alex Harkey, OT, Oregon
It's really never a bad idea to address the offensive line. Dallas has typically fielded a strong offensive line over the years. Harkey is 6-6 and nearly 330 pounds, so the Cowboys would get some ideal size for an offensive lineman in the NFL and potentially have him as a backup tackle or guard.
215. Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU
Kaleb Elarms-Orr had 130 total tackles and 11 tackles for loss in 2025 for TCU. Being able to fill the stat sheet like that against formidable competition could help his case in the NFL as a competent depth piece at the linebacker position.
225. Caden Curry, EDGE, Ohio State
Caden Curry had 16.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in 2025 for the Buckeyes, which is some insane production. Dallas could draft Curry for the production alone and hope he develops into a pass-rushing specialist. It's truly never a bad idea to bank on collegiate production translating into the NFL.