Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Cowboys Land 35-Sack DE in Latest Mock Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Feb 22, 2026 8:00 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys are still pursuing a Super Bowl victory after more than 30 years since their last win. This past season, the team began the Brian Schottenheimer era following their separation from Mike McCarthy.

In his first year as head coach, the Cowboys finished with a record of 7-9-1 and boasted one of the best offenses in the league, thanks to Schottenheimer’s play-calling. However, the team's defense struggled significantly, ranking 30th in total yards allowed (377.0), 23rd in rushing yards allowed (125.5), and last in both passing yards allowed (251.5) and points allowed (30.1).

Before the year, the team made headlines by trading star pass rusher Micah Parsons. As a result, NFL.com's Gennaro Filice predicts that the Cowboys will look for a replacement for Parsons in the NFL draft. He has them selecting defensive end Akheem Mesidor from the Miami Hurricanes, who has recorded 35.5 sacks throughout his career.

Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor (3) celebrates after a sack.Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

"After trading Micah Parsons last August, the Cowboys could lose Jadeveon Clowney, Dante Fowler Jr. and Sam Williams in free agency," Filice wrote. "Donovan Ezeiruaku, last year’s second-round pick, flashed a well-rounded game in Year 1, but he needs some help on the edge. Mesidor might be gone by the time Dallas goes on the clock at No. 20, but the Miami product’s advanced age (turns 25 in April) could push him down the board. On the plus side, he might have the most advanced pass-rushing arsenal in this draft after six seasons (and 52 starts) at the college level."

The effect of drafting Mesidor would be an attempt to stabilize a defense that unraveled after trading Parsons. The Cowboys finished near the bottom of the league in nearly every major defensive category, including last in passing yards and points allowed. That type of regression demands reinforcements off the edge, particularly with potential free-agent departures looming.

Mesidor’s 35.5 career sacks with the Miami Hurricanes highlight both production and experience. At nearly 25 years old with 52 college starts, he offers a more pro-ready profile than many first-round prospects. For a Dallas team attempting to contend immediately rather than rebuild, maturity and a refined pass-rushing arsenal could outweigh concerns about age.

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, this pick would define how quickly the Cowboys can reset defensively in the post-Parsons era. Schottenheimer’s offense showed promise, but championship windows close quickly when a defense cannot protect leads. If Mesidor becomes an instant-impact edge presence, Dallas could begin correcting one of the most glaring weaknesses that derailed its season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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