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Cowboys Predicted to Double Down on One Unit in 2026 NFL Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio G Losada | Last updated Mar 30, 2026 11:25 AM ET

The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2026 offseason with a plan to reshape their roster after coming off a disappointing 7-9 season in Brian Schottenheimer's first year at the helm of the team.

Dallas created roughly $66 million in cap space by restructuring contracts for Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Tyler Smith, opening flexibility to make key additions.

The Cowboys also used the franchise tag on George Pickens, retaining him for one more season after he recorded 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns.

With those moves addressing major offensive needs and locking the unit for the short-term future at the very least, attention might shift toward the other side of the field during the 2026 NFL Draft.

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) is tackled by two Dallas Cowboys defensive backs.Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

That is what ESPN analyst Matt Miller’s latest mock draft projection highlights, as Miller has the Cowboys using their two first-round picks on strengthening Dallas' secondary.

At No. 12 overall, Miller has the Cowboys selecting Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy.

“Dallas’ cornerback room is full of question marks behind DaRon Bland due to the release of Trevon Diggs,” Miller said. “The Cowboys need a corner who scares opposing QBs. He would have been my top cornerback in the 2025 class if he was draft-eligible.”

McCoy completed 44 tackles, intercepted four passes and deflected nine in 2024 before missing the 2025 season due to a torn ACL.

Miller then projected Dallas to double down on their defensive haul at No. 20, with the Cowboys selecting Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.

Let's predict every single pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

A full seven-round mock draft.https://t.co/kS5SwpRgAG
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 30, 2026

“After going corner at No. 12, the Cowboys could land a long-term safety option, as they need a youthful upgrade,” Miller said. “Dallas needs difference-makers on defense, and McNeil-Warren's turnover creation would be welcome.”

McNeil-Warren recorded 77 tackles, three forced fumbles and two interceptions in 2025, finishing his college career with 214 tackles, five interceptions and nine forced fumbles.

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, with the Cowboys having two first-round draft picks for the first time since 2008 and eight picks overall.

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

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