This 2026 Cowboys Mock Draft Fills Holes Without Reaching

Round 1, Pick 12: Caleb Downs, Safety Ohio State

If Caleb Downs is available, which I believe he will be, because teams in the top-10 of this draft want to get premium position players on a rookie contract.

Downs brings a level of versatility the Cowboys have been missing on the back end and does it in a way that elevates everyone around him.

He can rotate deep, come downhill in the run game, handle tight ends and hold up against slot receivers while still playing under control.

What stands out most to me is how fast he processes the game. He’s reading concepts and breaking early instead of reacting late, which allows the defense to play faster and more aggressive as a whole.

Adding a player like Caleb Downs changes how the secondary functions and gives Dallas a true chess piece on defense.

Round 1, Pick 20: CJ Allen, LB Georgia

This pick makes even more sense the deeper I look into it.

CJ Allen has already built-in familiarity with new outside linebackers coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe, since they are both coming into the NFL from the University of Georgia, and that connection matters.

Allen won’t just be stepping into a system he has to relearn from scratch. He will be coached by someone who understands how he was developed, what was demanded of him, and how to push him without tearing down his foundation.

On the field, Allen plays with control and discipline.

He wins with leverage, balance, and awareness rather than chasing splash plays.

Allen reads blocking schemes well, fills gaps correctly, and stays composed in zone coverage.

I expect veteran linebacker help to be added in free agency, which would allow Allen to rotate early and grow naturally instead of being forced into a role before he’s ready.

Round 4, Pick 112: Julian Neal, CB Arkansas

This is one of those picks I think will look better once the season starts.

Julian Neal brings size and solid technique to the cornerback room. He seems to be comfortable in zone or man coverage and uses his hands well at the line.

He is also a good tackler and takes good angles from the corner position. This could give him immediate special teams value as he gets up to speed in the NFL.

Again, with a veteran corner or two added in free agency, Neal becomes dependable depth that can survive snaps it thrust onto the field because of injuries.

Round 5, Pick 150: Nadame Tucker, DE Western Michigan

Every defense needs effort players, and Nadame fits that role well.

He isn’t built on elite athleticism, but his motor doesn’t stop.

Tucker plays with urgency, holds the edge well, and uses his hands to disengage from blockers.

What I find nice about this player is he finds ways to affect the quarterback through persistence.

If Dallas adds a veteran pass-rusher, let’s say Trey Hendrickson or Maxx Crosby, Tucker fits cleanly as a rotational edge who keeps the front fresh.

Round 5, Pick 177: Trey Zuhn III, OT Texas A&M

I thought this felt like a very Cowboys-style offensive line pick.

Trey Zuhn III plays with balance and strong fundamentals, anchors well against power, and keeps his hands where they need to be.

He’s not flashy. What offensive lineman is? But he is dependable.

Zuhn gives Dallas quality depth and a possible Terence Steele replacement.

Smart Depth Is Added Late In the Draft

Bryce Boettcher from the University of Oregon, adds an instinctive linebacker and a special teams player while developing into a rotational option.

TJ Hall from the University of Iowa, is corner depth. He does have good vision and seemingly good coverage instincts.

Adam Randall is another big running back from Clemson University. Depending on what happens in free agency here, this could be needed depth. Vision, balance, and pass catching are what he brings to the field.

I feel none of these picks need to be rushed, but all provide competition and insurance, which is what the Cowboys need from this draft.

A Cowboys Feeling Mock Draft

I know this mock draft works because it feels like something the Cowboys front office would do. Premium defenders early, depth and competition later, and no forcing needs that free agency can handle.

If the Cowboys follow a plan like this, they won’t just look good on draft weekend. They’ll be deeper, tougher, and better prepared.