Breaking down the Dallas Cowboys draft picks, team needs and 2026 first-round mock draft projections, including Rueben Bain Jr.
Add us as a preferred source on Google searches!
The Dallas Cowboys are coming off their second consecutive seven-win season, marking a frustrating stretch for a franchise that won 12 games in each of the three years prior.
Fortunately, the outlook in Dallas appears more stable entering 2026. The team’s offensive core remains intact, extending beyond quarterback Dak Prescott and his weapons to a unit with continuity along the offensive line. All five projected starters up front are under contract for multiple years.
With that in mind, defense is likely to be the focal point for the Cowboys in this year’s draft. All three levels of the unit have holes to fill, and with a pair of first-round picks at his disposal, Jerry Jones has the flexibility to address multiple needs.
Let’s take a look at the full list of 2026 Dallas Cowboys NFL Draft picks, team needs and first round mock drafts.
Dallas Cowboys Draft Picks 2026
| Round | Pick | From |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 | |
| 1 | 20 | via GB |
| 3 | 92 | via SF |
| 4 | 112 | |
| 5 | 152 | |
| 5 | 177 | Compensatory |
| 5 | 180 | Compensatory |
| 7 | 218 | via NYG |
Dallas Cowboys NFL Draft Needs
Cornerback
It’s no secret that the Cowboys were one of the worst pass defenses in the league a season ago. Entering the 2026 NFL Draft, Dallas could still use help at cornerback in the worst way. DaRon Bland signed a lucrative new deal last year, but proceeded to struggle as the team’s top cover corner. While Cobie Durant was added in free agency, securing another viable starting option or quality depth will be critical.
Linebacker
With Kenneth Murray remaining a free agent after a disappointing 2025 season and Logan Wilson opting to retire, the Cowboys’ depth at the linebacker spot has been depleted. As it stands now, the only solid starting option Dallas has is DeMarvion Overshown. As such, targeting multiple inside linebackers in the draft would be a prudent course of action.
EDGE
After trading Micah Parsons to Green Bay before the start of last season, it was all but a given that the Cowboys’ pass rush would take a step back. Just last month, Dallas executed another trade with the Packers to bring in Rashan Gary. He now stands as a less-than-ideal top option at the EDGE position. With Jadeveon Clowney and Dante Fowler remaining free agents, this is certainly a position of need.
Other Cowboys Draft Needs
- Running Back
- Defensive Line
- Safety
With these needs in mind, let’s take a look at how analysts are projecting the Cowboys to approach the first round.
Cowboys Mock Drafts | First-Round Picks
Here are four Dallas Cowboys mock drafts for the first round from ESPN, CBS, NFL Network and FlurrySports. Who do draft pundits think the Cowboys will select with the 12th and 20th overall picks?
No. 12 | Cowboys NFL Draft Pick
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami | ESPN
With the strength of an interior defender but the explosiveness of a dangerous pass-rusher, Rueben Bain Jr. has the potential to become an every-down player at the NFL level. He has a shorter reach than is ideal, but excellent technique.
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State | NFL Network
Given all of the Cowboys’ needs on defense, this would make for an interesting use of their top draft pick. Carnell Tate is the consensus top wideout in this class, and would afford Dallas greater flexibility with George Pickens being on the franchise tag.
Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami | CBS
The other half of the Miami edge rusher equation, Akheem Mesidor, has a rather unique prospect profile given that he will be 25 years old as a rookie. However, he has relentless energy that would certainly help spark the Cowboys’ pass rush.
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee | FlurrySports
Selecting Jermod McCoy 12th overall does not come without risk, given that he missed all of last season with a torn ACL. That said, he has the athletic abilities to be a lockdown cover corner at the NFL level. He performed well in both zone and man coverage in college.
No. 20 | Cowboys NFL Draft Pick
Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri | ESPN
ESPN has the Cowboys loading up on edge rushers in their mock draft. Zion Young is an excellent player who plays with power and aggressiveness. Although not typically mocked this high, he has the talent to justify it.
Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami | NFL Network
If his age scares enough teams off that he falls this far, Mesidor makes total sense for the Cowboys at No. 20 overall.
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee | CBS
Colton Hood excels in outside press coverage, which would make him a welcome addition to the Cowboys’ secondary. His lack of quickness and tendency to get handsy in coverage are big reasons why this is a higher draft position than where he lands in most mocks.
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia | FlurrySports
With linebacker clearly being a position of need for the Cowboys NFL Draft, landing CJ Allen with their second first-round pick would be a huge get. Dallas could sorely use a steady and productive leader on defense, and Allen fits that mold to a tee.
