FlurrySports projects three possible Dallas Cowboys draft targets with the 20th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, including Georgia’s CJ Allen.
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Given the expectation every season in Dallas, the Cowboys once again finished the season with disappointed fans. At 7-9-1, Dallas again missed the playoffs, setting itself up with some solid draft capital in the 2026 NFL Draft. Dallas owns both the 12th pick in the draft (their own) and the 20th pick in the draft (courtesy of Green Bay after the Micah Parsons trade). With two picks in the top 20, the Cowboys certainly have the opportunity to greatly improve their roster and get back to the playoffs.
With the 12th pick of the draft, we had the Cowboys selecting Jermod McCoy to help remedy their bad secondary last season. After selecting a defensive back, the Dallas Cowboys’ draft strategy can go a number of different ways. They have the option to double up on defense by helping to fill the linebacker position, or they can look at the defensive line. Either way, the Dallas Cowboys draft targets have to be heavily focused on defense to stop some of the better offenses in the NFC.
Want more draft analysis? Check out our final 2026 NFL Mock Draft here!
Dallas Cowboys Draft Targets at No. 20
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
With the Dallas Cowboys selecting a defensive back with the 12th pick of the draft, I believe that linebacker is the next spot that they need to fill in the draft. Without a true game changer at the position, Dallas must find its quarterback of the defense to help keep up with Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Jayden Daniels and Jaxson Dart within the division. That is where Georgia’s CJ Allen comes into play. Allen does not overwhelm you when it comes to athletic ability, but he more than makes up for it when it comes to football IQ.
While at Georgia, Allen showed great instincts playing run defense and showed a great ability to diagnose plays. Instead of waiting for the play to come to him, he immediately recognizes what is happening and goes and makes the play. Given that the NFL has leaned more into running as of late, having a linebacker who can blow up running backs is key to winning in the NFL today. That is not to say his pass defense by any means. His eyes and intelligence are at the top of this draft class, giving the Cowboys no reason to pass on him at 20.
Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
Along with linebacker, the defensive line, more specifically nose tackle, is also a need for the Cowboys. With Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams playing the defensive ends in the Cowboys’ 3-4 scheme, a strong and fast nose tackle is needed to take care of the interior. Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald fits that role, as the Buckeye is one of the quicker and stronger interior defensive linemen in the draft. His initial punch and lower body strength are perfect for busting through the offensive line, creating easy lanes for linebackers to come and clean up the mess.
Since Jerry Jones traded away Parsons, he has done a great job of remedying the defensive line, getting back Clark and trading for Williams. The defensive line is one of the most important parts of a defense (look what the Giants did to the Patriots in two Super Bowls), so continuing to add pieces there is going to be key for the Cowboys’ defense to get back to being one of the best in the league.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Cowboys really need help on the defensive side of the ball, so they need to spend both of their first-round picks on that side, but if their top defensive guys are not available at 20, it is not crazy for them to pick up a receiver. With CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens forming the best receiving duo in the NFL, Dallas may be inclined to add another piece to the offense that is focused on playing in the slot. That is where Makai Lemon comes into play. Lemon is the best true slot receiver in the draft, as his size and route-running ability are better suited there. His elite footwork and separation will be great for Dak Prescott to make easy throws.
Adding Lemon to an already stacked receiving core may seem like overkill, but getting eyes off of Lamb and Pickens will be an incredible weapon to have at one’s disposal. Having a strong middle of the field presence will make defenses respect the underneath game, allowing Lamb and Pickens to run free on the outside.
