Following a disappointing 2025 season, an important draft with two first-round selections looms for the Dallas Cowboys. In particular, their defense needs vast improvements immediately. Let’s take a look at who the Cowboys select in this mock draft using PFSN’s Mock Draft Simulator.
Round 1, Pick 12: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Cowboys address one of their many needs on defense with the best cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mansoor Delane is a talented cornerback coming off a unanimous All-American season at LSU. Delane can be left on an island and excel. He plays with a calm demeanor, is patient, and understands leverage.
Athletically, Delane possesses the burst and quickness to turn and run in order to stay in phase. Delane will turn and locate the football in the air. In zone, he plays with great eyes, discipline, and a feel for routes. Delane could give the Cowboys the shutdown cornerback they need.
Round 1, Pick 20: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Another talented prospect was added to the Cowboys’ defense. Sonny Styles just wrapped up a breakout, First-team All-American year for Ohio State. When Styles joined Ohio State in 2022, he was a safety. He converted to linebacker during the 2024 offseason. Settling into his new position is likely the reason for his emergence. Styles is physically gifted with height, length, and athleticism. With his background in safety, Styles has the natural skills to play in zone coverage at linebacker. He would provide the Cowboys with a huge upgrade to the second level of their defense.
Round 4, Pick 112: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
After addressing the secondary and linebacker, the Cowboys’ third selection in this mock draft goes to their defensive line. They will likely be looking for pass rushers, and Gabe Jacas out of Illinois could give them a boost. Jacas had a consistent, highly productive four-year career at Illinois. Over the past four seasons, he accumulated 27 sacks. Jacas enjoyed a breakout senior year in 2025 with 11 sacks. Listed at 6’3″, 270 pounds, Jacas has good size and power to contribute at the next level.
Round 5, Pick 150: Bud Clark, S, TCU
Bud Clark is an experienced safety prospect. He joined TCU in 2020 and played in 50 games during his tenure. He became a starter for TCU in 2021. Physically, Clark is 6’2″, 190 pounds. He recorded some tremendous production in college. Since 2022, Clark has posted 15 interceptions and 20 passes defended. Clark had a career-high seven passes defended in 2025.
Round 5, Pick 177: Adam Randall, RB, Clemson
Adam Randall could give the Cowboys solid depth at running back. He can provide some versatility in the passing game as well. Randall was a wide receiver when he began his college career at Clemson in 2022. This past season, he became Clemson’s starting running back and showed promise. He ran for 814 yards (4.8 per carry) and had 10 touchdowns. He also posted his best year receiving with 36 receptions, 254 yards, and three touchdowns. Randall is gifted with plenty of size, listed at 6’2″, 235 pounds.
Round 6, Pick 215: Skyler Gill-Howard, DT, Texas Tech
The only position group defensively not to be addressed, finally, is with the Cowboys’ last pick. Skyler Gill-Howard is a gifted athlete with explosion and quickness. He has the potential to be an effective interior pass rusher in the NFL. His best year rushing the passer came in 2024, when he had 5.0 sacks in his final season at Northern Illinois. He transferred to Texas Tech in 2025. He started in six games before an injury caused him to miss the rest of the season. Before getting hurt, Gill-Howard recorded six quarterback hits and 2.5 tackles for loss.
