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It’s almost here. The 2026 NFL Draft is finally less than a month away. While this is usually smoke-screen season, teams are starting to finalize their draft boards, and we will be receiving some quality draft intel in the coming weeks.
For the Dallas Cowboys, the upcoming draft is one of the most pivotal in recent franchise history. With that in mind, today we answer three fact or fiction questions regarding the upcoming draft. Let us know if you agree with our answers in the comments section.
1) There is a realistic chance that either Caleb Downs or Mansoor Delane falls to the Cowboys at pick 12
Verdict: FICTION
As much as I’d love to envision a world where Calen Downs or Mansoor Delane is a Cowboy, the reality of the situation is that either prospect falling to 12 would be a huge surprise. While Downs not participating in any athletic testing at either the combine or Ohio State’s pro day did stir up some questions about his health, he is far too talented a player for 11 teams to pass up on. Some may say the value of the safety position could be a reason for a potential fall on draft day, but Downs’ versatility to do so many things, as well as serve as a traditional safety, will almost certainly entice one team to take a chance on him before Dallas gets on the clock.
Two to three weeks ago, Mansoor Delane was mocked to the Cowboys regularly at pick 12. As the draft process has gone on, we’ve seen this change. Delane has taken a clear lead as the top cornerback in the draft, and recent mocks have him going as high as number five overall to the New York Giants. Delane running an extremely impressive 4.35-second 40-yard dash at LSU’s pro day last week only increased his already soaring draft stock. Multiple teams picking ahead of Dallas, such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, and Miami Dolphins, all need a cornerback, making it very unlikely Delane will make it to pick 12.
2) Linebacker is a position the Cowboys must address with a premium pick in this year’s draft
Verdict: FACT
If the Cowboys had to play a game today, you could make an argument that the linebacker spot would be the weakest position group on their entire roster. The Cowboys attempted to upgrade the position during free agency, making serious pushes for both Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker, but were unsuccessful in their pursuit. This has left Dallas with a gaping hole at the position, as DeMarvion Overshown, who has injury concerns of his own, is the only linebacker on the current roster capable of playing significant snaps in a competitive defense.
While the Cowboys could look to the trade market to acquire a player to bolster the position group, their lack of draft capital makes it much more difficult to do so. Sure, they could send a fifth- or seventh-round pick to acquire someone like veteran Patrick Queen, but that would not be much of an upgrade over what they currently have, at a much higher cost. With only three selections in the top 100, Dallas would be much better turning their attention to selecting a linebacker with one of these picks rather than pursuing the trade market.
Whether it’s someone like Jacob Rodriguez at pick 20 or targeting a second-round linebacker in a potential trade down, Dallas needs to spend a top 100 pick on the position in this year’s draft. If they don’t, it could be the Achilles heel that prevents their defense from being competitive next season.
3) The Cowboys should be open to selecting an offensive player at pick 12
Verdict: FACT
As crazy as this may sound, the Cowboys would be smart to open themselves up to selecting an offensive player with their top first-round pick. Yes, Dallas’ defense was historically bad last year and still has plenty of holes, but that should not lead them to window dress their draft board and select a defensive prospect just because they feel like they have to.
Now, if pick 12 comes around, and all their top defensive targets have been selected, looking for a trade partner would be an ideal scenario. But, if an offensive player in the top five on their board is still there, they should stay true to their process and select the player. Much like when CeeDee Lamb fell to them back in 2020, if a stud such as Francis Mauigoa, Jeremiyah Love, or Carnell Tate sits atop their draft board and is available at pick 12, Dallas needs to pull the trigger.
