2026 NFL Mock Draft No. 11-15: Cowboys land next defensive star?
No. 11: Dallas Cowboys– T.J. Parker, ED, Clemson
As tempting as it would be for the Cowboys to continue to add on offense, they need more talent defensively after the trade of Micah Parsons. With their first of two picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, expect them to address that with the selection of T.J. Parker who is a force off the edge with this combination of speed and power. He also has the knack of forcing turnovers as he had six forced fumbles in 2024. His versatility along the line also makes him an intriguing option for any team looking for a defensive difference maker.
No. 12: Carolina Panthers – Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
The Panthers will have their eye on Parker, but with him going to Dallas a pick ahead of them, they go with his Clemson teammate Peter Woods with the No. 12 overall pick. A team looking for a defensive identity, Woods will give them that and a player with the ability to dominate as an interior lineman or on the edge. This 6-foot-3, 315-pound ball of power will be a tone setter defensively for the Panthers.
No. 13: Kansas City Chiefs – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Patrick Mahomes gets a new tight end with the selection of Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq with the No. 13 overall pick in the draft. Yes, that means the team moves on from Travis Kelce who could be playing in his final season in the NFL. Even if Kelce gives it a go in 2026, he will likely move down to a second option at tight end as Mahomes masters a connection with the talented Sadiq who is an instant threat with the ball in his hand.
With his explosiveness and athleticism at the tight end position, it will seem unfair for him to join a team like the Chiefs and a QB like Mahomes. But, if the season ended after Week 3, the Chiefs would have a top 15 pick which is a sweet spot for a player like Sadiq.
No. 14: Chicago Bears – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Bears get their running back in Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. After a slow start to the season, the top ranked running back prospect going into the 2025 season showed off his talent in a Week 4 win for the Fighting Irish. In a 56-30 win over Purdue, Love rushed for 157 yards on 19 carries showcasing his explosiveness on the ground. As a dual-threat impact player out of the backfield, a perfect addition for Ben Johnson’s offense.
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No. 15: Los Angeles Rams via Atlanta– Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
The quarterbacks begin to come off the board again. Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams make Oregon’s Dante Moore the fifth quarterback off the board. With prototypical size and athleticism at the QB position, Moore is emerging up the draft board and joins the group of talented signal callers in this draft. With 962 yards passing through 4 games, Moore could find himself in the top 10 by draft time. The Rams, who have Falcons pick, may still have a stop to select him there.