The Dallas Cowboys finished last in the NFL in 2025 in both scoring defense and defensive DVOA. And although they added to the defense in free agency with Rashan Gary and Jalen Thompson, attacking the need through the draft is vital.
The latest trade of Dexter Lawrence will also be helpful to Dallas. With one fewer defense-needy team picking ahead of them, more options could be available to the Cowboys to improve that side of the ball during Thursday night's first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Round 1 Pick 12 Overall: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
In this scenario, the Cowboys struck gold with Mansoor Delane, making it to them at twelve overall. In a room of talented but often-injured corners, Delane would give Dallas a true number one corner who can play in man or zone.
Delane is one of the stickiest cornerback prospects I've ever watched. And the unique thing of Delane, I think a lot of it has to do with his brain.
Sure, he's athletic enough. The tape tells you that even without test results. But it's the way he plays angles, keeps an eye on the quarterback, and can see the whole play develop, not just his receiver, that tells you the IQ is off the charts.
Round 1 Pick 20 Overall: Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn
Keldric Faulk seems destined to be a Cowboy. Whether it's pick 12, 20, or somewhere via trade, he pops up in Dallas on a lot of mocks. But what is it about Faulk that's intriguing?
To start, he has a very high floor. His long, strong frame, plus strong, quick hands, make him an already above-average run defender. He can stack and shed offensive linemen with his burst and get to the ball carrier.
What's even more enticing is his ceiling. That long and strong frame I mentioned? 6'5 and 276 pounds with 34 and 3/8" arms at the combine. Plus elite testing numbers, reaching the 96th and 97th percentiles in jumps among defensive tackles. That size and athleticism, with the way he carries his weight and moves on the field, the possibilities are endless.
There's also the versatility of need for Dallas. Yes, they need help on the edge. But they also just traded away Osa Odighizuwa, who is a good interior pass rusher. Faulk's size and athleticism will allow him to play up and down the line of scrimmage.
Round 2 Pick 44 Overall: Traded for Quinnen Williams
This pick was in the trade for DT Quinnen Williams during the season. In his first full year in Dallas and for the first time with new Defensive Coordinator Christian Parker, Williams will look to get back to his Pro Bowl ways.
Round 3 Pick 92 Overall: Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina
Even with the pick of Delane, the Cowboys are still thin in the defensive backfield. Jalon Kilgore is a very interesting name to watch because of his size at 6'1 and 3/8", 210 pounds, and nearly 33" arms, and his versatility. Kilgore was primarily a slot corner at South Carolina who also played safety. He had over 300 snaps in the box over the last two seasons.
If all of this sounds familiar, it's because it's very similar to Nick Emmanwori from last season, Kilgore's former teammate. Kilgore isn't the freak athlete that Emmanwori is, he's not as big or explosive, but the games and experiences are similar, Kilgore is just the third-round version.
Kilgore shows good anticipation when the ball is in the air, and has good movement for his size when in coverage, and is strong against the run.
His one-on-one coverage gets tested as the play develops, where a second move on a route can lead to big separation. But Kilgore could start as more of a box safety, and with some work, develop into a true nickel corner.
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