5 of 6
2026 NFL Mock Draft 21-25: Cowboys take a shot at safety; a top tackle falls to Rams
With their second first-round pick, the Cowboys reach a bit to fulfil their needs at safety. As a projected Day 2 pick, Dillon Thieneman has the characteristics of a first-round pick. He has high instincts, can cover and brings leadership to the Cowboys’ secondary. He may not be around by the time the Cowboys select in the second round, they grab him now. A selection that is not a reach is Francis Mauigoa to the Los Angeles Rams at No. 24. As a top tackle who can play multiple positions, the Rams get lucky that he falls all the way to the 20’s in this draft.