Dallas Cowboys: 2026 NFL Draft Preview
How They Got Here
The Cowboys' implosion was years in the making. After losing to Green Bay in the 2024 wild card round (48-32), the 2025 season spiraled out of control. Dallas started 3-1, then lost 9 of their final 13 games. Micah Parsons publicly demanded a trade after contract negotiations stalled, and Jerry Jones obliged — sending him to Green Bay for picks #20, a 2027 first, and CB Jaire Alexander (who immediately tore his ACL). Dak's shoulder injury lingered all season, and he looked nothing like the player who signed a $240 million extension in 2024. CeeDee Lamb had just 892 yards receiving — his worst season since his rookie year. The defense, without Parsons, was a disaster: 29th in sacks (27), 31st in points allowed (28.4 PPG). McCarthy was fired on January 7, and Belichick was hired three days later in the most shocking coaching hire in decades.
Team Needs
Dallas has two first-round picks (#12, #20 via Green Bay) after a blockbuster trade that sent Micah Parsons to the Packers for picks and players. The Cowboys finished 5-12 in 2025 — their worst season since 2015 — and owner Jerry Jones finally hit the reset button. Dak Prescott played through a shoulder injury and posted career-worst numbers (22 TDs, 17 INTs, 81.2 rating). Head coach Mike McCarthy was fired after a 37-30 playoff record but zero conference championship appearances. New HC Bill Belichick (yes, really) inherits a roster that needs a complete defensive rebuild.
Draft Outlook
Belichick's presence changes everything. He'll want to rebuild the defense in his image, starting with edge rush and the secondary. With two first-round picks, the Cowboys can address both needs immediately. Akheem Mesidor (EDGE) and Keldric Faulk (EDGE) are both projected in this range. Mansoor Delane (CB) would help replace the lost Alexander. At #20, Dallas can grab whoever fell from the top 15 — likely a linebacker, safety, or offensive lineman. Belichick has historically built through the draft, and this is one of the best draft positions he's ever had.
Top Prospect Fits
1. Akheem Mesidor
The most skilled pass rusher available after the top 10. At 6-3, 260 lbs, Mesidor has power-packed technique and heavy hands that overwhelm tackles. He posted 11 sacks and 45 pressures in 2025. Belichick has always valued versatile edge players, and Mesidor fits the mold. He'd immediately become Dallas's top pass rusher. Odds: +150 to go #12 (favorite).
2. Keldric Faulk
A young, physically developed edge rusher with a prototypical NFL build. At 6-4, 265 lbs, Faulk's rush upside is undersold, and he's also a disruptive run defender. Belichick's scheme requires versatile edge players who can set the edge and rush the passer — Faulk does both. Odds: +200 to go #12.
3. Mansoor Delane
A true CB1 who allowed zero TDs in his breakout 2025 season. At 6-1, 195 lbs, Delane has the length, physicality, and ball skills Belichick covets in corners. The Jaire Alexander injury left a massive hole in the secondary, and Delane would fill it immediately. Odds: +275 to go #12.
4. Sonny Styles
If Styles falls past #11, Dallas would be tempted at #12 or could grab him at #20. His elite range and athletic profile fit Belichick's preference for versatile linebackers who can cover and blitz. A realistic option at either pick. Odds: +350 to go #12.
Draft Strategy
Bill Belichick has rebuilt defenses before — in New England, he turned no-name players into Pro Bowlers through scheme and development. Dallas gives him two first-round picks to jumpstart the process. Expect edge rush at #12 (Mesidor or Faulk) and secondary/linebacker help at #20 (Delane, Styles, or a falling safety like Caleb Downs). The offense can be addressed later — Dak, Lamb, and the offensive line are good enough to compete if the defense improves. Belichick's first Cowboys draft will define whether this experiment works.
Betting Analysis
The #12 pick market has edge rushers dominating. Akheem Mesidor leads at +150, followed by Keldric Faulk at +200. Mansoor Delane (+275) is the CB option. At #20, the market is wide open — it depends entirely on who falls. The Cowboys are -175 to draft a defensive player at #12, reflecting Belichick's defensive-first philosophy. Mesidor at +150 is probably fairly priced — he's the most skilled pass rusher available in this range. Faulk at +200 offers value if you believe Belichick prefers a more physical edge setter. The parlay play: Mesidor at #12, then a cornerback or linebacker at #20.
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