The Dallas Cowboys certainly still hold a route to postseason play, but with Christmas just a couple of weeks away, I figured a mock draft could be a nice gift for their outlook of the future. Dallas has gotten some impressive play from young players on both sides of the ball, but there are definitely still ways to improve the roster during 2026.

I ran a 7-round mock draft exercise for America’s Team and called on a knowledgeable source regarding them to take a look over it and provide feedback.

Dallas Cowboys 7-round NFL mock draft

Round 1, Pick 15: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

The secondary in Dallas has been far too inconsistent for Dallas over the past two years, and injuries have certainly played a role in that. Terrell is one of the best CB prospects in this class and possesses some incredible technique. Smooth hips, a knack for playing through the football, and requisite size/speed will land him in round one in April. Makes sense for the Cowboys to add to that room here.

Round 2, Pick 28: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

Where Howell lacks some length, he makes up for in speed, power, and grit. He’s been one of the quickest risers on the defensive side for 2026, and the Cowboys pass rush needs an influx of youth. After the Micah Parsons trade, EDGE is a major need that gets addressed here.

Round 3, Pick 97: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

TRADE: Cowboys receive pick 97, Vikings receive pick 115, pick 155, and 2027 6th-round pick

The Cowboys move up to go get their guy here. Rodriguez was a Heisman Trophy candidate for much of this season due to his production and play-making ability for the Red Raiders. He’s an instinctual leader, and linebacker may be the most glaring need of all on defense for Dallas. He can step in nearly immediately to make an impact for them and won’t have to travel far, either.

Round 5, Pick 178: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State

Grabbing a backup running back seems like a given for Dallas in the 2026 draft. Allen fits that sort of mold and can provide some explosiveness behind Javonte Williams if the Cowboys plan on him as their starter once again next season. He has outproduced expectations and created a nice relationship with Dak Prescott.

Round 5, Pick 179: Earnest Greene, OL, Georgia

Greene is a player with the traits to become a possible starter down the road. With a massive frame, it is likely he will be a developmental tackle at the next level and may play a role as a swing tackle early on in his pro career. This day three swing makes sense for Dallas’ offensive line.

Round 7, Pick 216: Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor

Cameron’s is a big-bodied target for a Baylor offense that loves to take chances down the field or at the sidelines. As a 7th-rounder, there is no pressure for him to mold into a starter, but he can be intriguing depth for the Cowboys if selected.

Round 7, Pick 229: Bud Clark, S, TCU

Clark is an underrated safety prospect to me, who deserves to go a bit earlier than this. Regardless, Dallas keeps the Texas pipeline strong here and gets a player who, at minimum, can give you great special teams reps at the next level.

Cowboys expert critiques mock draft scenario

Mauricio Rodriguez, Cowboys beat writer for A to Z Sports, gave me some insight on this potential draft class for the Cowboys.

“First of all, this feels like the kind of NFL Draft the Dallas Cowboys need. Their defense needs urgent help and adding back-to-back first-round players to aid that unit seems like the move. 

Personally, I love Avieon Terrell’s physicality and ability to play man coverage, though I have to admit I wonder how much of a fit he is for DC Matt Eberflus, who has been guilty of playing too much zone despite having man-specialist cornerbacks. As for Cashius Howell, the Cowboys desperately need edge rusher help, and he seems to be a good complement for Donovan Ezeiruaku. At 28th overall, he’s a no-brainer. Consider me a fan of Jacob Rodriguez at 97th, too. He looks like a guy ready to play even if his ceiling is questionable. 

Though I haven’t really looked into Day 3 targets so far, and I trust your judgement on them more than mine, you hit the most important positions. Dallas needs a RB as they seem not to trust rookie Jaydon Blue at this point.” — Mauricio Rodriguez, A to Z Sports Dallas

Dallas Cowboys News

Cowboys are making a mistake with one of their most talented players that is becoming utterly inexcusable

He needs to be used more in this area.

Mauricio Rodriguez