The Dallas Cowboys had an A+ first-round in the 2026 NFL Draft and now we move on to Day 2. And here’s the fascinating thing, not only did the Cowboys get their two guys on defense, but they got two fourth-round picks to work with for a potential trade up.

That’s exactly what I’ve got them doing in my Day 2 mock draft, which I put together using our updated mock draft simulator. Let’s dive in but not before recapping the picks so far:

• Pick No. 11: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
• Pick No. 23: EDGE Malachi Lawrence, UCF

Round 2, Pick No. 49: LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech (TRADE)

• Trade details: Cowboys give up pick No. 92 (third round), picks No. 114 and 137 (fourth round).

The Cowboys walked away from Day 1 with two new fourth rounders after giving up two fifths. They use the trade ammo to move up into the second round and finally do something about their linebacker need.

Rodriguez is a highly-instinctive linebacker with a knack for taking the ball away from opposing offenses. He can be Day 1 starter in Dallas and is totally worth it of moving up.

Round 4, Pick No. 112: TE Michael Trigg, Baylor

In Day 3, the Cowboys finally turn to offense. Trigg may not be the blocker Dallas traditionally wants on a tight end, but he projects as a big slot receiver who can be a threat in the passing game. Nothing wrong with adding some firepower to Dak Prescott’s offense.

Round 5, Pick No. 152: iOL Beau Stephens, Iowa

The Cowboys did their homework on Stephens ahead of the draft, and he has the makings of a sleeper pick. Though undersized, Stephens is physical and a good run blocker. He can be solid depth at guard.

Round 7, Pick No. 218 DT Rene Konga, Louisville

Konga is a pre-draft visit for the Cowboys and a target to watch in undrafted free agency. In this case, they get ahead of the curve and secure him via a draft pick.