If we’re expecting this to be one of the craziest NFL Drafts in recent memory, then we need to be ready for it. Below are five picks the Dallas Cowboys could make in the first round to the shock of fans.

And yet, they’re totally realistic. We’re leaving the Mansoor Delanes and Sonny Styles of the world behind and diving into five names who could be in the mix, especially in wipe out scenarios.

1. WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

The biggest roadblock to this happening is that Tyson may wind up becoming a Top 5 pick as rumor has it the New York Giants like him. But what’s clear is the Cowboys won’t be afraid to shift to offense if their defensive board is wiped out at No. 12. They’ve passed on their biggest needs before (see CeeDee Lamb in 2020 and even Tyler Booker in 2025).

Tyson wouldn’t address a team need but there’s a high chance he’s their best player available if he’s still on the board. There’s a reason why multiple insiders have linked Tyson to Dallas. If one of the premium defenders is still there, like CB Mansoor Delane (LSU), expect them to take him. If not, offense will be an option.

2. CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

I don’t think Hood would be a shocker at No. 20 overall but what about at No. 12? If the Cowboys are wiped out early in the first round and Hood is their favorite CB (a big if, but his physicality and high floor could justify it), I wouldn’t be shocked if they fire from the hip and take him early on.

Recent reports on Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy potentially needing another surgery likely means Dallas won’t use one of its first-round picks on him (earlier in the year, they said they’d rule out “redshirt rookies”). But Hood could make sense.

3. EDGE Malachi Lawrence, UCF

Lawrence ranks 39th on the consensus big board and 51th on A to Z Sports’ mock draft simulator big board. But he could make sense for the Cowboys late in the first round.

NFL insider Daniel Jeremiah recently named the Cowboys as a potential surprise landing spot for Lawrence. If the Cowboys are looking for a pass rush specialist, it makes sense. Plus, he comes from a very multiple defense in UCF, making him an attractive candidate for new Cowboys DC Christian Parker, who has emphasized multiplicity as his defense’s identity.

4. CB D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana

Can you imagine the Cowboys using a first-round pick on a 5-foot-9 cornerback? I can.

The kid is good. And he has the “it” factor if you ask my friend and draft expert Rob Gregson. Here’s a bit of what he wrote of Ponds in his scouting report:

“Rarely do you see defensive backs that have an ‘it factor’ but that’s the case with Ponds. His high football intelligence, competitive stamina, and a fearless nature against bigger pass catchers and ball carriers. I see him as a zone coverage defender who can be a plus one against the run, but also utilized in simulated pressures and zone blitzes, similar to what the Steelers did with Mike Hilton.”

The Cowboys want smart players, versatile defenders, and competitive guys. Check, check, check.

5. WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

The Cowboys value their pre-draft visits and using one of them on Cooper Jr. is telling. Similarly to the Tyson situation at No. 12, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cowboys are willing to shift to wide receiver if they’re wiped out on defense at No. 20.

Cooper Jr. seems like a likelier option if they trade back from that spot, however.