Dallas Cowboys make a necessary but unpopular first-round choice in latest 2026 NFL mock draft
Everyone thinks defense is the way for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2026 NFL Draft. Not so fast.
When it comes to the Dallas Cowboys’ two first-round draft picks 2026 NFL Draft, just about every fan and media member has one word in mind: Defense.
And though it’s totally reasonable to think the Cowboys should focus their efforts and resources into fixing one of the worst defenses in the NFL, there is a dire need on offense as well. In the latest mock draft from A to Z Sports’ own Ryan Roberts, that is addressed with the No. 20 overall pick.
Cowboys pick another OL in 2026 mock draft
Before you go crazy at the prospect of the Cowboys using another first-round draft pick in an offensive lineman, hear me out. Though Dallas had a Top 5 scoring offense in 2025, it was severely inconsistent at times. The main reason for that was the unreliable pass protection Dak Prescott got from his offensive tackles.
That’s why Roberts went with Utah’s OT Caleb Lomu with the No. 20 overall pick, which the Cowboys acquired from the Green Bay Packers in the Micah Parsons trade. Below is Roberts’ breakdown of the pick.
Roberts: “Terence Steele is very upgradeable at right tackle for the Cowboys, and Tyler Guyton has struggled a ton over on the left side. Lomu is a long and talented offensive tackle whose best football is still in front of him. Keeping quarterback Dak Prescott upright should be the top priority for the team.”
In Roberts’ mock, the Cowboys take Ohio State LB Sonny Styles at No. 12 overall.
Why an OT makes sense for Dallas
Here’s the reality the Cowboys face ahead of the NFL Draft: It won’t be enough to fix the team.
The Cowboys need to fill plenty of roster holes, especially on defense. That means they’ll need an active free agency. And if they’re looking to add immediate starters/upgrades, some positions will be more expensive than others. Offensive tackle falls in the expensive category. With that in mind, addressing OT in the Draft makes sense.
Ultimately, mock drafts will be more accurate once we see what the Cowboys do in March. But be prepared for offensive tackle to be in the mix in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
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