Post free agency NFL mock draft has the Cowboys making a decision with massive George Pickens implications
A first-round scenario that could define the long-term future of George Pickens with the Dallas Cowboys.
Everyone knows the Dallas Cowboys are likely to go defense with their couple of first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
But if we’ve learned anything over the years is that when it comes to the draft, you just can’t predict it all. The Cowboys could very well go offense, especially at No. 20 overall. Heck, they might even consider picking a wide receiver, perhaps their best position on the roster.
That’s exactly what our own Kyle Crabbs proposed in his latest post-free-agency mock draft, setting up a scenario that would have huge implications for George Pickens.
Cowboys take a WR at No. 20 in latest mock draft
In a two-round mock draft following the NFL’s first wave of free agency, Crabbs made the following picks for the Cowboys:
- CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
- WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Delane at No. 12 wouldn’t be a surprise. I recently described him as the likeliest Cowboys pick of the first round based on best player available, fit, and team needs. Dallas wants an improved defense and adding a corner as sticky in coverage can give the team a Day 1 starter.
Tyson at No. 20 would be one of the biggest shocks of this year’s draft, though. With CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens leading the position group (and Ryan Flournoy flourishing into a pretty good WR3) can the Cowboys really afford to use a first-round pick on another WR?
Crabbs thinks so, and he believes we saw the perfect case study last year. Below is a full breakdown of his pick:
“Okay, so hear me out. You remember that time last year when the Bucs, as a playoff team, drafted Emeka Egbuka despite having Chris Godwin and Mike Evans and everyone said ‘WTF, man?’ and then Egbuka was one of the best performers from the first round this past season? And the Bucs let Mike Evans walk amid a production regression and some risk?
“Yeah, you remember. I know you do. Dallas should do that this year if Tyson is on the board and tip their cap to George Pickens after the season. He’s a long-term challenge to fit amid their other contracts and Tyson is the perfect successor while offering an added impact as a third receiver in 2026.”
Picking a WR would set up a Pickens departure
As Crabbs notes above, should the Cowboys do this, it would mean they’re ready to part ways with Pickens after the 2026 season—which is already a strong possibility after failing to reach a long-term extension before using the franchise tag on him.
What the Cowboys should absolutely avoid if they’re even halfway serious about winning ballgames this year is dealing Pickens away before this season. The Dallas defense will be flawed even after multiple additions in free agency. Their best chance at being a contender is through an elite offense. Losing Pickens would be devastating.
But if the Cowboys were to do this with a mindset of having four starting-caliber wide receivers for Dak Prescott, I could see it. Tyson is a prospect expected to make a Day 1 impact thanks to his refined route running. Being able to play behind Lamb and Pickens would make him a very dangerous threat.
The real question is all about resources. The Cowboys still have holes everywhere on defense. Can they really invest more at WR? It sounds like a long shot. But maybe Crabbs is on to something here.
Dallas Cowboys News
Grading the first wave of Dallas Cowboys free agency: The best and worst moves they’ve made so far
The Dallas Cowboys’ first week of free agency is in the books. How are they doing so far?
