"Picture everybody from Caleb Downs, to Sonny Styles, to Mansoor Delane off the board by the time Dallas is on the clock at 12. Guys like Makai Lemon, or perhaps Carnell Tate, or one of the draft's top tackles have been pushed down due to a defensive run. There will be a significant conversation in the war room to simply take one of those guys on the basis of crazy good value."
"In 2020, we saw then-Oklahoma star CeeDee Lamb slip to 17, and Dallas pulled the trigger despite Amari Cooper and an emerging Michael Gallup running the show. On one hand, do you think they regret passing on guys like K'Lavon Chaisson and Kenneth Murray to take Lamb? I don't think so."
The Dallas Cowboys traded Micah Parsons for two first-round picks, creating expectations for a defensive-focused draft strategy in 2026. However, mock drafts consistently show Dallas selecting defense at picks 12 and 20. A scenario exists where top defensive prospects are selected early, potentially pushing elite offensive talent to Dallas's picks. If players like Makai Lemon or Carnell Tate fall due to defensive runs, the Cowboys could pivot to offense, potentially trading George Pickens for defensive help later. Historical precedent exists: Dallas drafted CeeDee Lamb at 17 in 2020 despite having established receivers, prioritizing value over positional need.
Read at Inside The Star
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]