The Dallas Cowboys are still focused on the 2025 NFL season despite a 3-5-1 record. In an effort to make a push for the postseason, they swung two trades at the deadline, bringing in Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson.
As executive vice president Stephen Jones said, those moves could help the Cowboys in future years as well as this season. Keeping an eye on the future is the right way to approach the roster, which is why it’s fun to keep an eye on mock drafts to see how the team can continue to build toward a contending roster.
MORE: Dallas Cowboys expected to miss key veteran defender in Week 11
That said, a recent mock draft from USA Today’s Ayrton Ostly would be a nightmare scenario for the Cowboys. Their first pick is used on a defensive end, which isn’t the problem. It’s their second pick in Round 1 that would be an issue, since it would mean the departure of one of their most explosive players.
Auburn Tigers defensive end Keldric Faulk celebrates a stop as Tigers take on South Alabama Jaguars. / Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
At No. 12, the Cowboys bring in Keldric Faulk from Auburn, giving them an ascending pass rusher to start across from Donovan Ezeiruaku.
MORE: Cowboys’ best 2026 NFL draft fits include potential Micah Parsons replacement
“Dallas needs more edge reinforcements with Micah Parsons gone and built up the interior by trading for Quinnen Williams. Faulk’s size aligns with what defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus used in Chicago before joining the Cowboys. He’s a versatile player who can kick inside or stay on the edge.” – Ostly
Faulk is an impressive 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds, which would give Dallas even more power on their suddenly rebuilt defensive line.
Ohio State Buckeyes WR Carnell Tate catches a touchdown pass during the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
With their second pick in Round 1, Ostly adds Carnell Tate from Ohio State. Taking a wide receiver this early would mean the Cowboys aren’t keeping George Pickens, which would be a nightmare considering what he’s meant to this offense in 2025.
MORE: Unreal stat proves Dallas Cowboys got it right in 2025 NFL draft
“This is a scenario in which the Cowboys don’t re-sign George Pickens in free agency. If they do not, Tate could be another solid option to be CeeDee Lamb’s running mate. He has great size for the position outside (6-foot-3, 190 pounds), with strong route-running and impressive contested-catch skills.” – Ostly
While it wouldn’t be ideal to lose Pickens, Tate is an impressive pass-catcher who is averaging 17.2 yards per reception this season. Still, it would be better to keep their offense together and add more talent to their depleted defense.
— Sign up for the Cowboys Daily Digest newsletter for more free coverage from Dallas Cowboys on SI —
First look at Quinnen Williams in a Dallas Cowboys uniform
3 keys to victory for Dallas Cowboys in massive Week 11 matchup vs. Raiders
Ashton Jeanty confident Raiders can attack weaknesses in Cowboys defense
Updated NFC playoff picture shows just how much ground Cowboys must cover
Updated 2026 NFL draft order entering Cowboys’ Week 10 bye week
Meet Kleine Powell: Star of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Netflix docuseries