For the first time since 2008, the Dallas Cowboys will have multiple selections in the first round of the NFL draft.
What they do with those picks is already up for discussion.
It’s really never too early to talk mock draft, and ESPN is already looking ahead to April of 2026 and projecting where the next class of rookies will end up.
Cowboys fans, in case you’ve forgotten: Dallas will get two picks in the first round in 2026 with selections acquired in the Micah Parsons trade with the Packers. Dallas will have another two in 2027, as well.
Cowboys
The picks are based off of where each team currently sits in the standings, thus the Cowboys are projected to have picks Nos. 12 (their own) and 29 (Green Bay’s).
See what ESPN’s Jordan Reid predicts the Cowboys will do with the picks below, along with the rest of the first round.
Related
2026 mock draft
1. New York Jets – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
2. Baltimore Ravens – Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
3. Cleveland Browns – Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
4. Tennessee Titans – Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
5. Miami Dolphins – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
6. New Orleans Saints – Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
7. New York Giants – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
8. Arizona Cardinals – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
9. Las Vegas Raiders – LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
10. Cincinnati Bengals – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
11. Houston Texans – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami
12. Dallas Cowboys – David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey (31) during an NCAA football game against Houston on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke).
Michael Wyke / AP
“Bailey has been a force off the edge this season, and he leads the FBS with a 24.6% pressure rate to go along with 8.5 sacks, which are tied for first. He is a constant disruptor who can win with speed or power. And with Micah Parsons now in Green Bay, the Cowboys need a potent pass-rushing presence outside, which Bailey could provide. Dallas’ 11 sacks are tied for 22nd in the NFL, and that defense is giving up 6.2 yards per play, which ranks 30th.” – Reid
13. Carolina Panthers – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
14. Kansas City Chiefs – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
15. Washington Commanders – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
16. Minnesota Vikings – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
17. Chicago Bears – T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson
18. Los Angeles Rams – Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
19. Buffalo Bills – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
20. Detroit Lions – LT Overton, DT, Alabama
21. Los Angeles Chargers – A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon
22. New England Patriots – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
23. Denver Broncos – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
24. Los Angeles Rams – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
25. Cleveland Browns – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
26. San Francisco 49ers – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
27. Philadelphia Eagles – Joshua Josephs, Edge, Tennessee
28. Seattle Seahawks – Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
29. Dallas Cowboys – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) sacks LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
John Raoux / AP
“Banks was viewed as a potential top-15 pick entering the season, but he suffered a foot injury in the preseason that has limited him to one game after he reaggravated it, requiring surgical repair. Banks had 4.5 sacks in 2024 and would represent great value for the Cowboys, who are rebuilding a defense that is last in the NFL in yards allowed per game (411.7) and 31st in points allowed per game (30.7).” – Reid
30. Pittsburgh Steelers – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
31. Indianapolis Colts – Damon Wilson II, Edge, Missouri
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
See the full mock from ESPN here.
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