{"id":587820,"date":"2026-04-16T13:55:38","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T13:55:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/587820\/"},"modified":"2026-04-16T13:55:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T13:55:38","slug":"final-cowboys-big-board-50-players-who-could-be-fits-from-day-1-to-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/587820\/","title":{"rendered":"Final Cowboys big board: 50 players who could be fits from Day 1 to 3"},"content":{"rendered":"

The NFL Draft is a week away, and the Dallas Cowboys<\/a> are in the process of finalizing their draft board. Though the Cowboys own the 12th and 20th picks, it\u2019s unlikely they will get two players with first-round grades on their board this year.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s still a little early,\u201d executive vice president Stephen Jones said Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas when discussing first-round draft grades. \u201cUsually, we\u2019re in that 16-22 range. I don\u2019t know that we\u2019ll get there this year in terms of the 20s, but we\u2019re grinding it out right now, and we haven\u2019t put the final grades on anything. This will obviously evolve into a board that we really have confidence in.\u201d<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s class is considered to have good depth but is lacking in star potential at the top.<\/p>\n

To give you an idea of the players the Cowboys could end up with next week, we\u2019ve compiled a big board that incorporates players who would make sense for Dallas in all seven rounds.<\/p>\n

Considering Dallas\u2019 current roster construction, this list leans heavily to the defense side of the ball. There\u2019s a good chance the Cowboys\u2019 2026 draft class will resemble what it did in 2021 (first six picks were all defense), 2017 (seven of nine picks were all defense) or 2005, when six of eight picks were all defense.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s our final Cowboys big board.<\/p>\n

Day 11. Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State<\/p>\n

Similar to when Micah Parsons was drafted, Reese could be an exceptional pass rusher while also helping as a traditional off-the-ball linebacker.<\/p>\n

2. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State<\/p>\n

The do-everything defender could help at both safety spots and at nickel defensive back. He could be the perfect piece to add to Christian Parker\u2019s new defense.<\/p>\n

3. David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

The Cowboys need pass-rush help, and he\u2019s widely considered the best pure pass rusher in this class.<\/p>\n

4. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State<\/p>\n

He\u2019s another great option to fill the need at off-the-ball linebacker. Styles previously played safety, so he\u2019d be another player Parker could use in a variety of ways to cause problems for opposing offenses.<\/p>\n

5. Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami<\/p>\n

His arm length could be an issue for some teams, leaving the possibility he could fall to the Cowboys at 12. Coach Brian Schottenheimer and vice president of player personnel Will McClay attended Miami\u2019s pro day.<\/p>\n

6. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU<\/p>\n

The Cowboys signed veteran Cobie Durant to help at the position. Dallas could enter the season with Durant, Shavon Revel and DaRon Bland as its starting corners. But another top young corner makes a lot of sense, especially with Bland\u2019s foot injury history and Durant\u2019s being under contract for only one season.<\/p>\n

7. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee<\/p>\n

He\u2019s coming off missing all of last season with a torn ACL, so that could be a concern early in the first round, but if Delane is off the board and McCoy\u2019s medical exams check out, adding another starting cornerback is a good idea.<\/p>\n

8. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame<\/p>\n

Javonte Williams signed a three-year contract extension last month. The Cowboys have their starter, but Love is such a special talent that completely ruling him out seems like a mistake.<\/p>\n

9. CJ Allen, LB, Georgia<\/p>\n

The inside linebacker spot is so thin on Dallas\u2019 roster that Allen has to be in play early. Pick 12 is probably too high, but Pick 20 would have to be in consideration. Allen is the type of player and leader who could immediately step in to direct the defense before the snap.<\/p>\n

10. Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn<\/p>\n

The experts\u2019 projections are all over the place with Faulk. Some believe he has great potential. If Parker feels that way, it\u2019s not difficult to see how the Cowboys could use him in a variety of ways up front.<\/p>\n

11. Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon<\/p>\n

The consensus No. 2 safety in this class, Thieneman could help in several ways on the back end. It would just be somewhat surprising to see the Cowboys use a premium pick on the position after spending on safety in free agency and not having invested much for a long time.<\/p>\n

12. Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State<\/p>\n

Trading Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas means another interior defensive lineman could be a first-round option. Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark are two starters, but adding a young, talented option up front wouldn\u2019t be a bad idea.<\/p>\n

13. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson<\/p>\n

Same thought process as with McDonald. Woods or Florida\u2019s Caleb Banks could be possibilities even if there are bigger positions of need remaining when Dallas is on the clock<\/p>\n

14. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson<\/p>\n

This would seem like a possibility at Pick 20 if they don\u2019t take a cornerback at Pick 12. The Cowboys had interest in his brother, A.J. Terrell, in the 2020 draft, but he went the pick before Dallas selected CeeDee Lamb.<\/p>\n

15. Akheem Mesidor, edge, Miami<\/p>\n

His age is the biggest issue. Mesidor turns 25 next month. But if the Cowboys want an immediate impact edge rusher at No. 20, this could be an option. He had 12.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss for Miami last season.<\/p>\n

16. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo<\/p>\n

The consensus No. 3 safety in this class. McNeil-Warren could be an option at 20 or if the Cowboys decided to trade back a handful of spots to gain another pick.<\/p>\n

17. T.J. Parker, edge, Clemson<\/p>\n

If cornerback, inside linebacker or interior defensive line is targeted with Dallas\u2019 first pick, edge rusher could make the most sense at Pick 20. All 32 teams will not grade these edge rushers the same. Depending on how the Cowboys stack their board, they could see good value at 20 or in a trade-back situation. Parker\u2019s production dropped off last season after a monster 2024.<\/p>\n

\"Clemson<\/p>\n

\n T.J. Parker collected 21.5 sacks over three seasons at Clemson. (Kirby Lee \/ Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

18. Zion Young, edge, Missouri<\/p>\n

He had 16.5 tackles for loss last season. Another example of a player who could fit at 20 or if Dallas decides to trade back and gain an additional third-round pick.<\/p>\n

19. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee<\/p>\n

Parker\u2019s specialty is the defensive backfield. If a player like Hood is what he\u2019s looking for at 20 or later, it would make sense to give the new defensive coordinator what he wants.<\/p>\n

20. Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

Parker was a defensive analyst at Texas A&M in 2018. He was on Notre Dame\u2019s staff in 2017. He obviously knows Texas A&M coach Mike Elko very well. Parker will know whether Howell is the right fit if he\u2019s in the conversation when the Cowboys are on the clock.<\/p>\n

21. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah<\/p>\n

Defense is probably where the Cowboys will go in the first round with both picks, but it is the Cowboys, so the offensive line cannot be completely ruled out. Tyler Guyton is expected to be Dallas\u2019 starting left tackle, with some competition from Nate Thomas. Terence Steele is expected to continue starting on the right side. But offensive tackle could be the target if they\u2019re wiped out with defensive prospects and there isn\u2019t a great trade-back option. Fano has experience starting at both tackle spots but was on the right side the last two seasons.<\/p>\n

22. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami<\/p>\n

He had 42 career starts in college at right tackle.<\/p>\n

23. Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia<\/p>\n

He was the Bulldogs\u2019 starting left tackle in 2025 after mostly being a reserve in previous seasons.<\/p>\n

24. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama<\/p>\n

He was a three-year starter at left tackle.<\/p>\n

25. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah<\/p>\n

He was the Utes\u2019 starting left tackle the last two seasons.<\/p>\n

Day 226. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State<\/p>\n

The Cowboys have only one Day 2 pick (No. 92), late in the third round. Several players on this Day 2 list will be gone by No. 92. However, if Dallas trades back or finds a way to gain a second-round pick, several of these players would be in play. For example, Johnson would make a lot of sense in the second round or even late first if a cornerback is not drafted earlier.<\/p>\n

27. Malachi Lawrence, edge, UCF<\/p>\n

He should go somewhere late in the first round or early second. It\u2019ll be interesting to see how the edge rusher group of Parker, Young and Howell comes off the board. Lawrence is considered to be right in that same mix.<\/p>\n

28. D\u2019Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana<\/p>\n

He\u2019s been a productive player the last three seasons, but his size (5-8, 180 pounds) could cause him to fall a bit.<\/p>\n

29. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

He would fill the Cowboys\u2019 current biggest roster hole and be the projected mock draft pick if they had a second-round selection.<\/p>\n

30. R Mason Thomas, edge, Oklahoma<\/p>\n

A little undersized for the position, but he\u2019s an explosive player who can line up in several different spots.<\/p>\n

31. Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina<\/p>\n

An outside corner with good speed and athleticism.<\/p>\n

32. Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati<\/p>\n

He might not step in immediately and make a huge impact, but he has the traits to become a quality starter.<\/p>\n

33. Gabe Jacas, edge, Illinois<\/p>\n

A productive four-year starter who has experience rushing as a 3-4 outside linebacker.<\/p>\n

34. Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas<\/p>\n

He\u2019s the type of player who could immediately help improve the inside linebacker position, teaming up with former Longhorn DeMarvion Overshown.<\/p>\n

35. Caleb Banks, DT, Florida<\/p>\n

A good option to add depth to the position while providing upside to be a future starter.<\/p>\n

36. Keionte Scott, S, Miami<\/p>\n

He could contribute in a variety of ways, including as a nickel corner.<\/p>\n

37. Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona<\/p>\n

A versatile corner who could help at nickel or on the outside.<\/p>\n

38. Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State<\/p>\n

An outside corner with ideal size at 6-2, 190 pounds and 33-inch arms.<\/p>\n

39. Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri<\/p>\n

He has experience wearing the green dot and calling the defense as a quality run-stopping middle linebacker.<\/p>\n

40. Romello Height, edge, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

He needs to add bulk to his frame, but he has proved to be an effective pass rusher.<\/p>\n

Day 341. Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas<\/p>\n

An outside corner who experts believe can become an NFL starter.<\/p>\n

42. Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU<\/p>\n

He had three games of 15-plus tackles last season.<\/p>\n

43. Kamari Ramsey, S, USC<\/p>\n

A versatile player who could help at both safety spots and nickel.<\/p>\n

44. Albert Regis, DT, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

Not much of a pass rusher, but a solid player who rarely misses games.<\/p>\n

45. Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin<\/p>\n

He has good height, weight and length to help on special teams and develop into a regular contributor on the outside.<\/p>\n

46. Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana<\/p>\n

Not the best size, but has been a proven playmaker the last three seasons.<\/p>\n

47. Anthony Lucas, edge, USC<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t super productive in college, only three sacks in four seasons, but he has NFL size and the ability to improve as a pass rusher.<\/p>\n

48. Rene Konga, DT, Louisville<\/p>\n

An experienced six-year college player who could bring good value in the late rounds.<\/p>\n

49. Wade Woodaz, LB, Clemson<\/p>\n

The Cowboys need more than one inside linebacker added to the group. Woodaz could immediately help on special teams and develop into a regular contributor on defense.<\/p>\n

50. Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

A former linebacker who moved to free safety. He\u2019d likely be an immediate help on special teams.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The NFL Draft is a week away, and the Dallas Cowboys are in the process of finalizing their…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":587821,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[67],"tags":[1816,399,398,396,397,99],"class_list":{"0":"post-587820","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-ncaa-football","8":"tag-dallas-cowboys","9":"tag-football","10":"tag-ncaa","11":"tag-ncaa-football","12":"tag-ncaafootball","13":"tag-sports"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/587820","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=587820"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/587820\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/587821"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=587820"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=587820"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=587820"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}