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ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 24: Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field after a preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

The 2026 NFL Draft is about a week and a half away. Teams are currently going through their final draft preparations and setting their final boards. Prospects can visit with teams until Wednesday, and after that, it’s a straight runway to the draft itself. The Dallas Cowboys have some work to do, especially on defense, and there are a lot of intriguing options for them in the draft.

Today, I’ll be conducting a predictive three-round Cowboys-specific mock draft. I’ve been scouting this class since the 2025 draft concluded — and in just over a week, they will become NFL players. I’ll be using PFF’s simulator to project who will be available at each pick. The Cowboys have three picks in the top 100, including an extra first-round pick, thanks to the Micah Parsons trade with the Packers just before the 2025 season.

Round 1, Pick 12: The Dallas Cowboys Select Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy

GettyNORMAN, OKLAHOMA – SEPTEMBER 21: Defensive back Jermod McCoy #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs with a 17-yard interception return against the Oklahoma Sooners in the first quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

The Cowboys need help in the secondary. That much is a given. The question is when Dallas will devote resources to fixing it, not if. And McCoy is an excellent prospect, despite missing the entirety of the 2025 college football season with a torn ACL. His tape in 2024 is elite, with the size, footwork, speed, and fluidity to dominate in the NFL.

McCoy returned from his ACL injury to run a reported 4.38-second 40-yard dash at his pro day a few weeks ago. With no lingering injury concerns, his draft stock is soaring once again, and there’s a chance he isn’t even on the board when Dallas picks at No. 12. If he is, though, he’d be the perfect pick.

Other players that were in consideration here include Oregon S Dillon Thieneman and Penn State G Olaivavega Ioane. McCoy is the best prospect and the cleanest fit, which made this choice easy.

Round 1, Pick 20: The Dallas Cowboys Select Miami ED Akheem Mesidor

GettyMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 19: Akheem Mesidor #3 of the Miami Hurricanes reacts after sacking Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the third quarter in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Since they shipped Parsons to Green Bay, the Cowboys have struggled to generate a consistent pass rush. Mesidor would go a long way towards solving that issue. A converted nose tackle, he was a star for the Hurricanes off the edge last season, turning in an All-American season and proving himself to be one of the best pass rushers in the entire draft.

Other options for Dallas at this spot include Georgia DT Christen Miller, Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald, Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr., and Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor. Still, Mesidor’s juice off the edge is exactly what the Cowboys need.

Round 3, Pick 92: The Cowboys Select Stanford TE Sam Roush

Tight end isn’t a major need for the Cowboys or anything, but the value here is too good to pass up. One of the best blocking tight ends in the class, Roush is an elite athlete with great size. He’s a true in-line tight end who is a tough cover over the middle of the field and will improve your run game immediately.