The Dallas Cowboys just saw their Super Bowl dreams fade, but their path to future glory might be paved with strategic draft day moves! As the dust settles on the 2025-26 NFL season, all eyes are now on the upcoming offseason, with the NFL Combine just around the corner. For the Cowboys, this is a massive opportunity to rebuild and reclaim their competitive edge in the NFC East. A key to this resurgence will undoubtedly be their performance in the NFL Draft, particularly their first two picks. The prevailing thought is that Dallas might be looking to trade back in the first round to accumulate more valuable picks on Day 2.
But what if they could pull off a savvy move, trading down from their current No. 12 spot, knowing that the talent pool between picks 12 and 20 is quite similar? Let's dive into a hypothetical 2026 7-round mock draft that could see the Cowboys land a dream haul.
The Big Trade: In this scenario, the Cowboys send picks No. 12 and No. 221 to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for picks No. 19 and No. 51. While this might seem like a steep price for Carolina, it allows them to move up and snag Makai Lemon, a dynamic wide receiver from USC, to pair with Tetairoa McMillan. The Panthers are clearly aiming to inject more explosiveness into their offense, and Lemon, a perfect fit for the slot, could be just the ticket.
This strategic trade-back empowers the Cowboys to hold back-to-back picks in the first round and, crucially, nets them an additional second-round selection to significantly strengthen their roster.
Pick No. 19 (via Carolina): Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
While selecting Howell at No. 12 might have felt a bit premature, his selection at No. 19 makes considerably more sense. Howell is recognized as one of the most explosive pass rushers in this draft class, having demonstrated his dominance in the SEC last season. He might require a rotational role as a rookie, but his dual threat ability – rushing the passer and dropping into coverage – would be an excellent fit for Christian Parker's defensive scheme.
Pick No. 20: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
The buzz surrounding Dillon Thieneman is growing, and it wouldn't be surprising at all to see him selected within the top 20. This versatile safety, formerly of Purdue and now Oregon, has accumulated over 2,400 snaps in the last three seasons, boasting eight interceptions and 14 pass deflections. While he might not be a top-tier athlete, his knack for being around the football and his ability to play multiple positions make him an invaluable asset. For a defense desperately needing more adaptable defensive backs, Thieneman could be precisely what the Cowboys need.
Pick No. 51 (via Carolina): Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Colton Hood has garnered significant first-round attention, even being mocked to Dallas at No. 12 by some. However, that always felt a bit ambitious, and following a somewhat inconsistent performance at the Senior Bowl, a slide in his draft stock is plausible. Nevertheless, this doesn't diminish his talent; he's still expected to be a top-60 pick. The Cowboys could be the team to snag him. Hood is an outside cornerback who needs refinement in his flexibility and man-to-man coverage skills, but he possesses fantastic size and is a remarkably willing tackler.
Pick No. 112: Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon
Why not another talented defender from Oregon? Bryce Boettcher was a standout at the Senior Bowl, particularly in coverage. He's a well-rounded linebacker with the potential to become an NFL starter. In what's shaping up to be a deep linebacker class, it wouldn't be shocking to see him fall to Day 3.
Pick No. 150: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
Igbinosun is arguably too talented to slip this far, but 21 penalties over the past two seasons could be a factor in his draft position. He possesses the size, length, and athleticism to become an NFL star, but he must curb his tendency for holding if he wants to reach his full potential. At this stage of the draft, however, it's a worthwhile gamble on a player with such significant upside.
Pick No. 177: Jaydn Ott, RB, Oklahoma
The Cowboys are hopeful that Jaydon Blue can develop into the primary backup running back, but adding a player with Ott's talent wouldn't hurt. The exact reasons for Ott's performance at Oklahoma remain somewhat unclear, but his tape from his time at California and his Senior Bowl showing have boosted his draft stock. He's a dynamic player who could contribute as part of a running back committee at the next level, though there are still questions to be answered before he warrants a top-200 selection.
Pick No. 215: Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor
It seems almost a certainty that Dallas will address the quarterback position at some point on Day 3, even with Joe Milton on the roster. Robertson didn't quite achieve the success many anticipated at Baylor in 2025, but he possesses the raw tools for development and could blossom into a capable backup quarterback. It's likely he'll spend a year or two on the practice squad before making the active roster.
Pick No. 225: Micah Pettus, OT, Florida State
The Cowboys could certainly benefit from additional help at offensive tackle, especially if they decide to move on from Terence Steele. Pettus requires considerable development, but he possesses the size and length that Dallas highly values at the position.
But here's where it gets controversial... Is trading back from a top-12 pick, even with the promise of more Day 2 selections, the right move for a team desperate to win now? Some might argue that passing on a potential franchise cornerstone at No. 12 is too big a risk. What are your thoughts? Do you agree with this draft strategy, or would you have kept the higher pick? Let us know in the comments below!
