3-Round Cowboys Mock Draft Double-Dips at EDGE, Adds 'Long, Smooth' CB

The Dallas Cowboys land three defensive stars, including All-American and All-SEC pass rushers, in a new 2026 NFL mock draft.

Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. warms up prior to the game against the Iowa State Cyclones | Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Continuing to improve the Dallas Cowboys' defense is expected to be a focal point of the team's strategy in the 2026 NFL Draft, with two first-round picks in their arsenal.

Dallas has a great opportunity to add to its defensive rebuild, as new defensive coordinator Christian Parker revamps the roster to fit his scheme.

With three weeks until the draft, the ESPN trio of Mel Kiper Jr., Field Yates, and Matt Miller put their heads together for a new three-round mock draft. It paints a dream scenario for Dallas.

All three picks in the first three rounds go toward the defense, with the first round immediately improving the pass rush by adding a consensus All-American and first-team All-SEC stars at EDGE.

Dallas Cowboys fans pose for a photograph during the NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

If that's not exciting enough, Dallas' third-round pick, acquired when the team traded star defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to the San Francisco 49ers, will help improve the league's worst pass defense from a year ago.

The 2026 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from Thursday, April 23, through Saturday, April 25.

A full look at the latest Cowboys projections from ESPN's draft gurus can be seen below.

Pick No. 12: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami Hurricanes

Miami Hurricanes star Rueben Bain Jr. against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football National Championship | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

There have been concerns about Bain's arm length, which has led to questions about how his skillset could transition to the pros. That is nonsense, and if a game-wrecker like Bain can fall to the Cowboys at pick No. 12, it would be a blessing for the defensive rebuild.

"The mission to fix the Cowboys' defense should start with the addition of Bain," Yates wrote. "The ACC Defensive Player of the Year has hands of destruction that will travel to the NFL, and he had 9.5 sacks last season for the Hurricanes."

If Bain even approaches No. 10 overall, the Cowboys should jump at the opportunity and trade up.

Last season, Bain recorded a career-high 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception, which earned him consensus All-American and ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Pick No. 20 (via Packers): Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri Tigers

Missouri Tigers defensive end Zion Young celebrates with the Battle Line trophy after a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks | Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Young spent two years at Michigan State before transferring to Missouri for the final two years of his college career. His final year with the Tigers was his breakout campaign, earning first-team All-SEC honors.

"A double dip at edge in the first round for Dallas? Why not? A dominant pass rush unlocks any defense, and this would be the Cowboys' third major investment at the position this offseason (Bain at No. 12 and the trade for Rashan Gary)," Yates wrote.

Young finished his college career with 42 total tackles, a career-high 16.5 tackles for a loss, and a career-high 6.5 sacks. He added two forced fumbles, which highlight his play-making ability.

A combo of Young and Bain joining Gary and Donovan Ezeiruaku gives the Cowboys some outstanding depth at a position of need, which just so happens to be one of the most important positions on the field.

Pick No. 92 (from 49ers): Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas Razorbacks

Memphis' Marcello Bussey has the ball pulled out of his hands by Arkansas cornerback Julian Neal | Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The 6-foot-2, 203-pound Neal began his career at Fresno State, before transferring to Arkansas after four years. He is considered a late-blooming prospect, but has the size and length that could thrive in Christian Parker's system.

"Neal is a long, smooth corner who will help fill Dallas' need at that spot. He's a steady tackler who ran a 4.49 at the combine," Yates wrote.

During his lone year with the Razorbacks, Neal had a breakout year with 55 total tackles, 10 pass breakups, two interceptions, and two tackles for a loss.

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