Cowboys' Dream Scenario in 2026 NFL Draft is All-American Game-Wrecker

The Dallas Cowboys are set up to continue the team's defensive rebuild, with two first-round picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, which is less than three weeks away.

Dallas spent the early wave of NFL free agency bringing in defensive reinforcements to bolster the league's worst pass defense, but failed to make any splash moves at linebacker or at EDGE.

The Cowboys did make some runs at players like Maxx Crosby, Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker, and Trey Hendrickson when the offseason kicked off, but fell short every time. While Dallas couldn't complete any deals, it can still bring in some elite talent in this year's draft.

Ahead of the draft, Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report shared the "dream scenario" for all 32 teams, with the Cowboys landing an impressive 1-2 punch that will bring the team some "defensive grit," and we all know that defensive toughness is needed in Dallas.

Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. celebrates after sacking Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

In Ballentine's dream scenario, the Cowboys land consensus All-American and ACC Defensive Player of the Year Rueben Bain Jr., before picking up Clemson star cornerback Avieon Terrell with pick No. 20.

"The Commanders get caught up in the concerns about Rueben Bain Jr.'s lack of length and pass on him, letting Dallas stop his slide at No. 12," he writes. "Then they double down on defense and grit with Avieon Terrell at No. 20."

A Perfect 1-2 Defensive Punch

Everyone knows the game-wrecking ability that Bain brings to the field and the havoc he can wreak on opposing quarterbacks, while Terrell brings some unexpected toughness that the team's cornerback room currently lacks.

Avieon Terrell vs. a 333-pound pulling G pic.twitter.com/7C7UcwLqyS
— Mike Renner (@mikerenner_) April 2, 2026

Terrell, the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell, finished his final year with the Tigers with 48 tackles, five forced fumbles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, and nine passes defensed. He's a bona fide playmaker.

Bain, meanwhile, recorded a career-high 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception last season.

If the Cowboys could pull off a Bain-Terrell haul in the first round later this month, it would be a major step in the right direction for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker's defense, which could dictate whether the team can snap its two-year playoff slump.

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

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