Cowboys 'Hit Jackpot' in New Mock Draft With Impeccable LB Prospect

The Dallas Cowboys kicked off the new league year by immediately beginning a defensive rebuild, and it's expected to continue through the 2026 NFL draft.

Dallas holds two first-round picks in the upcoming draft, which takes place in just over three weeks, and has an opportunity to add two impact players who can change the trajectory of the unit moving forward.

NFL.com draft guru Lance Zierlein dropped his latest mock draft, which has the Cowboys coming away with a dream duo to add to the defense.

Not only do the Cowboys hit the "jackpot" at pick No. 12, but they address issues in the secondary with a "press man bully" who could bring the tenacity that defensive coordinator Christian Parker wants from his pass defense.

The Dallas Cowboys logo is projected on the video board during the NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

If the Cowboys could land the projected duo, it would be an ideal scenario and a perfect upgrade for the team as its defensive rebuild continues.

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

A closer look at the latest projections for the Cowboys in Round 1 can be seen below.

Pick No. 12: Sonny Styles, linebacker, Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles watches as teammates test during Pro Day for NFL scouts | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Styles, who is exactly the kind of versatile player that Christian Parker likes, has been labeled an "impeccable tackle finisher." Along with bringing championship experience, Styles also has an NFL pedigree as the son of former NFL linebacker Lorenzo Styles Sr.

"Styles began his Ohio State career as a safety, but he settled in at linebacker in 2024. He’s improved in diagnosing play development. The former Buckeye diffuses block attempts with crisp hand strikes and leverages run fits with force/anchor strength," Zierlein writes in Styles' NFL.com draft profile.

"He can make an impact from multiple spots on the field and is a plus man-cover talent. Styles is an emerging player with the traits and versatility to garner longer looks by NFL evaluators. He could see his stock soar leading up to draft day."

Styles recorded 82 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, one interception, and one forced fumble in his final season at Ohio State.

Pick No. 20 (via Packers): Colton Hood, cornerback, Tennessee Volunteers

Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood celebrates after a defensive stop against New Mexico State | Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Many mock drafts have the Cowboys selecting a Vols cornerback, but Jermod McCoy has been the favorite to land at No. 12. However, because of the way Zierlein's mock played out, Dallas could not pass on Styles and waited until pick No. 20 to address the secondary with a great consolation prise.

Because of the buzz surrounding McCoy, Hood has been able to fly under the radar, but still brings incredible value and talent to the defensive backfield, especially at the end of Day 1.

"Press-man bully with an ability to put his stamp on the first and last phases of the snap. Hood plays with a disruptive punch and gets his hands on most releases," Zierlein wrote. "He has enough speed to stay phased on verticals and does a nice job erasing space on in-breakers from tight press or off-man looks."

Hood, who began his college career at Auburn before a brief stop at Colorado, capped off his final year with the Vols recording a career-high 50 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, one interception, and an interception returned for a touchdown. He added 8 passes defensed, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a fumble return for a touchdown.

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