New Dallas Cowboys 2026 NFL Mock Draft Adds Raw DT With Massive Upside

Defense was the focus for the Dallas Cowboys during the 2026 offseason. After an ugly defensive campaign in 2025, the Cowboys decided it was time for a massive overhaul.

That led to the firing of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after just one season. He was replaced by Christian Parker, who has been praised as a potential head coach in waiting. He also has many new faces to work with.

The Cowboys used two first-round picks on defenders, selecting Caleb Downs at pick No. 11 and Malachi Lawrence at No. 23. They're joined by offseason additions Jalen Thompson, Rashan Gary, Von Miller, Dee Winters, P.J. Locke, and Cobie Durant. All those moves have them looking much better this season, but it doesn't mean they can't use more talent on defense.

That's why SI.com's Gilberto Manzano has Dallas going for a defensive tackle with their first pick in his latest 2027 NFL mock draft.

Round 1, Pick 21: David Stone, DT, Oklahoma

Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone celebrates after tackling Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

With their first pick, Manzano has Dallas adding another powerful defensive tackle in David Stone. At 6-foot-3 and nearly 300 pounds, Stone can play multiple positions on Parker's defensive line, but he still needs to prove he can put it all together before securing a spot as a first-rounder.

"If Stone has a breakout junior season, he might go higher in the draft. His high upside has been noticeable since he arrived at Oklahoma two seasons ago. Jerry Jones would likely jump at the chance to pair Quinnen Williams with the 6'3", 294-pound Stone," Manzano wrote. "However, Stone will need to generate better numbers in 2026 after having only 2.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in two combined seasons."

David Stone is elite against the run, could go higher than 21st overall

Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the CFP National Playoff First Round. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Manzano isn't the only one who thinks Stone has the talent to be taken early. PFF's Max Chadwick called him a "freakish athlete" while saying he is a dominant run defender.

"Stone is a freakish athlete at 315 pounds and one of the best defensive tackles in the country. His quick first step and natural violence make him a dominant run defender. His 80.7 PFF run-defense grade ranked 10th among qualified SEC defensive tackles last season, while his 13.0% run-stop rate ranked second nationally, trailing only Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald," Chadwick said.

Chadwick added that Stone could be the first defensive tackle taken in 2027, but for that to happen, he needs to show more discipline while also developing as a pass rusher. As for his fit with the Cowboys, he could be exactly what they need to turn their defensive line into one of the more dominant in the NFL. Putting Stone on the same field as Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark would also be a major win for Stone, who could reach his full potential by learning from two of the best in the business.

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