Cowboys Draft Micah Parsons' Running Mate Will McDonald IV in Final SI Mock

Who will Dallas pick at No. 26? In Sports Illustrated's final mock draft, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn's defense adds Iowa State edge. Will McDonald IV.

FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys are in a luxury position heading into the 2023 NFL Draft ... And that is not a reference to owner Jerry Jones famously making selections from his yacht in 2020.

Dallas filled its needs in free agency, retaining key players and adding a few veterans to fill holes on the roster like wide receiver Brandin Cooks and corner back Stephon Gilmore.

After finishing 12-5 last season, Dallas currently holds the the No. 26 pick and the opportunity to pick "best player available'' in the draft. With history on their side of making solid first-round selections, can the Cowboys continue their draft excellence?

In Sports Illustrated's final mock draft before the chimes go off tonight, the Cowboys are adding a weapon for defensive coordinator Dan Quinn's defense, drafting Iowa State edge Will McDonald IV:

Demarcus Lawrence isn’t getting any younger, so getting some edge help—which would help enable DC Dan Quinn to use Micah Parsons every which way—would make a lot of sense for the Cowboys. McDonald could stand to get a little bigger, but that can happen with time, and adding a rusher as athletic as he is at this stage of the draft represents pretty good value.

McDonald is a three-time first-team All-Big 12 selection and conference co-Defensive Lineman of the Year. At the NFL Scouting Combine, McDonald measured in at 6-4 with nearly 35-inch arms. McDonald's solid length aligns with coach Mike McCarthy's statement at the pre-Draft press conference that Dallas can never have enough players with those 6-4, 250-pound-level frames.

Last season, Quinn's unit lead the NFL in takeaways for the second straight year (33), and was fourth in sacks (54), first in forced fumbles (23), and fumble recoveries (17), along with being the fifth-best defense in terms of points allowed (20.1).

The majority of the starters return, along with the addition of Gilmore. ... and while defensive end isn't considered a "need'' by some ... Drafting an explosive prospect with active hands to add along Dallas' already-dangerous defensive line? No doubt, McDonald would benefit from learning from Quinn and front-seven stars DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons.

The Cowboys - who have talked an awful lot about drafting offense - here get help on the other side of the ball in a way that could continue Dallas' push through the playoffs.

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