Way-Too-Early 2026 Mock Draft: Cowboys Build a Defensive Powerhouse

With two first-round draft picks in 2026, the Cowboys could fix their defense fast. Here’s how different combinations of Caleb Downs, Keldric Faulk, David Bailey, and Daylen Everette fit.

Two First-Round Picks, One Huge Opportunity

The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 NFL Draft with a rare advantage — two first-round selections, currently projected at No. 12 and No. 25 overall.

After a 2025 season plagued by defensive inconsistency and poor third-down efficiency, this draft could be a turning point.

The Cowboys have a chance to fix multiple weaknesses at once and finally build a defense that matches their high-powered offense.

This way-too-early mock draft highlights four current college stars who perfectly fit Dallas’ defensive needs — and explores which combinations of them could maximize the Cowboys’ roster potential heading into 2026.

Meet the Prospects

Caleb Downs — S, Ohio State

A physical, instinctive safety with elite range and football IQ, Caleb Downs could become the leader Dallas has long lacked on the back end.

The Ohio State standout diagnoses plays quickly, hits with authority, and brings the same kind of command to a defense that quarterbacks bring to an offense.

He’s the kind of player who instantly raises the standard for everyone around him — something the Cowboys have missed since Darren Woodson’s prime years.

Keldric Faulk — DE, Auburn

Keldric Faulk looks the part of a prototypical NFL edge rusher. At 6’6”, 275 pounds, he blends power and length with the flexibility to play in multiple fronts.

Faulk’s ability to set the edge and collapse the pocket makes him a dream fit for Matt Eberflus’ defensive scheme. He’d give Dallas both physicality in the run game and consistent pressure off the edge — two areas where they’ve faltered.

David Bailey — DE, Texas Tech

An in-state product with relentless energy, David Bailey has developed into one of the most productive pass rushers in the Big 12. At 6’3”, 250 lbs, he wins with explosiveness, leverage, and non-stop effort.

Bailey’s high motor and local ties would make him a natural fit in Dallas. He’s the kind of developmental first-rounder who could rotate early and grow into a full-time starter.

Daylen Everette — CB, Georgia

Daylen Everette is the type of long, physical corner the Cowboys covet. The Georgia standout combines length (6’1”) with quick feet, smooth hips, and an aggressive mentality.

Everette can play press or zone with equal comfort — a perfect complement to DaRon Bland, who thrives inside. Together, they could give Dallas its most complete cornerback pairing in years.

Best Draft Combinations for the Cowboys

1. Caleb Downs + Keldric Faulk — Defensive Balance

This combination builds the defense from the inside out. Downs commands the secondary while Faulk provides power up front. It’s the most well-rounded pairing available, addressing both coverage and pass-rush consistency in one draft.

2. Keldric Faulk + David Bailey — Edge Domination

If Dallas wants to rebuild its defensive line identity, this is the move. Faulk’s size and Bailey’s speed would give the Cowboys a relentless edge duo capable of generating pressure without blitzing — a cornerstone for any championship defense.

3. Caleb Downs + Daylen Everette — Lockdown Secondary

Downs would quarterback the secondary, and Everette would lock down the outside. This combination would completely transform the Cowboys’ back end, creating a “no-fly zone” capable of handling the NFC’s top passing offenses.

4. David Bailey + Daylen Everette — Pressure Meets Coverage

Bailey forces quarterbacks into bad throws; Everette makes them pay. It’s a high-upside, complementary pairing that could yield immediate returns, even if both players rotate early in their careers.

Why a Trade-Up Would Be a Mistake

While Dallas has enough capital to consider moving up, doing so would be unwise in 2026. The Cowboys don’t currently hold a second- or third-round pick, meaning a trade-up would wipe out most of their mid-round flexibility.

This draft isn’t about chasing one superstar — it’s about adding multiple impact players to fill obvious defensive holes. Staying put at No. 12 and No. 25 ensures the Cowboys can land two starters rather than sacrificing depth for one gamble.

With no Day 2 picks to recover from a miss, standing firm is the smarter long-term strategy.

The Cowboys Have to Maximize Their Window

The 2026 NFL Draft gives the Dallas Cowboys the perfect chance to rebuild their defense from the ground up.

• Caleb Downs brings leadership and range.
• Keldric Faulk adds size and edge power.
• David Bailey delivers homegrown speed and energy.
• Daylen Everette provides length and lockdown coverage.

Whether Dallas builds from the back end or the trenches, using both first-rounders wisely — instead of trading up — could finally give this team the balance it’s been missing.

If they nail this draft, the Cowboys can once again pair an elite offense with a defense built to finish games.