The Dallas Cowboys’ defense has been a glaring weak point through the first three games of the 2025 NFL season. Struggling to generate quarterback pressure and faltering in pass coverage, the unit has been far from the dominant force fans expect. While trading Micah Parsons has been a convenient scapegoat, the issues run deeper, with a lack of game-changing talent on the defensive line at the heart of the problem. In a recent 2026 NFL mock draft by CBS Sports’ Mike Renner, the Cowboys take bold steps to address these deficiencies, targeting an “alpha” edge rusher and an “immovable” nose tackle to forge a terrifying new defensive identity.
Round 1, Pick 13: Keldric Faulk, Auburn – The Alpha Edge
With their first of two first-round selections, the Cowboys target Auburn’s Keldric Faulk, a physical marvel at 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds. Faulk’s rare combination of size, power, and versatility makes him a perfect fit for Dallas’ defensive scheme. Capable of playing both edge and interior roles, Faulk is projected to slot in as a dominant edge rusher opposite 2025 second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku.
“Faulk is one of the most impressive physical specimens in the draft class at 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds,” Renner notes. “He has the kind of inside-outside versatility that everyone is looking for in the NFL. After trading Micah Parsons, the edge need in Dallas has been obvious.”
The Cowboys’ pass rush has been lackluster, and with Dante Fowler and Sam Williams set to hit free agency in 2026, resetting at defensive end is a strategic move. Faulk’s ability to overpower tackles with his bull rush while maintaining agility to chase down quarterbacks could transform Dallas’ front. His presence would not only fill the void left by Parsons but also elevate the entire defensive line with his disruptive energy.
Round 1, Pick 30: Kayden McDonald, Ohio State – The Immovable Nose Tackle
Later in the first round, with a pick acquired from the Green Bay Packers, the Cowboys double down on their defensive line overhaul by selecting Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald. At 6-foot-3 and 326 pounds, McDonald is a true nose tackle built to clog the middle and dominate the run game.
Renner praises McDonald’s seamless transition into a starring role for the Buckeyes: “McDonald has taken over for Tyleik Williams as the run-stuffer on the Buckeyes defensive front, and it’s been like Williams never left. He overpowered the middle of Texas’ line in a big Week 1 win.”
This is high praise, considering Tyleik Williams was a first-round pick (No. 28 overall) by the Detroit Lions in 2025 and has already proven to be a cornerstone for their defensive line. McDonald’s ability to anchor against double teams and collapse pockets would address a critical need for Dallas. The Mazi Smith experiment has yet to yield results, and with veteran Kenny Clark having a contract out in 2026, McDonald offers a chance to get younger, save cap space, and upgrade the interior.
A New Defensive Identity
The selections of Faulk and McDonald signal a clear intent to rebuild the Cowboys’ defense around a ferocious, physical front. Faulk’s versatility and explosiveness off the edge paired with McDonald’s immovable presence in the middle could create nightmares for opposing offenses. This duo has the potential to not only improve Dallas’ abysmal sack totals but also shore up a run defense that has been gashed early in 2025.
While the secondary still needs attention—particularly with hopes pinned on Shavon Revel Jr.’s return from injury—these first-round picks lay the foundation for a defense that can control the line of scrimmage. The Cowboys’ struggles in 2025 have exposed their lack of dominant playmakers up front, but Faulk and McDonald could redefine the unit as a relentless, intimidating force.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 draft is a pivotal moment for the Cowboys to reclaim their defensive prowess. By investing heavily in their defensive line with Keldric Faulk and Kayden McDonald, Dallas is poised to unleash a new era of dominance. If these selections pan out, the Cowboys could transform their defense from a liability into a strength, setting the stage for a scary new identity in 2026 and beyond.