As the NFL season charges into Week 5, the Dallas Cowboys are already looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, armed with two first-round picks and a clear mission: address critical roster needs while building a foundation for future dominance. With the departure of Micah Parsons leaving a gaping hole in their pass rush, and uncertainty surrounding the future of key offensive weapons, the Cowboys are poised to make a splash in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where the draft will take place from April 23-25, 2026. A recent mock draft from The Athletic provides a glimpse into how Dallas might approach their selections, targeting a dynamic edge rusher to replace Parsons and a towering wide receiver to bolster their offensive firepower.
Targeting a New Defensive Anchor: Keldric Faulk
With their first pick at No. 9 overall, the Cowboys are projected to select Auburn Tigers edge rusher Keldric Faulk, a player who could step into the massive void left by Parsons. Described as a “freakishly athletic and physical prospect,” Faulk brings versatility and raw potential to the defensive line. According to The Athletic‘s Nick Baumgardner, Faulk can line up anywhere from zero- to nine-tech, showcasing above-average coverage range for an edge rusher. At just 20 years old, the young junior is still developing as a pass rusher but has already shown promise with seven pressures against Oklahoma this season and consistent production since his true freshman year.
The Cowboys’ pass rush has struggled to generate consistent pressure without Parsons, making Faulk an intriguing fit. While not yet a polished product, his athleticism and positional flexibility make him a high-upside prospect who could develop into a cornerstone of Dallas’ defense. For Cowboys Nation, keeping an eye on Faulk’s performances at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium will be a must as the college football season progresses.
Adding Offensive Firepower: Denzel Boston
With their second first-round pick at No. 26 overall, the Cowboys shift their focus to the offensive side of the ball, targeting Denzel Boston, a 6-foot-4 wide receiver from the Washington Huskies. Boston, a “big-bodied outside weapon with a bunch of wiggle,” has already made waves in college football, hauling in 89 catches for 1,175 yards and 12 touchdowns over his career. This season, he’s been a consistent playmaker, recording at least five catches in three of Washington’s four games.
Boston’s size, power, and exceptional ball skills draw comparisons to Puka Nacua, making him an ideal redzone target for Dak Prescott. With CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens currently anchoring the Cowboys’ receiving corps, Boston’s addition would provide insurance if Pickens, whose contract is up in the offseason, departs. Even if Pickens stays, Boston’s presence would create a formidable trio, giving Dallas a massive, athletic target to exploit mismatches in the redzone and stretch defenses vertically.
Addressing Key Needs for 2026
The Cowboys’ draft strategy reflects their broader needs, which include cornerback, edge rusher, defensive tackle, linebacker, running back, and wide receiver. While Faulk addresses the critical need for a pass-rushing presence, Boston adds a dimension to the offense that could elevate it to new heights. The combination of these two first-round picks signals an aggressive approach to rebuilding the roster while maintaining competitiveness in a tough NFC East.
Why This Draft Matters for Cowboys Nation
The 2026 NFL Draft represents a pivotal moment for the Cowboys as they look to redefine their identity post-Micah Parsons. Faulk’s potential as a versatile, disruptive force on defense and Boston’s ability to dominate as a big-bodied receiver could transform Dallas into a balanced, explosive team. With the draft set to unfold in Pittsburgh, Cowboys fans will be eagerly watching to see if these projections hold true and how the team’s front office navigates their two first-round opportunities.
As the college football season continues, fans should keep tabs on Keldric Faulk’s dominance at Auburn and Denzel Boston’s highlight-reel catches at Washington. If The Athletic’s mock draft is any indication, the Cowboys are poised to launch an all-out attack in the draft, targeting a new defensive “beast” and a receiving star with nearly 1,200 yards of potential. The future looks bright for Dallas, and the 2026 draft could be the catalyst for a new era of Cowboys football.