Whether you’re pumping your fists or shaking your head over the Dallas Cowboys’ bold moves at the NFL trade deadline, one thing’s crystal clear: Jerry Jones’ squad just leveled up their talent pool by snagging defensive beasts Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson. Sure, the ‘Boys aren’t flawless yet—gaping holes still loom large—but here’s the silver lining: they’ve got two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft to plug those leaks and build a contender.
Enter the latest mock draft bombshell from The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner, who’s got Dallas going all-in on defense with picks that scream speed, power, and shutdown potential. We’re talking lightning-fast edge rush and a lockdown corner who could turn the secondary from sieve to steel trap. Let’s break it down, Cowboys Nation—this could be the blueprint for a Super Bowl resurgence.
Pick No. 11: David Bailey, Edge Rusher, Texas Tech – The Lightning Bolt Dallas Desperately Needs
The Cowboys’ defensive line just got a massive upgrade inside with that blockbuster trade for Quinnen Williams from the Jets, pairing him with Kenny Clark for an interior that’s straight-up elite. But let’s be real: without consistent heat off the edge opposite Donovan Ezeiruaku, opposing QBs are still gonna have time to sip coffee in the pocket.
That’s where David Bailey storms in like a Texas tornado. This explosive pass-rusher from Texas Tech has been lighting up the Big 12, racking up 11.5 sacks in just nine games this season (and a whopping 26 over his college career). Baumgardner nails it: “Thanks to their deadline trade with the Jets, the Cowboys now have a truly elite defensive interior, with Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams. They still need more off the edge, however. Corner could be another possibility in Round 1, but Bailey (13 sacks, 55 pressures in nine games) has been electric this season.”
Imagine Bailey’s burst teaming up with Williams and Clark—pure chaos for offenses. He’s not just a sack machine; he’s the kind of athletic freak who could make Dallas’ pass rush a nightmare again, filling the void left by Micah Parsons’ absence. If this pick hits, we’re looking at a front seven that’s cooking with gas.
Pick No. 28 (from Green Bay): Mansoor Delane, Cornerback, LSU – The Lock to Seal the Secondary
Look, the front seven takes a lot of heat in Big D, but the real villain this season? That leaky secondary, which has been torched more times than a backyard BBQ. Dallas needs ballhawks who can blanket receivers and flip the script on explosive plays. Enter Mansoor Delane from LSU, a rising star who’s been a beacon of hope in a tough year for the Tigers.
Baumgardner puts it perfectly: “The Cowboys obviously don’t have Micah Parsons anymore, so we’ll see how this new-look defensive front works out. As mentioned, though, Dallas is in great position to make serious improvements via the draft. Delane has been one of the few consistently bright spots for LSU this year.”
Sliding Delane into the mix alongside DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel? That’s a trio with serious potential to form a no-fly zone. He’s got the instincts, speed, and physicality to lock down top wideouts, turning potential disasters into turnovers. But hey, let’s not sugarcoat it—the safety spot is still a dumpster fire. Dallas will need to address that mess in free agency or later rounds, but snagging Delane here is a savvy move to shore up the corners first.
With these picks, the Cowboys aren’t just patching holes—they’re crafting a defense that’s fast, fierce, and future-proof. Adding Bailey’s lightning-quick edge presence and Delane’s lockdown coverage could transform a unit that’s been middling into a top-tier terror. Sure, the offseason will bring more work, but with two first-rounders in their arsenal, Dallas is positioned to reload and roar back into contention.
Cowboys fans, are you hyped? This mock draft isn’t just speculation; it’s a glimpse into a reloaded roster that could have the NFC East shaking. Keep your eyes peeled as the 2026 draft approaches—America’s Team might just be back in business.