2026 NFL mock draft: Cowboys trade up for star defender as one pick is made for each NFL team


                        2026 NFL mock draft: Cowboys trade up for star defender as one pick is made for each NFL team
By: CBS Sports Posted On: April 09, 2026 View: 0

Round 1 - Pick 1

Indiana • Jr • 6'5" / 236 lbs

Projected Team
Las Vegas
PROSPECT RNK
1st
POSITION RNK
1st
PAYDS
3349
RUYDS
284
INTS
6
TDS
47

No one's considering alternatives for Las Vegas. The Tyler Linderbaum signing supports the assumption that Fernando Mendoza will be the No. 1 overall pick, as a veteran center is a huge benefit for a young quarterback. The Raiders need a quarterback, and there's a player worthy of that selection.

Round 1 - Pick 2

Texas Tech • Sr • 6'4" / 250 lbs

Projected Team
N.Y. Jets
PROSPECT RNK
20th
POSITION RNK
3rd

The Jets are a unique case. It feels as though the general manager and coach are on different timelines. Aaron Glenn will prioritize players who allow him to be competitive in 2026, whereas Darren Mougey may be fine taking a player who is a bit more of a theory than a finished product if he is a better prospect.

Round 1 - Pick 3

Ohio State • Sr • 6'5" / 243 lbs

Projected Team
Arizona
PROSPECT RNK
9th
POSITION RNK
1st

Arizona invested in its pass rusher group with Zaven Collins, Baron Browning and Josh Sweat. They could absolutely upgrade that spot, but linebacker is a more pressing need. Honestly, Arvell Reese could play either position, but he prefers to play on the edge, so Sonny Styles is a more seamless fit.

Round 1 - Pick 4

Notre Dame • Jr • 6'0" / 214 lbs

Projected Team
Tennessee
PROSPECT RNK
16th
POSITION RNK
1st
RUYDS
1372
YDS/ATT
6.9
REYDS
280
TDS
21

Right or wrong, Tennessee went all in on offense to support Will Levis. It's not far-fetched to think there may be an organizational philosophy to do the same with Cam Ward, even if the regime is new. After spending most of their cap space on the defense, the Titans signed Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency and now add Jeremiyah Love to give Ward an abundance of playmakers.

Round 1 - Pick 5

Ohio State • Jr • 6'2" / 192 lbs

Projected Team
N.Y. Giants
PROSPECT RNK
18th
POSITION RNK
3rd
REC
51
REYDS
875
YDS/REC
17.2
TDS
9

Malik Nabers is returning from a significant injury and Wan'Dale Robinson signed with the aforementioned Titans. Carnell Tate would be an asset to Jaxson Dart when Nabers is unavailable, but also form a talented duo long-term. They have Kayvon Thibodeaux, in addition to Abdul Carter and Brian Burns, so Arvell Reese is not a priority.

Round 1 - Pick 6

Ohio State • Jr • 6'4" / 243 lbs

Projected Team
Dallas
PROSPECT RNK
3rd
POSITION RNK
2nd

Arvell Reese's fall could be a benefit to both the Browns and Cowboys. Dallas wants players that can make an impact immediately, but the Browns are looking towards the future, so future picks are involved rather than this year's. It is interesting that almost every hypothetical trade between the two teams on social media has Dallas receiving surplus value; an anomaly for the team trading up and an unlikelihood.

Round 1 - Pick 7

Ohio State • Jr • 6'0" / 205 lbs

Projected Team
Washington
PROSPECT RNK
8th
POSITION RNK
1st

The best comparison for Caleb Downs is probably Minkah Fitzpatrick, a high-IQ safety who coordinates the entire defense, but not an uber-athlete. Fitzpatrick went No. 11 overall in a stronger draft. The prospects most often associated with Washington are gone, so Downs is a nice consolation prize.

Round 1 - Pick 8

LSU • Sr • 6'0" / 187 lbs

Projected Team
New Orleans
PROSPECT RNK
14th
POSITION RNK
3rd

Cornerback was a point of weakness for New Orleans and Alontae Taylor departed in free agency. The Saints run a higher rate of zone coverage, which happens to be Mansoor Delane's specialty. Delane is a smart cornerback who tested better than his athletic profile may have suggested.

Round 1 - Pick 9

Miami (Fla.) • Jr • 6'2" / 263 lbs

Projected Team
Kansas City
PROSPECT RNK
2nd
POSITION RNK
1st

Andy Reid spent time around Brandon Graham in Philadelphia so there some comfort with pass rushers who possess a less than ideal frame. Rueben Bain Jr. is a risk because he does not look like most NFL edge rushers look, but he wins with overwhelming power and balance.

Round 1 - Pick 10

Tennessee • Jr • 6'1" / 188 lbs

Projected Team
Cincinnati
PROSPECT RNK
6th
POSITION RNK
1st

Cincinnati ranked in the top half of the league in man coverage but they lacked the personnel to reach maximum efficiency. Jermod McCoy is a man coverage cornerback with the size, speed and ball production to prove it. He missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from a torn ACL, but should be ready roll for training camp.

Round 1 - Pick 11

Miami (Fla.) • Jr • 6'6" / 329 lbs

Projected Team
Miami
PROSPECT RNK
16th
POSITION RNK
4th

The Dolphins have a lot of needs to fill and are not reasonably in a position to compete this season. There should be an emphasis on building out the trenches, specifically in support of Malik Willis or next year's rookie quarterback. It makes little sense for them to tear down the offense and leave the unit in a state where they can not appropriately evaluate Willis.

Round 1 - Pick 12

Georgia • Jr • 6'7" / 315 lbs

Projected Team
Cleveland
PROSPECT RNK
52nd
POSITION RNK
7th

Cleveland trades back, picks up additional draft capital and still lands a raw, but extremely talented left tackle. Monroe Freeling was playing his best football at the end of the season, but no one has to tell Browns coach Todd Monken about his potential; Monken helped recruit him to Athens as Georgia's offensive coordinator.

Round 1 - Pick 13

Utah • Jr • 6'6" / 311 lbs

Projected Team
L.A. Rams
PROSPECT RNK
5th
POSITION RNK
2nd

Spencer Fano has five positional flexibility but the plan is to start him at right tackle in this scenario. He has good feet and functional play strength to be an asset on an offensive line with championship aspirations. Los Angeles is not often in a position to address a premium position of need.

Round 1 - Pick 14

Penn State • Jr • 6'4" / 323 lbs

Projected Team
Baltimore
PROSPECT RNK
15th
POSITION RNK
1st

Daniel Faalele signed with the Giants. Baltimore accounted for his departure with the signing of John Simpson, but neither his presence nor Andrew Vorhees should stop the team from addressing a long-term replacement. Vega Ioane can be a high end starter at the position.

Round 1 - Pick 15

Auburn • Jr • 6'6" / 276 lbs

Projected Team
Tampa Bay
PROSPECT RNK
34th
POSITION RNK
6th

Tampa Bay has a need at edge rusher that was not addressed in free agency. Keldric Faulk does not add a lot of juice to the operation immediately but he can set the edge and is still a relatively young player. The Buccaneers are entering a crossroads season with coach Todd Bowles.

Round 1 - Pick 16

USC • Jr • 5'11" / 192 lbs

Projected Team
N.Y. Jets
PROSPECT RNK
17th
POSITION RNK
2nd
REC
79
REYDS
1156
YDS/REC
14.6
TDS
13

New York has inside outside versatility with Garrett Wilson and a bit of height with AD Mitchell. Makai Lemon's skillset fits in as the missing piece for a team with five first-round picks over the next two years. There may be competing interests if head coach Aaron Glenn is entering a make-or-break season.

Round 1 - Pick 17

Alabama • Jr • 6'7" / 352 lbs

Projected Team
Detroit
PROSPECT RNK
4th
POSITION RNK
1st

Giovanni Manu is set to start at left tackle with Taylor Decker and Detroit parting ways. One would imagine Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes seek an alternative at the position. Kadyn Proctor is a big body who does a good job executing some of the blocks in space that the team has executed in the past.

Round 1 - Pick 18

Oregon • Soph • 6'0" / 201 lbs

Projected Team
Minnesota
PROSPECT RNK
35th
POSITION RNK
3rd

Safety may not be the highest priority but it is a need for Minnesota. NFL teams salivate over prospects with ball production and premium athletic traits; Dillon Thieneman checks both of those boxes. It is difficult to envision him lasting much longer than this stage of the first round.

Round 1 - Pick 19

Indiana • Jr • 6'0" / 199 lbs

Projected Team
Carolina
PROSPECT RNK
21st
POSITION RNK
4th
REC
69
REYDS
937
YDS/REC
13.6
TDS
14

Wide receiver will not stand out as a pressing need for the Panthers, but this is a pivotal year for Bryce Young. Omar Cooper Jr. brings an energy level that they are missing. The vision is Tetairoa McMillan and Cooper serving as the two cogs in the Carolina pass game while cycling through the third receiver role, which is currently filled by Jalen Coker.

Round 1 - Pick 20

Tennessee • Soph • 6'0" / 195 lbs

Projected Team
Dallas
PROSPECT RNK
40th
POSITION RNK
6th

Dallas traded up to select Ohio State pass rusher Arvell Reese without sacrificing its other first-round pick. The Cowboys now add two impact performers on defense while pushing all in on this version of the team led by Dak Prescott.

Round 1 - Pick 21

Clemson • Sr • 6'7" / 317 lbs

Projected Team
Pittsburgh
PROSPECT RNK
29th
POSITION RNK
6th

If Pittsburgh is going to move forward with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, then they had better finish the offensive line. In this scenario, the team would move Troy Fautanu back to his natural left tackle position and plug Blake Miller in at right tackle.

Round 1 - Pick 22

Toledo • Sr • 6'4" / 202 lbs

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and Derwin James are two versatile, physical pieces in that Los Angeles secondary. In looking at the prospects available, McNeil-Warren was the best available even if it was not the team's biggest area of need. The Chargers' starting safeties on Ourlads right now are Elijah Molden and Tony Jefferson, who stepped away from the game for a period of time.

Round 1 - Pick 23

Texas A&M • Jr • 6'0" / 196 lbs

Projected Team
Philadelphia
PROSPECT RNK
12th
POSITION RNK
1st
REC
61
REYDS
919
YDS/REC
15.1
TDS
12

Most seem to think Philadelphia will utlimately deal A.J. Brown elsewhere, but that may not come to fruition until June. Who are they going to get to replace him in June? No one will be available unless they want to be the team that gambles on Brandon Aiyuk. If Brown is going to get dealt, fans may get their first real hint regarding that possibility later this month.

Round 1 - Pick 24

Arizona State • Jr • 6'2" / 203 lbs

Projected Team
Cleveland
PROSPECT RNK
6th
POSITION RNK
1st
REC
61
REYDS
711
YDS/REC
11.7
TDS
9

Jordyn Tyson would not be available if it were not for a history of injuries and having not worked out this pre-draft process is concerning. Perhaps he is intentionally tanking his stock so he can live in his brother's (Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson) guest room. I jest.

Round 1 - Pick 25

Clemson • Jr • 6'3" / 298 lbs

Projected Team
Chicago
PROSPECT RNK
13th
POSITION RNK
1st

Peter Woods was once regarded as a potential top-five overall selection. Although I never saw him as a clear and obvious blue-chip talent, this is good value for the Clemson product and fills a need for the Bears. Chicago has bodies at the position, but no one really moves the needle in the way Woods could.

Round 1 - Pick 26

Texas A&M • Jr • 6'5" / 315 lbs

Projected Team
Buffalo
PROSPECT RNK
50th
POSITION RNK
4th

Buffalo lost David Edwards (no relation) in free agency and now replace him with one of the best pass-blocking offensive guards. Chase Bisontis had a strong performance at the NFL combine and is now tasked with protecting Josh Allen.

Round 1 - Pick 27

Oregon • Jr • 6'3" / 241 lbs

REC
51
REYDS
560
YDS/REC
11
TDS
8

This is the latest Kenyon Sadiq has been available in a mock draft exercise in quite some time. There are a number of teams who make sense for Sadiq but none that are obvious. Kyle Shanahan can get wonky with his personnel packages with George Kittle and Sadiq on the field in the short-term.

Round 1 - Pick 28

Florida • Sr • 6'6" / 327 lbs

Projected Team
Houston
PROSPECT RNK
48th
POSITION RNK
6th

DeMeco Ryans comes from San Francisco where they have trended towards the long defensive linemen. Caleb Banks has to stay healthy, but he could prove to be a steal this late in the first round. Houston gets some long-term stability between Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.

Round 1 - Pick 29

San Diego State • Sr • 6'0" / 195 lbs

Projected Team
Kansas City
PROSPECT RNK
27th
POSITION RNK
5th

There are likely at least 40 prospects, and potentially more, who could hear their names called in the first round in the right set of circumstances. Chris Johnson is on that list. He is a prospect who grew on me over time. He has the size and tested really well, but the tape is really clean also.

Round 1 - Pick 30

Clemson • Jr • 5'11" / 180 lbs

Projected Team
Miami
PROSPECT RNK
10th
POSITION RNK
2nd

Everything is on the table for Miami. It may come as a surprise to come away from the first round without a wide receiver selection, but there are so many needs and the team can not force a position. Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley will ultimately be judged on how this draft plays out with seven top-100 overall selections.

Round 1 - Pick 31

Arizona State • Sr • 6'6" / 321 lbs

Projected Team
New England
PROSPECT RNK
31st
POSITION RNK
7th

There was a viral video recently of Patriots coach Mike Vrabel getting hands-on in Max Iheanachor's workout. Right tackle is a position of need, and Iheanachor's play style matches the physicality Vrabel is trying to instill.

Round 1 - Pick 32

Clemson • Jr • 6'4" / 263 lbs

Projected Team
Seattle
PROSPECT RNK
49th
POSITION RNK
6th

Seattle drafts T.J. Parker as the Boye Mafe replacement. Mafe signed a lucrative deal with the Bengals in free agency. Parker is a reliable edge setter with limited pass rush potential, but Mike Macdonald can put him in a position to produce. Seattle is also a candidate to trade back given they only have four picks. The objective should be filling positions lost in free agency, such as cornerback, edge rusher and running back.

Read this on CBS Sports
  About

Omnixia News is your intelligent news aggregator, delivering real-time, curated headlines from trusted global sources. Stay informed with personalized updates on tech, business, entertainment, and more — all in one place..