The first few days of free agency have come and gone, and the Dallas Cowboys still have plenty of work to do on the defensive side of the ball. While Dallas did make some nice additions this week, they still need to upgrade in multiple key spots if they want to field a competent defensive unit in the fall.
One way the Cowboys can get much closer to this goal is by hitting a home run with their two first-round draft picks. With a potential Maxx Crosby trade all but in the rearview mirror, it seems like a certainty that Dallas will keep both of their first-round selections in the 2026 draft and will have a chance to select two impact players at picks 12 and 20.
The whole world expects the Cowboys to select defensive players with both of those picks, and thankfully for them, this is a draft class with some talented defenders. In a best-case scenario, the Cowboys would draft two defenders who could become instant contributors on their defense, filling their holes at either cornerback, edge rusher, or linebacker.
In a mock draft published by Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA Today, Schwartz laid out a scenario that would allow Dallas to get two instant impact players with both selections. In his mock, Schwartz had the Cowboys selecting LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane with the 12th pick, and Miami defensive end Akheem Mesidor at pick 20.
Here is what Schwartz had to say about why Dallas could be interested in this specific rookie duo.
If Delane is still available when Dallas first comes on the clock, there shouldn’t be too much of a debate within the Cowboys’ draft room. The consensus All-American has developed a mastery of man coverage, which would open up plenty of possibilities for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker to mix and match his scheme to his available talent.
Dallas already made one move to add to its pass rush by working out a trade for Rashan Gary. But Jerry Jones shouldn’t stop there, given how shaky things size up on the edge as it currently stands. Already armed with a deep bag of tricks as a pass rusher and self-labeled “seasoned rookie” – he’ll be 25 next month – Mesidor should be an attractive instant-impact option thanks to his hustle and know-how.
There is no denying Dallas needs whoever they select at picks 12 and 20 to come in and be able to make a positive impact right away. Of all the realistic defenders that may be on the clock at Dallas’ first-round selections, the combo of Delane/Mesidor may be the best fit to do just that. Both players would fill a big need and are ready to step in and be day-one contributors.
The Dallas Cowboys have no room for error when it comes to this year’s draft. If they can walk away with a combo of Mansoor Delane and Akheem Mesidor after day one, it will significantly improve their chances of fielding at least a league-average defensive unit next season.