As the Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 playoff hopes hang by the thinnest of threads, the organization’s gaze is forcibly turning toward the future. Fortunately, that future holds a glimmer of strategic hope thanks to two precious assets: two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. In a new mock draft from USA TODAY, the Cowboys use both weapons to target the heart of their problems: a disastrous defense, with two picks that could be game-changers at edge rusher and linebacker.
Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium.
1. Pick No. 16: David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech) – The Homegrown Sack Machine
If there’s one thing the Cowboys’ defense lacks most, it’s consistent pressure on the quarterback from the edges. David Bailey, the breakout star from Texas Tech, is the answer.
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles hits Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza
Staggering Production: 43 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, and 13.5 sacks this season alone.
Texas Tech’s David Bailey prepares to rush the Arkansas-Pine Bluff offense
Tactical Impact: Pairing Bailey off the edge with Quinnen Williams generating pressure up the middle would turn opposing offenses into a nightmare. He provides what Micah Parsons desperately lacks: a reliable, high-production partner on the opposite side.
2. Pick No. 27 (via Packers): Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State) – A New “Heart” for the Middle
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles pressures Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza
The linebacker position has been a fatal flaw for the Cowboys for years, a gaping hole opponents exploit ruthlessly. Sonny Styles, with a 6’4″, 240-pound frame and safety-like speed, is the prototype of the modern linebacker.
Rare Versatility: 80 tackles, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble. He can cover ground, stuff the run, and even match up with tight ends.
Immediate Upgrade: Styles would bring the stability, speed, and football IQ that Dallas’s second level has sorely missed. He is the “heart and brains” this unit desperately needs.
3. The Big Picture: A Necessary “Surgical Strike”
These two selections aren’t a luxury; they are an urgent intervention. They signal a clear plan:
Build from the trenches up: Start by generating pressure (Bailey) and fortifying the second level (Styles).
Leverage local talent: Selecting Bailey (Texas Tech) is also a savvy marketing and fan-engagement move.
Protect the major investment: A stronger defense protects Dak Prescott and the offense, allowing them to play with a lead instead of constantly chasing points.
4. Challenges and Reality Checks
As enticing as this mock draft is, the Cowboys face hard realities:
More Pressing Needs? Should they use a pick on an offensive tackle, with Tyron Smith aging and Terence Steele inconsistent?
Salary Cap Management: Retaining George Pickens will be expensive. Two first-round rookies also command significant cap space, creating a complex financial puzzle for Jerry Jones.
Rookie Development: There’s no guarantee Bailey or Styles will translate their college success immediately to the NFL.
This 2026 mock draft paints a hopeful picture for the Dallas Cowboys: a defensive front seven rebuilt with promising young talent. David Bailey and Sonny Styles represent the exact blend of athleticism and versatility the modern NFL demands. However, this remains a paper scenario. The true challenge lies in the front office’s ability to evaluate talent, develop players, and manage the salary cap. If the Cowboys truly want to escape the vortex of mediocrity and return to contention, they cannot rely on the draft alone. They need a comprehensive strategy encompassing cap management, coaching development, and instilling a winning culture. Two first-round picks are a fantastic start, but they are only the first bricks in a foundation that needs to be completely rebuilt.