As the 2026 NFL Draft looms, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a promising position with two first-round picks. Thanks to the Micah Parsons trade with the Packers, Dallas has a golden opportunity to address key needs and bolster their roster.
According to ESPN's draft guru Mel Kiper Jr., the Cowboys might be looking to fortify their secondary with their own No. 12 pick. Kiper suggests Jermod McCoy, a cornerback from Tennessee, could be their choice.
The Cowboys' defense struggled last season, giving up a league-worst 7.3 yards per dropback and allowing 46 passing plays of 25 or more yards. While the signing of Jalen Thompson at safety and the presence of Cobie Durant, DaRon Bland, and Shavon Revel Jr. provide some depth, Dallas is still on the hunt for a top-tier cornerback.
McCoy, despite concerns over a torn ACL in January 2025 and missing the combine, has shown he can make plays, snagging four interceptions in 2024. If he impresses at his upcoming pro day on March 31, he could be a savvy addition to the Cowboys' secondary.
Turning to the No. 20 pick, acquired from the Packers, Kiper projects Dallas might target CJ Allen, an all-purpose linebacker from Georgia. With the Cowboys' defense ranked 31st in the league last year, allowing 6.1 yards per play, bolstering the defense seems like a smart move. Allen's versatility-covering, tackling, and blitzing-along with his 97 tackles last season, makes him an attractive option.
The Cowboys appear poised to double down on defense, a strategy that could pay dividends in addressing their glaring weaknesses from last season.