The Cowboys have already spent plenty of energy trying to shore up the defense, and ESPN’s latest 2027 NFL mock draft says they may not be done.
In Jordan Reid’s projection, Dallas lands at No. 24 and uses that pick on Georgia linebacker Chris Cole, a defender Reid sees as the next in the Bulldogs’ steady stream of standout linebackers under Kirby Smart.
“The Cowboys expect to have an improved defense this season, but they still need more youthful reinforcements on that side of the ball. Cole is set to be the next of the long line of quality linebackers that Georgia has produced under Kirby Smart,” Reid wrote.
Cole checks a lot of the boxes teams look for at the position. Reid described him as “At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, he has the size, range and physicality that teams covet. Cole needs to improve his take-on strength in the box and coverage awareness but would be a nice fit in Dallas, especially with Dee Winters set to be a free agent after the season.”
The Georgia linebacker backed up that hype with a breakout 2025 season, finishing with 59 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. His coverage work was solid, but his ability to create havoc in the backfield is what really jumps off the page.
That fit becomes more interesting when you look at Dallas’ linebacker situation beyond Winters. DeMarvion Overshown is also in the final year of his deal, and while his talent is obvious, the health question hangs over everything. Since being selected in the 2023 NFL draft, he has played in only 19 games.
If Overshown can stay on the field, he could be headed for a major contract. But the Cowboys would have a real decision to make there, especially with Jaishawn Barham already turning heads in the preseason.
The cleanest path for Dallas would be a new deal with Overshown and continued progress from Barham, which would give the Cowboys more certainty at linebacker. If that plays out, using a premium pick on an EDGE rusher or cornerback would make plenty of sense before dipping back into the linebacker pool.
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