Jerry Jones is wasting no time shaking things up for the Dallas Cowboys' defense after a rough 2025 season. By trading for Packers defensive lineman Rashan Gary, the Cowboys have made it clear that they're serious about addressing their defensive issues quickly.
While the Cowboys are still exploring free agency options, the Gary trade signals a strong focus on improving their edge-rushing capabilities, which could give them more flexibility when draft day rolls around.
The secondary, however, remains a work in progress, especially at cornerback. After signing Jalen Thompson, it seems Jones might hold off until the draft to bring in another defensive back.
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane has been a popular name in Cowboys' mock drafts, and with recent developments, he might be the go-to pick for Dallas leading up to draft night.
The Cowboys have solidified their safety lineup by restructuring Malik Hooker's contract, ensuring his return. With Hooker and Thompson set to start in 2026, the urgency to draft a safety has diminished, even with Oregon's Dillon Thieneman impressing at the combine.
However, the cornerback situation is a different story. The team has high hopes for second-year corner Shavon Revel Jr., but DaRon Bland's recovery from left foot surgery casts uncertainty over his availability for the offseason. If Bland struggles with health or performance, Dallas might consider moving on from his contract in 2027.
Caelan Carson is also at a crucial point in his career, facing a make-or-break Year 3. Drafting Delane with the No. 12 pick could alleviate many of these concerns.
Ohio State's versatile safety Caleb Downs is another enticing option for the Cowboys at No. 12, but the pressing need for a cornerback might be too significant to ignore. Although Downs and Thompson offer flexibility across safety and nickel positions, the question remains: who will hold down the outside?
Ideally, it's Revel and Bland, but relying on that duo is a gamble Dallas seems keen to avoid. Reports suggest that Tennessee corner Jermod McCoy, recovering from an ACL tear, is not on their draft radar.
Revel has the potential to shine, but remains untested, and while Bland has shown All-Pro potential, his injury history is concerning.
Drafting Delane might not be the flashiest move, but it could be the smart one, especially after the first wave of free agency.