Cowboys’ Mock Draft Focuses on Secondary Rebuild Under New DC Christian Parker
While eight Dallas Cowboys players are enjoying the Pro Bowl festivities in Santa Clara, the real work is happening back at The Star. With a long list of offseason priorities, the Cowboys’ front office has plenty on its plate - starting with the future of breakout wide receiver George Pickens, a pending free agent coming off a career year. But right behind that is the 2026 NFL Draft, and with a new defensive coordinator in Christian Parker, there’s a clear sense that this class could be the foundation for a defensive reset.
Parker, 34, arrives from the Philadelphia Eagles, where he helped develop standout defensive backs like Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell. That track record has Cowboys fans and analysts wondering: will Dallas look to replicate Philly’s blueprint by investing heavily in the secondary early in the draft?
A recent seven-round mock draft sees Dallas doing just that - doubling down on defensive backs in the first round, mirroring the Eagles' successful strategy under Parker’s guidance.
Pick No. 12: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Dallas used a third-round pick last year on Shavon Revel Jr., a long, rangy corner from East Carolina. But injuries kept him sidelined, and with Trevon Diggs no longer in the picture, the Cowboys are thin on proven talent outside of All-Pro DaRon Bland.
Enter Mansoor Delane - a corner with size, instincts, and pedigree. Delane transferred from Virginia Tech to LSU, but not before building a strong relationship with Cowboys secondary coach Ryan Smith, who originally recruited him.
That connection could be a key factor if Delane is still on the board at No. 12.
Delane comes from a Tigers program known for producing elite defensive backs. While not every LSU DB has panned out in the pros, the overall track record is strong enough to make this a pick with both upside and familiarity. With Bland, Revel, and Delane, Dallas could be looking at a young, athletic trio that gives Parker the tools to reshape the secondary from Day 1.
Trade Alert: Cowboys Send Picks No. 20 & 211 to Broncos for Picks No. 30 & 62
Mock trades are always a bit of a shot in the dark, but this one makes strategic sense. The Cowboys move down slightly from their second first-round spot and jump back into the second round - a round where they currently have no picks.
Pick No. 30: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
The Cowboys have some decisions to make at safety. Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson are both entering their 30s and coming off uneven seasons. If Dallas is serious about getting younger and more dynamic on defense, this is the kind of move that signals a shift in philosophy.
Dillon Thieneman is a versatile safety who can play deep, cover the slot, and bring some of the same traits that made Cooper DeJean so valuable in Philly. Given Parker’s history with DeJean, it’s easy to see how Thieneman could be molded into a similar Swiss Army knife in the Cowboys' secondary.
Traditionally, Dallas hasn’t spent premium draft capital on safeties, often opting for budget-friendly veterans to hold the fort. But with Parker now in charge and head coach Brian Schottenheimer reportedly giving him real influence, this could be the year that changes.
Round 2 (via Denver): Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
The Cowboys continue to prioritize defense with their second-round pick, selecting Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. He brings range, attitude, and swagger - the kind of energy that could pair well with DeMarvion Overshown in the middle of the defense.
Rodriguez plays with a chip on his shoulder and has the kind of aggressive motor that fits what Parker wants to build. If Overshown is the rangy playmaker, Rodriguez is the tone-setter. Together, they could form a young, athletic linebacker duo that brings a new identity to the heart of the Cowboys' defense.
Round 3: Davis Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
Dallas goes back to the well at cornerback, selecting Davis Igbinosun out of Ohio State. He’s long, athletic, and raw - a traits-based pick that fits the Cowboys’ draft history. At just 21 years old, Igbinosun already has experience on big stages and could benefit from sitting behind veterans while refining his technique.
This pick isn’t about immediate impact. It’s about long-term development and building depth in a secondary that was exposed far too often last season.
The Big Picture: Building Parker’s Defense
The Cowboys are clearly looking to give Christian Parker the pieces he needs to implement his vision. With three defensive backs in the top three rounds - including two in the first - Dallas would be signaling a major investment in the secondary.
Parker has one of the toughest jobs in the building. He’s tasked with turning around a defense that struggled mightily, particularly in coverage. But if this mock draft is any indication, the front office is ready to give him the tools to do it - and maybe even shift some long-standing organizational habits in the process.
If Parker can replicate the development success he had in Philadelphia, and if these young defenders can grow together, the Cowboys might be laying the groundwork for a new era on defense - one built on speed, versatility, and playmaking in the back end.
The draft is still months away, but the direction feels clear: defense first, secondary focused, and a clear commitment to giving Parker the personnel to make his vision a reality.