It's almost time for mock drafts to have some actual merit. A fun exercise of the offseason, mocks don't usually have much relevance because a crucial piece of information is missing during the January and February months. The draft order is locked in, but free agency occurs before the draft and how a team fills their holes with veteran players directly impacts how they go about the draft.
In our latest 7-round mock draft for the Dallas Cowboys, the last one before the scouting combine that is also a crucial factor, we will make some assumptions about what the Cowboys are set to do when free agency begins next month.
We'll assume the Cowboys have re-signed DE Jadeveon Clowney and brought in another noteworthy edge rusher. We'll assume they signed a starting caliber middle-linebacker, not an aging retread but one who could lead Christian Parker's new defense for several years. We'll assume the Cowboys have added a starting safety to add to the fold. Having solutions for those three spots gives Dallas a ton of more flexibility entering the draft.
And in this seven-round mock draft conducted through Pro Football Focus' simulator, they desperately need it as once again, all of the top defensive prospects were snatched before Dallas hit the clock at No. 12.
- 1.2: Rueben Bain Jr., Miami -> Jets
- 1.3: Caleb Downs, Ohio State -> Cardinals
- 1.4: Arvell Reese, Ohio State -> Titans
- 1.5: David Bailey, Texas Tech -> Giants
- 1.11: Sonny Styles, Ohio State -> Dolphins
With RB Jeremiyah Love and OT Francis Mauigoa already plucked in the top 10, the most noteworthy offensive players are gone, too. That leaves the two cornerbacks there in the Cowboys face, but I'm not a believer of using the No. 12 pick on that position. Dallas needs depth at the position, which they should find in veteran free agency, but a first-round draft pick causes a domino effect that leads to moving on from DaRon Bland opposite Shavon Revel, and I think they should be long-term building blocks unless 2026 doesn't work out for either.
So where do the Cowboys go in this scenario, especially if no worthy trade options become available?
It's time to think outside the box.
1.12: Tight End Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
No matter the position, the Cowboys have to draft a player who is wholly better than anyone they have on the roster at No. 12. It's one of their 10 Draft Commandments, and it's held true for over a decade. Using the selection for anyone short of that is malpractice, so they look to a position they rarely would consider, but it makes perfect sense.
Kenyon Sadiq Scouting Report | Player Comparison: Trey McBride
Adding a pass catching tight end like Sadiq to Dak Prescott's offense would make this a regular 40-point team. CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, Kenyon Sadiq and Javonte Williams is an unstoppable skill position group.
Jake Ferguson is Prescott's new best friend on the team, but he offers nothing after the catch and hasn't for two years. With Brevyn Spann-Ford being one of the NFL's best blocking tight ends, adding a seam stretcher who can do so much as a target like Sadiq will elevate Dallas' passing game to unseen heights.
Trade Back: 1.20 to Cardinals for 2.34, 3.65, 5.141
Cowboys send 1.20 (850 pts) to Arizona for 2.34 (560 pts), 3.65 (265 pts), 5.141 (35.5 pts)
2.34: Safety Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Back-to-back Ducks! The Cowboys grab the perfect fit into what Parker wants out of his nickel safety in Thieneman. He can cover the slot, drop into the box, play deep and is just a highly versatile chess piece who fits what Parker described in his opening press conference.
Dillon Thieneman Scouting Report | Player Comparison: Jevon Holland
Trade Back: 3.65 to Saints for 3.73, 4.132
Cowboys send 3.65 (265 pts) to New Orleans for 3.73 (225 pts), 4.132 (40 pts)
3.73 RB Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
The Cowboys have signed Javonte Williams to a new deal, but there's nothing restrictive about barely paying Top 20 money to a running back. Dallas needs a compliment, as the workload they gave to Williams isn't sustainable for the next season, much less three seasons.
Emmett Johnson Scouting Report | Player Comparison: James Cook III
Johnson is an instinctive runner who knows how to set up blocks. He has great pass-catching potential out of the backfield, but needs to improve his pass pro before getting the bell cow label. That may take a couple seasons, good thing Dallas has Williams.
Trade Up: Cowboys send 4.112, 4.132, 5.141 to Bears for 3.89
Cowboys send 4.112 (70 pts), 4.132 (40 pts) 5.141 (35.5 pts) to Chicago for 3.89 (145 pts)
3.89: LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Even with the assumption that Dallas finds themselves a starting middle linebacker, that doesn't remove the need to find one in the draft as well. DeMarvion Overshown is entering the final season of his rookie deal and hasn't been able to stay healthy. There's no reason for the current coaching staff to bank on the development of Marist Liufau or Shemar James.
Jacob Rodriguez Scouting Report | Player Comparison: Poor man's Fred Warner
Adding Rodriguez gives the Cowboys a three-down player who can handle MIKE responsibilities as well as Sam if there's someone else directing traffic. He's a turnover-producing machine, with 11 in 2025 (7 forced fumbles, 4 interceptions). There's too much upside here to not ensure they get him, so Dallas packaged three picks to grab another top-100 talent.
Remaining Day 3 Selections
- 5.141: Edge Malachi Lawrence, UCF
- 5.177: CB Devon Marshall, North Carolina State
- 7.221: Safety Lorenzo Styles, Jr., Ohio State
- 7.225: OT Fa'alili Fa'amoe, Wake Forest
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys draft skill at No. 12 in trade-filled 7-round mock draft