Friday 5-round Cowboys Mock Draft: Fix defense with elite edge, LB, DB

Jan 9, 2026 - 21:30

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Friday 5-round Cowboys Mock Draft: Fix defense with elite edge, LB, DB

The amount of help the Cowboys need on the defensive side of the ball cannot be understated. Yes, Dallas can create over $100 million of cap space to spend in free agency, despite currently being $30 million over the projected cap. That money should be able to have them re-sign their top two offensive free agents in WR George Pickens and RB Javonte Williams, even if that is in the form of a franchise tag for the top wideout.

Dallas will have leftover money add veterans to each level of their defense as well, hopefully starting with a returning Jadeveon Clowney and adding a premiere edge rusher like Trey Hendrickson, who at 31 and coming off an injury may be cheaper than many think. But that won't be enough. The number of holes on the defense are many, and while the type of scheme they'll run won't be decided until they hire a new defensive coordinator, adding talent on that side of the ball is a must in the draft.

In our latest mock simulation, run on Pro Football Focus' engine, defensive players kept being at the top of the draft board when it was time for Dallas' selections. This iteration saw the Cowboys move back and out of the first round, in order to get the most bang for the buck and avoid reaching for talent.

1.12: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 04: Zeon Chriss #2 of the Houston Cougars is sacked by David Bailey #31 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the second half of the game at TDECU Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

David Bailey Scouting Report via Bleacher Report:

Good acceleration off the line of scrimmage to win around the edge with speed. Bailey uses his hands well as a pass-rusher, showing quick and active hands to "defeat the hands, defeat the man" against offensive tackles. Shown several pass-rush moves that he can with: hand swipe, rip, ghost rush, inside spin and long-arm. Good bend to corner at the top of the rush. Lacks the strength to be an effective run defender; he struggles to get extension on blocks and has skinny legs, which makes setting the edge against offensive linemen difficult. Not very physical at the point of attack.
GRADE: 8.2 (Year 1 Starter — 1st Round)
COMPARABLE GRADE: Jaelan Phillips, Miami (8.1 in 2021), Lukas Van Ness, Iowa (8.0 in 2023), Chop Robinson, Penn State (8.0 in 2024)
OVERALL RANK: 12
POSITION RANK: EDGE2
PRO COMPARISON: Jaelan Phillips

TRADE: 1.20 to San Francisco 49ers for 1.26, 3.90

Just didn't like the batch of options at this point in the draft, with no one separating as a clear-cut choice. The players available in this range were OL, which long-term isn't a good idea for this club because of contract concentration, DTs which they have a gluttony of, and edge players.

TRADE: 1.26, 3.90 to Tennessee Titans for 2.35, 3.66, 5.140

Still not enamored with the board, so scooting back into the top of the second round and picking up another Day 2 pick along with an additional Day 3 selection.

2.35: Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., Texas

Anthony Hill Scouting Report from Bleacher Report

3.66: Slot CB Keionte Scott, Miami

Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Keionte Scott (0) returns an interception for a touchdown during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Keionte Scott is such a complete player. Over 13 TFLs this year, and this time, the elite play recognition shows up on the pick-six.

Making game-changing plays with his processing-fueled aggression.

pic.twitter.com/MskHkfF3Ao— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) January 1, 2026