The Dallas Cowboys have a lot to recover from after finishing 30th in total defense in 2025. They also posted a 7–9 record, missing the playoffs. Holding the No.12 pick, as they are looking for a fix, a 245-tackle prospect has picked up the buzz.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer vowed to “get to the bottom of it.” So, this draft could see Dallas target the Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker, Sonny Styles, to help rebuild the unit.

According to the Mock Draft 2.0 of Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Nick Harris, he doesn't see the Cowboys trading up unless it's for No.9 overall with the Kansas City Chiefs. He rather suggests staying locked with their two first-round picks at No.12 and  No.20.

“With Sonny Styles and Rueben Bain Jr. on the board, the decision to add Styles would be an easy one in Dallas,” wrote Harris.

First, moving up in the draft, especially into the top 10, is expensive. The Dallas Cowboys would likely only consider it if they see a truly elite prospect worth the extra picks. Even then, the Chiefs would have to be willing to move down.

So the more realistic path is Dallas staying put at No. 12 and keeping both of their first-round picks.

Styles played across four seasons and  53 games. He recorded a total of 245 tackles (132 solo), defended nine passes, and came up with nine sacks.

With this, he checks every box for what Christian Parker wants in a linebacker. As a true three-down defender, Styles can be deployed all over the field.

Many analysts projected the Cowboys to trade up to the Cleveland Browns, packaging their first-round picks (No.12 and No.20) in exchange for a No.6 and No.39 pick.

But with the New York Giants having two first-round picks (No.5 & No.10), they are well positioned ahead of the Cowboys in the draft order. This increases the likelihood of a top prospect, Styles, being off the board before the Cowboys' clock in.

Tennessee Volunteers Cornerback Emerges as Dallas Cowboys’ No. 20 Pick

Harris projects the Cowboys to choose a pass rusher at No.20. If the pick at No. 12 ends up being anything other than a secondary piece, then Tennessee Volunteers cornerback Colton Hood would be the likely choice.

"The physical cornerback would arrive in Dallas to provide a much-needed boost to the secondary as a potential outside-inside option," the analyst said. "Although I think his best long-term fit is on the outside where he can use his physicality on bigger receivers,” Harris said.

Hood has recorded 77 tackles (57 solo), three interceptions, and 14 passes defended across three seasons in college.

After signing Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick, the Cowboys have raised the floor at cornerback. Adding Hood would continue that trend. He profiles as a physical press-man defender with a downhill mentality.

Share your thoughts on which path Dallas will take.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar