As the NFL Draft gets closer, the Dallas Cowboys need to get their picks right, especially on defense. Luckily, The Athletic is lending a hand in finding the right picks.

On Thursday, The Athletic published an article dubbed '2026 Mock Draft 2.0,' putting forth names for each team that look promising. The Cowboys get two names for their 12th and 20th overall picks.

Time and again, the one name that seems like a ‌sure pick is Mansoor Delane, a cornerback out of Louisiana State University. If Jerry Jones and the Cowboys have their way, then Delane will join the secondary room that comprises DaRon Bland, Shavon Revel, and newly signed Cobie Durant. 

Delane received a 6.80 grade on his Combine and Draft profile, which translates to a year 1 starter. Throughout his college career, Delane has made 191 tackles, 27 pass deflections, 4 forced fumbles, and 8 interceptions.

While the Cowboys have addressed some defensive needs, the inside linebacker position should receive the most focus right now. The Cowboys were interested in Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker, but those deals did not come to fruition. 

With the 20th overall pick, Dallas could have a real shot here with CJ Allen, a linebacker out of Georgia. The Georgia Bulldog is projected to be a ‌late first-round pick. Allen received a score of 6.29 on his Combine and Draft profile, which translates to him being an average starter, eventually. 

The Georgia native played three years in college and made 205 total tackles, 10 passes defended, 4.5 sacks, and one interception. 

The Dallas Cowboys can easily have two starters on defense for Christian Parker ahead of the 2026 NFL season. However, much of the focus is currently on Delane as the Cowboys are increasingly becoming his likely destination.

What Do Other Draft Analysts Say About Mansoor Delane?

Mansoor Delane will enter the 2026 NFL draft as the number one-rated cornerback and eighth overall prospect. 

NFL Network’s Draft Analyst, Daniel Jeremiah, said, “he’s a fluid mover, he can really see things top down and drive and make plays on the football.” 

He further added, “I got a little bored when I was watching him, quite honestly, because teams just stopped throwing in his direction, but I thought he’s someone that’s loose, fluid, smooth athlete with toughness and is scheme diverse.”

A lot of teams will be eyeing the cornerback, but will Jones and co. use their 12th overall pick to draft him?

You can read more at the Dallas Cowboys Community!

Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Sayantan Gayen