Cowboys 3‑Round Mock Draft: Trade back yields edge, CB, LB, S combo

The Dallas Cowboys decide to choose patience over panic in our three-round mock draft. Instead of trading up and giving away valuable draft capital, the front office trusted the people in building, relying on their scouting department and coaching staff to navigate this year's draft, continuing the 2026 offseason trend of zigging where many think they'll zag.

Things got a bit more complicated after the unexpected shake-up in the top-10 picks of the draft. The New York Giants' trade that landed them the Cincinnati Bengals' 10th overall pick was a shocker. The Giants now have a lot more control in the early part of the draft, changing the landscape and ultimately the approach of teams like Dallas.

But rather than force the issue, the Cowboys took a more practical approach and let prospects fall to them. The strategy was simple: with a deep defensive draft class, there would be a run on offensive players. When those players come off the board, defensive talent slides down to Dallas. By showing restraint and keeping their options open, the Cowboys have the opportunity to take some of the better defenders in the draft. They also have a chance to take an opportunistic approach and add more draft capital within the top-100 picks.

With the 12th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami

Stat Line: 38 games, 121 total tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks

Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) sacks Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Cowboys saw both Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs taken ahead of them, but didn't panic and selected Bain Jr. Dallas lands one of the most complete edge rushers in the draft, whose only negative has been his short arms. That won't bother the Cowboys after checking in with their pass rush specialist consultant, Brandon Jordan. Jordan has been training with Bain Jr. this offseason and gives Dallas much-needed intel on Bain Jr. that other teams will not have.

Trade alert! Cowboys trade the 20th, 152nd picks to Chicago for the 25th, 57th picks.

The Bears are hunting pressure players, and after watching Rueben Bain come off the board, they trade with the Cowboys, moving up and selecting the young edge rusher Keldric Faulk out of Auburn. The Cowboys wanted to get back into the second-round pick, and in an overpay, the Bears gave it to them. The move now gives Dallas four top-100 picks in the draft. They lose one of their fifth-round picks in the deal, but still have two in their back pocket.

With the 25th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select Colton Hood, cornerback, UCF

Stat Line: 29 games, 77 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 14 passes defended

Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood (8) and the Tennessee defense celebrate after a play stopping the New Mexico State offense in an NCAA college football game on November 15, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.

Dallas felt comfortable moving back five spots, with both Avieon Terrell and Colton Hood still available. Both have similar skill sets, but ultimately decided to draft Hood over Terrell because he's the better tackler. Hood is one of the more physical cornerbacks in the draft, with the speed to carry receivers down the field and make plays on the football. If not for teammate Jermod McCoy being in the draft, Hood would have more buzz around him as one of the better corners in this draft class. Hood can play on the boundaries or in the slot, giving this defense much-needed flexibility at cornerback. Christian Parker isn't afraid of drafting smaller cornerbacks; now, he gets another one in Dallas with Hood.

With the 57th pick in the 2026 NFL, the Dallas Cowboys select Anthony Hill Jr., linebacker, Texas

Stat Line: 40 games, 249 total tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, 3 interceptions, 4 passes defended, 8 forced fumbles

Oct 18, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) celebrates after the Kentucky Wildcats fail to score in overtime at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

After missing out on Sonny Styles, the Cowboys continue to trust their board. Dallas has to sit and watch three linebackers be selected ahead of them, but is able to land Hill Jr. with the pick they received in the Bears trade. A former teammate of DeMarvion Overshown, Hill is one of the more athletic linebackers in the draft. He is a very instinctive player with a nose for the football, and an effective blitzer. He needs to be better at getting back into coverage at the next level, but he has the speed and instincts to get the job done and be a quality starter for the Cowboys.

With the 92nd pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select Kamari Ramsey, safety, USC

Stat Line: 35 games, 133 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 27: Kamari Ramsey #7 of the USC Trojans intercepts a pass intended for Jabre Barber #1 of the Texas A&M Aggies during first half of the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on December 27, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)

The Cowboys finally get their safety in the third round. Ramsey is another versatile defensive back whose stock fell due to injury last season. He has experience playing at safety and in the slot, is physical enough to cover tight ends, and has the speed to stay with receivers and running backs. He has to get better at defending the run, but he has all the tools to help Dallas in the secondary.

Overall, the Cowboys were able to fill positions they felt weak at without giving up draft picks. Finding quality starters and role players who can still help the team immediately.

This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys 3‑Round Mock Draft: Trade back yields edge, CB, LB, S combo