ESPN 7-round mock: Cowboys go (almost) all defense in draft, but with surprise names

TL;DR

The Cowboys are expected to focus heavily on defense in the upcoming draft, utilizing all eight of their picks. Dillon Thieneman from Oregon is projected as their first-round selection at pick 12.

Key points

Cowboys expected to focus on defense in the draft
Projected first-round pick is Dillon Thieneman from Oregon
Dallas has eight picks over three days
Draft starts Thursday night in Pittsburgh
Strategy aims to fill defensive holes

Mentioned in this story

Pittsburgh

Dillon ThienemanDallas CowboysNFL Draft 2026

There's still time for a few more mock drafts before the real thing kicks off Thursday night in downtown Pittsburgh. But while most fans- even the casuals- have heard the popular shortlist of names linked to the Cowboys in the first round, things can change when you look at the coming draft haul in toto.

With eight picks over three days, the Cowboys simply can't address all their deficiencies in Round 1. No matter what they do with Picks No. 12 and 20, there will still be holes that need filling. And that's just the defense. Dallas's third-round pick, its fourth-round pick, and its three fifth-rounders will have to do some of the lifting, too.

That's the approach ESPN's Justin Reid takes with his last mock of the cycle, forecasting all seven rounds of selections for all 32 teams. His picks come from the latest intel from league sources as well as team needs, and while they don't include any trades, they do provide a clear strategy for how the Cowboys can look to turn their defense- and, by extension, the whole team- around.

1.12: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

Sep 6, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) runs after Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Christian Fitzpatrick (16) during the first half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

This spot is a little higher than the Oregon product has typically been going in mock drafts, but Reid points outs that Thieneman "has continued to rise throughout each stage of the predraft process." He's seen as a versatile defender who can make an impact in pass coverage but also come up and stop the run with regularity... and the Cowboys do need help in both areas.