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Experts predict Cowboys first-round picks in mock draft
TL;DR
Experts predict the Dallas Cowboys will select safety Dillon Thieneman from Oregon with the 12th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Cowboys faced challenges as their preferred targets were picked early in the mock draft.
Key points
- Experts predict Cowboys' first-round picks for the 2026 NFL Draft
- Dallas Cowboys select safety Dillon Thieneman from Oregon
- Cowboys faced challenges with preferred targets being picked early
Dallas CowboysDillon ThienemanNFL Draft
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 01: Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Behren Morton (2) gets tackled by Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) in the second half during the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl between Oregon vs Texas Tech on January 1, 2026, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens,FL. (Photo by Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
When they experts talk, maybe we should listen. Peter Schrager, Dane Brugler, Field Yates, and Ran Carthon recently got together on āThe Schrager Hourā and took turns predicting all 32 picks in the first round for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. They decided to forgo any trade predictions, instead stood pat and selected with each pick. To say things got interesting would be an understatement.
As this mock draft pertains to the Dallas Cowboys, it didnāt exactly start off well. Dallasā preferred targets came off the board early and often, leaving them pretty wiped out by the time they were on the clock at No. 12. Dane Brugler made the best of the situation by selecting the safety out of Oregon, Dillon Thieneman. Itās important to note though, he likely wouldāve tried to trade down if that option had been on the table.
Dane Bruglerās thoughts on Dillon Thieneman from āThe Beastā:
āThieneman reminds me of Justin Reid because of his scheme-friendly recognition skills and eagerness to get busy as a run defender. He projects as a durable NFL starter and has the versatility that should appeal to a variety of defensive structures.ā
Q&A
Who is Dillon Thieneman and why is he a top pick for the Cowboys?
Dillon Thieneman is a safety from Oregon, predicted to be selected by the Cowboys due to his strong performance and potential impact on the team's defense.
What position will the Cowboys likely draft in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Cowboys are expected to draft a safety, specifically targeting Dillon Thieneman, as their preferred options were taken before their pick.
What challenges did the Cowboys face in the mock draft predictions?
The Cowboys struggled as many of their preferred draft targets were selected early, limiting their options by the time they were on the clock at No. 12.
