New Cowboys Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Picks

The Dallas Cowboys are another team that fell short of expectations last season because of their defense. It was largely self-inflicted after trading Micah Parsons a week before their opening game in Philadelphia.

The Cowboys have the opportunity to continue restructuring their overall unit with two first-round picks.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting Dallas will do with the No. 12 and 20 picks:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (3/31)

Selections (No. 12 & 20): CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee & S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

Jermod McCoy

The Cowboys own a pair of first-round picks, and both should go toward the defensive side of the ball after their unit finished among the bottom three last season. Jerry Jones and Co. don't need to overthink this process.

Specifically, the Cowboys finished dead-last in pass defense. The secondary requires an overhaul. Tennessee's Jermod McCoy may be a wild card in this year's class, but he has legitimate CB1 potential, and Dallas may be getting awesome value here based on last year's circumstances.

"Dallas' secondary definitely needs work," B/R Scout Daniel Harms said. "What better way to start than by adding one of the draft class' most talented corners? McCoy's 2024 tape stands out among incoming defenders for his explosiveness, natural man-coverage acumen and physicality in disrupting receivers downfield at the catch-point.

"There's a little more risk with McCoy after not playing last season due to a torn ACL he suffered in January 2025. However, he's the type of player worth taking in the top half of a draft when a defense needs a significant talent injection. With his physicality, tackling ability and quick twitch, McCoy can give the Cowboys valuable nickel reps as well."

Dillon Thieneman

The Cowboys aren't just adding a pair of defensive prospects, which would be the logical approach given their current roster construction; they're also going to double-dip in the secondary.

Earlier, Dallas chose Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy to handle the likes of Malik Nabers, Terry McLaurin and DeVonta Smith/AJ Brown within the NFC East. A versatile safety to serve as a backline eraser will further improve the situation, hence Dillon Thieneman's addition.

"Jalen Thompson's signing was a good start for the safety room," Harms said, "but the acquisition of a true roamer on the back end with range, speed and instincts will help take the Cowboys' defense to the next level.

"Dallas can win a championship with the offense it has constructed. Thieneman living on top of the defense can help round out every other piece of the defense to finally play complementary football. While he played closer to the line of scrimmage at Oregon and gained experience as a robber, his best attributes are playing the post and hash. He and McCoy massively upgrade the Cowboys' defense based on talent alone."

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (3/17)

Selections (No. 12 & 20): CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee & LB CJ Allen, Georgia

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selections (No. 12 & 20): CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee & Edge R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selections (No. 12 & 20): CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee & S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selections (No. 12 & 20): LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State & CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selections (No. 12 & 20): CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee & Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (3/4)

Selections (No. 12 & 20): CB Mansoor Delane & Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selections (No. 12 & 20): Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn & CB Kolton Hood, Tennessee

Summary

A Tennessee Volunteers cornerback playing in Dallas looks highly possible with where the Cowboys are picking. They need to reload their secondary as the defense has made major schematic and personnel changes this offseason. While they could use an edge-rusher after last season's blockbuster trade, at least one cornerback is needed to start for them instantly.