Almost everyone expects the Dallas Cowboys to go defense with both of their first-round draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. The question is what combo they’ll order. A cornerback and a linebacker? Maybe a safety and a corner?
In Travis May’s latest four-round mock draft for us at A to Z Sports, the Cowboys address their pass rush needs at No. 20 overall by picking a prospect who was considered a Top 5 draft prospect in the 2025 preseason. And though he didn’t have the best season in 2025, his draft stock could rise at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he’s expected to turn heads.
The Cowboys saga with George Pickens could get even more interesting…The Cowboys saga with George Pickens could get even more interesting…
Cowboys take talented edge rusher
May has the Cowboys going with Clemson’s T.J. Parker at No. 20 overall. Though the former Tiger’s stock declined last year, the value there would be undeniable. Parker is ranked No. 27 in the consensus rankings, but positional value would be a factor.
May noted Parker was a standout at the Senior Bowl and expects his stock to rise in Indianapolis at the end of the month.
“(Parker already impressed) throughout Senior Bowl practices, constantly using his long-arm methods to control the line of scrimmage and rack up sacks on opposing quarterbacks,” May wrote. “If he performs as well as many expect at the NFL Combine he’s going to be a first round player. The Cowboys desperately need more pass rush and they get it here with Parker — a player who just one year ago was considered a possible top five pick in the NFL Draft given his traits and early career production.”
Adding a first-round edge rusher would be a dream come true for new Cowboys outside linebackers coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe. He would get to develop Donovan Ezeiruaku and Parker early in their careers.
Cowboys picks from May’s mock
Though Parker is the pick that caught my eye from May’s mock, here are all the players mocked to the Cowboys in the four-round simulation.