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
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.
1.20: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
Dallas stays in the secondary, taking one of the many cornerbacks they hosted for an official visit. He hasn’t gotten the buzz that other top corners have, but “Johnson is an ascending prospect about whom multiple sources have raved” in recent weeks, per Reid. Four interceptions, two returned for scores, and zero TDs allowed when targeted in 2025? Yes, please.
3.92: LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr, TCU
After a long wait between picks, the Cowboys land an intriguing Dallas Day prospect in Elarms-Orr. A latecomer to football, he didn’t become a full-time inside linebacker until 2023, so he’s still raw. Teams supposedly fell in love with his work ethic and athleticism, though, during the predraft cycle. Reid says he “could make a quick impact” next to DeMarvion Overshown.
4.112: EDGE Max Llewellyn, Iowa
The one-year Hawkeyes starter was among the tallest defensive ends at this year’s scouting combine. That and his relentless pass-rush motor could make him an option on Day 3, after the R Mason Thomases and Romello Heights have been taken. He’s better right now as a pass-rusher than a run defender, but Iowa guys have a reputation as being extremely coachable.
5.152: EDGE George Gumbs Jr., Florida
Not using an early selection on one premier edge rusher may force the Cowboys to hedge their bets and take several project players at the position. Gumbs was a walk-on wide receiver at Northern Illinois who transitioned to tight end and then edge rusher before heading to Florida. He learned the position quickly and has logged 21 tackles for loss in his three years at DE.
5.177: CB Latrell McCutchin Sr., Houston
McCutchin bounced around three different programs- Oklahoma, USC, and Houston and had to give up a year of ball due to transferring a second time. The 23-year-old is a tough and passionate player who may have to rely on special teams as a way to make a roster while he refines his coverage skills. Dallas still has question marks at corner; depth may be the answer.
5.180: DT Bryson Eason, Tennessee
Reid leaves Louisville’s Rene Konga- a player the Cowboys have demonstrated clear interest in- on the board here and instead mocks Eason to Dallas. Konga is viewed as the better prospect, though Eason has 30 more pounds of mass. The Volunteer also tallied 55 tackles and registered 11.5 tackles for loss over the past two years, all stats that top Konga’s production.
7.218: RB Le’Veon Moss, Texas A&M
The Cowboys finally go offense with their final pick, adding another young RB to a room that already has Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. Not making the nostalgic pick of E.J. Smith (Emmitt’s son) here and instead taking his backfield teammate may rankle some Cowboys fans, but Moss is actually a top-15 running back in this year’s class, providing nice value in the seventh round.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: ESPN 7-round mock: Cowboys go (almost) all defense in draft, but with surprise names
Reporting by Todd Brock, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
