The 2026 NFL draft isn't for a few months, but that isn't stopping Dallas Cowboys fans from looking ahead. America's Team is entering this year's draft with two first-round picks in its possession, with the higher of the two being the No. 12 overall selection.
Considering how historically poor the team’s defense was this season, it would only make sense for the Cowboys to use both picks on defensive players. It is also important that Dallas will draft players who will fit the scheme of whoever the team ends up hiring as defensive coordinator.
There is plenty of early round defensive talent in the draft, but America’s Team must prioritize addressing their needs. Dallas could look to improve at edge rusher, linebacker and safety. Sounds like the entire defense, but that’s how bad it was.
Here are three draftees the Cowboys should target with the 12th pick.
1. Caleb Downs, Safety — Ohio State
Perhaps the most obvious choice out of the three is Caleb Downs, arguably the best defensive prospect in not only this draft class, but the history of Ohio State University’s storied program.
The nation’s top defensive back captained the country’s top defense filled with NFL level talent. Downs fits a crucial need for the Cowboys. Dallas has had one of the worst secondaries in the league for a few years now and it has also been a while since they’ve had an elite safety.
The 2025 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year was terrific again in his final year, amassing 45 solo tackles, five tackles for lost yardage, two interceptions, two broken-up passes, and a sack.
Scouts, coaches and draft evaluators all rave at Downs’ football IQ. Combine that with his skillset: ability to read offense, open-field tackling and great ball skills, and Downs can quickly become not just one of the best safeties, but one of the best defensive players in the league.
2. Sonny Styles, Linebacker — Ohio State
Along with Downs, Sonny Styles was a huge part in the Buckeyes' defensive success this season. The draft’s top ranked linebacker is a unique prospect that should intrigue the Cowboys if he’s still available at No. 12.
Although he didn't match his 2024 totals, Styles still had 46 solo tackles and a sack to go along with three defended passes. He finished with 15 total pressures, according to Pro Football Focus, while his 2.2% missed tackle rate was a major improvement from last year (18.4%).
Dallas desperately needs help at linebacker. Aside from DeMarvion Overshown, who has struggled to remain healthy so far in his career, the team lacks reliable play at the position. Styles can be the guy that can change that. His game is also very likely to translate well at the next level because of his experience playing under OSU defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.
The Cowboys could also be getting a hybrid-player with Styles that could potentially address two needs. Styles was a safety before making the switch to linebacker. Though it would be hard to move him back from the linebacker position where he’s excelled, the idea of his versatility shouldn’t be ignored.
3. David Bailey, Linebacker — Texas Tech
Texas Tech University is coming off of a historic season, a season in which the defense was the highlight of the team. If you know anything about Red Raiders football throughout history, they have never been known for their defense prowess. However, in 2025, David Bailey and company led Texas Tech to be the third-ranked defense in the country. Bailey was arguably the top pass rusher in the NCAA, finishing with an FBS-leading 14.5 sacks while pacing the Big 12 with 19.5 tackles for a loss.
After trading Micah Parsons prior to the season, the Cowboys struggled to consistently get to the quarterback. Some guys showed flashes, but no one jumped out as the guy who could replace the void left. Bailey has the makings to be that guy.
Bailey is a stout figure, standing at 6’3” and 250 lbs. At his size, he has a deadly first step combined with power rushing ability and creativity to create pressure. If the Cowboys can land him, between him and Donovan Ezeiruaku, fans should regain excitement at the edge position.