We’re one month into the 2026 college football season, and while some players have disappointed, particularly as it pertains to next April, when many of them were supposed to change an NFL franchise, plenty of names have also emerged after being barely talked about. I’m not going to spend time discussing Ohio State wide receiver
The first wave of free agency had wrapped. It was time to dive into Pro Football Network’s mock simulator. The goal was to reshape the Cowboys’ roster. I kept things disciplined: only first‑round trades, and only if the simulator offered them.
Then Seattle dropped a blockbuster on the table.
Dallas shipped picks 12 and 152 (359 points) to the Seahawks and walked away with a king’s ransom:
Pick 32 (Round 1)
Pick 64 (Round 2)
Pick 96 (Round 3)
2027 2nd‑round pick
2027 3rd‑round pick
Total value: 398 points — a clear win for Dallas.
I had extra ammo and a clear mission. I searched for players who could fortify the defense. They also needed to elevate an already top‑five offense. What followed was a draft class built on toughness, upside, and immediate impact.
🏈 The Picks
20. Akheem Mesidor — EDGE, Miami (FL)
A grown‑man pass rusher with NFL‑ready strength and technique. Mesidor steps into the rotation on Day One and gives Dallas the juice it needs off the edge.
32. Jacob Rodriguez — LB, Texas Tech
This is the type of player Cowboys fans fall in love with instantly. Rodriguez flies around the field, diagnoses quickly, and pairs beautifully with Overshown to form a fast, aggressive linebacker duo.
64. Will Lee III — CB, Texas A&M
Long, physical, and competitive. Lee adds real heat to the cornerback room and should push for a starting job sooner rather than later.
92. Bud Clark — S, TCU
A young, rangy safety with natural ball skills. Clark enters a strong safety room and gets groomed as a long‑term starter on the back end.
96. Kaytron Allen — RB, Penn State
A downhill hammer who brings back the physical identity the run game has been missing. Allen and Javonte Williams form a punishing one‑two punch.
112. Markel Bell — OT, Miami (FL)
A raw but freakishly gifted tackle prospect. With coaching and patience, Bell has the tools to become Dallas’ left tackle for the next decade.
177. Jeff Caldwell — WR, Cincinnati
A big‑bodied target who replaces Tolbert and brings a physical element that Lamb and Pickens don’t. Red‑zone weapon, chain‑mover, matchup problem.
180. Red Murdock — LB, Buffalo
A violent, downhill linebacker who hits like he’s trying to split the turf. Depth, special teams, and tone‑setting energy.
218. Thaddeus Dixon — CB, North Carolina
Young, talented, and fresh off an “internship” under Bill Belichick. Dixon brings smart, disciplined corner play and developmental upside.