DALLAS — Back in 2020, first-year head coach Matt Rhule and the Carolina Panthers did something interesting on draft weekend. They used all seven of their picks on defense in the hope of turning around a unit that finished 31st in terms of points allowed. For what it’s worth: The Panthers jumped up to No. 18 in the NFL in points allowed the following year. After having the worst defense in the ...

Texas Tech defensive end Romello Height recovers a fumble during the second half of the Big 12 Championship game against BYU at AT&T Stadium on Dec. 6, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.

Elias Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News/TNS

DALLAS — Back in 2020, first-year head coach Matt Rhule and the Carolina Panthers did something interesting on draft weekend. They used all seven of their picks on defense in the hope of turning around a unit that finished 31st in terms of points allowed. For what it’s worth: The Panthers jumped up to No. 18 in the NFL in points allowed the following year.

After having the worst defense in the NFL last season, could the Dallas Cowboys do something similar?

The Cowboys addressed some needs in free agency, adding three players in their secondary, including former Arizona safety Jalen Thompson, and trading for Packers outside linebacker Rashan Gary. Those moves shouldn’t prevent them from adding in those places. They also have yet to fill a major need at linebacker.

Without further ado, let’s dive into our first seven-round mock draft for the Cowboys:

Round 1 (No. 12): LSU CB Mansoor Delane

We’ve had the Cowboys selecting Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy in our previous two mock drafts, in part, because Delane wasn’t there. This time, let’s say Delane is available at No. 12. Delane is looked at as the best outside corner in the draft. He allowed just 14 receptions on 35 targets in an All-American season at LSU. He had eight career interceptions during his time at LSU and Virginia Tech. He could be a cornerstone of the Dallas secondary and the latest project for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. If he’s there, the Cowboys should sprint to the podium. But will he? Kansas City at No. 9 could potentially snag him before the Cowboys are on the clock.

Round 1 (No. 20): Trade!

The Cowboys trade the 20th pick and pick No. 112 to the San Francisco 49ers for the 27th pick and pick No. 58.

Dallas and San Francisco already made one trade this offseason. Why not another? San Francisco trades up to try to find an heir apparent to Trent Williams. The Cowboys, meanwhile, recoup a second-round pick, once again giving them two Day 2 selections.

Round 1 (No. 27, from SF): Georgia LB C.J. Allen or Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez

I know, I know: It’s a bit of hedging on my part to have two players, but it encapsulates the potential risks with trading back. In this scenario, the Cowboys move back seven spots with the hope Allen will still be there. A logical floor for Allen is the Denver Broncos at No. 30. A potential ceiling could be the middle of the first round. It’s a wide gap at a position the Cowboys seem destined to fill early. If they can get Allen at No. 27, great. If he’s gone, then they turn their attention to one of the best linebackers in college football last season. Rodriguez will go earlier than people may think. Side note: The Cowboys want a linebacker to pair with DeMarvion Overshown. I could already see both of them walking into the locker room on gameday with Cowboy hats on.

Round 2 (No. 58, from SF): Miami DB Keionte Scott

The Cowboys have already done a lot of remodeling work in their secondary. Here, they do it with another versatile piece. Scott is a playmaker who shined brightest on the biggest stage this past year. He’s versatile, tenacious and intelligent. He’s someone who could fit in Parker’s secondary in multiple different ways.

Round 3 (No. 92): Texas Tech edge Romello Height

Hey, nothing says no redshirts like drafting back-to-back 25-year-olds, right? Height has the speed and physical ability to quickly help an NFL defense. He ran a 4.64 40-yard dash at the combine and jumped 39 inches. He seems to be slipping on external draft boards, but his athleticism and potential make him a good selection here in Round 3.

Round 5 (No. 152): Kansas State S VJ Payne

In this scenario, the Cowboys try to trade back up to get TCU safety Bud Clark in the fourth round, but they’re unsuccessful, and Clark goes before they can snag him. Instead, they turn to a big, athletic safety and former team captain. Payne is 6-3 and ran a 4.4 40-yard dash. He is another versatile secondary piece that could also be an asset on special teams.

Round 5 (No. 177): Houston TE Tanner Koziol

I just don’t think Brian Schottenheimer could live with an all-defensive draft. So here we throw him a bone. Koziol had 20 contested catches last season for the Cougars. At 6-6, he would potentially give the Cowboys another red zone target. He also would be good insurance for Jake Ferguson’s contested catch ability if Ferguson is out.

Round 5 (No. 180): Indiana OLB Mikail Kamara

The Cowboys, in this case, double dip on potential edge players. Kamara is a high-motor player who can make plays both on defense and special teams. He had a blocked punt that was recovered for a touchdown in the national championship game. Kamara and Height could add to a pass-rush rotation for the Cowboys.

Round 7 (No. 218): Navy DT Landon Robinson

Robinson was probably the biggest name that wasn’t invited to the combine. He was an All-American last season and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He may be undersized, but he’s productive and would compete for a roster spot on the defensive line.