Brett's Cowboys Corner

The consensus 1st overall pick, Mendoza secured his spot with a stellar playoff performance, fortified by his leadership and attitude. The Raiders hope to redeem themselves after their last 1st overall pick, JaMarcus Russell.

Reese earned the Linebacker of the Year award for his ability to diagnose plays before they happen. While known as a standout pass rusher, he can line up anywhere on the field. The Jets are struggling, but have an opportunity to take their QB on defense.

Starting since he was a true freshman, Mauigoa is a great athlete with powerful hands playing right tackle for the Hurricanes. The Cardinals will need to make a decision on QB in the near future, but whoever is throwing the ball, they will need some protection.

A powerful rusher and menace in the run game. Bain had a great postseason, and it helped him become a top-5 pick. New HC Robert Salah will be excited to add a dominant edge presence for his defensive line.

Downs is a versatile player and can line up as a deep safety, in the box, or playing the nickel. He may be the best player in the draft, but playing a non-valued position may cause him to fall on draft day. In this mock, Harbaugh doesn’t let him slide, knowing how impactful Kyle Hamilton was to his former Raven defense.

A toss-up for the best WR, Tyson has the YAC ability and route running skills to be the first receiver gone. Cleveland needs a lot of help offensively. Needing to figure out if the QBs in-house will do the job, they get an opportunity to take their best WR off the board.

Bailey may be considered the best pure pass rusher in this draft. He has the explosive first step and the length to win every rep. Dan Quinn often targets long defenders, and he will fit right in, as the Commanders look to get healthy and get back in the playoffs.

A tough and physical runner, Love has been climbing draft boards recently. Though the position value has been in question, maybe there is always at least one RB worth it. The Saints will be looking to help build around Tyler Shough, and what better way than giving him a run game.

An undersized WR at 5’11”, but Lemon makes up for it with his ability to catch everything, coupled with his route-running ability. The Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time in 10 years, and a lack of a solid receiving core for Mahomes was one of the many reasons.

The best coverage linebacker in the class. Styles makes plays sideline-to-sideline. The Bengals had a terrible defense last season, and poor linebacker play was a big reason. They could go anywhere on defense, but they grab the best guy left over.

The three WRs could go in any order. Tate of the three is the tallest at 6’3″ and is the best contested ball catcher. He turns 50/50 balls into 80/20 balls. Miami just released Tyreek Hill and needs to retool its offense…with or without Tua.

Sticky in man coverage, Delane shadows receivers across the length of the field. He plays with great instincts and should be considered the best corner of this class. Dallas needs help all over their defense. Diggs is gone, and Bland is battling injuries; the Cowboys lack a true CB1.

Trade from Atlanta

McCoy is returning from an ACL injury, but in 2024, he showed the potential to be considered a top corner in this class. Great in man coverage. He fits perfectly for the Rams as they can get an elite player, but can also give him time to recover in 2026. The other avenue for the Rams would be the offensive line here.

A powerful player who makes constant plays in the backfield. Jesse Minter, a defensive mind, takes over as head coach and looks to improve a defensive line that graded near the bottom of the league in pass rush and run defense.

The highs of Howell are through the roof, he is an explosive player with 11.5 sacks last season. But he’s gone through several slumps in his career, which held him back from being a top pick. The Buccaneers need some desperate help rushing the passer.

Trade from Indianapolis

For being 6’6″ and 330 pounds, Banks is a phenomenal mover and has the ability to be a pass-rushing defensive tackle. The Jets focus on defense this year, after taking Arvell Reese. NYJ looks to fill some holes following the Quinnen Williams trade.

Fano has been rumored to be a top offensive linemen but there have been equal rumors that he won’t be a tackle in the NFL and instead a guard. He has great feet and the hand technique to play either position. The Lions were devastated to miss the postseason, and personnel on its offensive line were a red flag. They need help on the interior and can slide Fano in.

The brother of NFL CB AJ Terrell. He is a great tackler and mover. Terrell may be restricted to the nickel at the pro level. The Vikings have a need at cornerback as the future of Isaiah Rodgers is unknown.

McDonald has a great eye for where the ball is going and requires a lot of attention for blockers. The Panthers need to figure out some deals with its defense. But they find a physical force here.

Trade from Green Bay

Allen has the ability to be an immediate starter at middle linebacker. He makes plays all around the line of scrimmage. A desperate need for Dallas. Notably, the Cowboys just hired the former linebackers coach from Georgia, Chidera Uzo-Diribe.

Here is some fun later in the draft. How high will someone take QB2? Simpson isn’t a top-tier QB but has shown good accuracy, survives in the pocket, and has an NFL arm. This has been a rumor I’ve seen recently. But will the Steelers go a different direction having learned from Kenny Pickett…or will they just keep Rodgers?

Vega is a strong and powerful offensive lineman. He will play guard at the pro level. The Chargers fielded 24 unique offensive line combinations last season. He will start immediately.

A great player in run defense. Has the ideal size for an NFL edge rusher. Philly may consider replacing Dallas Geodert here with Kenyon Saadiq, but I think Parker is the last premium edge still on the board.

Trade from Jacksonville

At 6’7″, Proctor has the size and traits that will interest teams. He will be interesting to watch on draft day as he could go as early as the top-10. Cleveland gets to pick twice. They got an offensive weapon and now will get some protection.

A physical tackler all over the field. Thieneman is a rangy player who could be considered to be a higher draft pick. The Bears could use him as additional help in the secondary and potentially playing down low in the box.

A playmaker with his speed and return ability. Concepcion made plays downfield with his burst all year for the Aggies. The Bills are in desperate need to get some help for Josh Allen, while the top WRs are gone, KC is still a playmaker that can make an immediate impact.

Lomu is a big developmental lineman. He will project at guard in the NFL most likely. The 49ers need some help with weapons, but if the player is not there, they can continue to develop their offensive line.

A great piece to create pressure in the middle. Miller plays with a consistent and high motor. The Texans take their best value on getting a physical presence inside.

An aggressive player with a strong finish. Freeling has crept his way up draft boards recently. The patience pays off for the Rams, as they can use their second pick to replace their right tackle, Rob Havenstein, who just announced his retirement.

Sadiq is a legitimate downfield threat and plays a big receiver. Bo Nix and the Broncos could benefit greatly from this offensive weapon as they get healthy and try again for the championship in 2026.

A powerful right tackle with good athleticism and good technique at right tackle for Arizona State. While the Patriots’ Super Bowl will be remembered for their lack of protection of Drake Maye on the left side. You can’t get rid of Will Campbell like that. The reality is, Morgan Moses on the right side is nearing the end of his NFL career.

The Super Bowl champions won it all with a great defense, but they look to add more. Hood is a quick-footed corner who is a good mover. Hood may be restricted to the nickel at the pro level despite playing outside at Tennessee. Seattle has two corners expected to hit free agency in March.