Cowboys' plans for 2 first-round picks revealed by ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. mock draft

The Dallas Cowboys are at least in a promising position as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches.

They've got two first-round picks, with the additional selection coming from the Micah Parsons trade with the Packers. That provides plenty of opportunity to upgrade at key spots.

On Tuesday, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. unveiled his latest mock draft. It's a window into what might happen for every team, including the twice-picking Cowboys.

MORE: Why the Kansas City Chiefs traded for Justin Fields

Mel Kiper Jr. on Cowboys' No. 12 pick

This is the Cowboys' own selection, and Kiper thinks Dallas may use it to shore up the secondary.

He has them taking Jermod McCoy, a cornerback out of Tennessee.

"Dallas gave up a league-worst 7.3 yards per dropback last season, and the secondary was gashed for a league-high 46 passing plays of 25 or more yards," Kiper writes. "I liked the Jalen Thompson signing at safety, and Cobie Durant will chip in at cornerback alongside DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel Jr., but the Cowboys are still looking for their No. 1 cornerback. McCoy doesn't come without questions; he tore an ACL in January 2025, sat out the season and then didn't work out at the combine. But he can flat out play football when he's on the field. McCoy had four interceptions in 2024. If Dallas likes what it sees at his March 31 pro day, this could be a smart pick."

McCoy wouldn't have to be a star right away, since Dallas has some CB depth, but he could develop into one.

Mel Kiper Jr. on Cowboys' No. 20 pick

The Cowboys have this pick from the Packers from the Parsons deal.

Kiper has them going after all-purpose linebacker CJ Allen from Georgia.

"It'd be wise for the Cowboys to double-dip on defense (Jermod McCoy at No. 12)," Kiper writes. "They gave up 6.1 yards per play in 2025, 31st in the NFL and third worst for any team in any of the past five seasons. Allen can play all three downs, as he can drop in coverage, run down ball carriers and even blitz. He had 97 tackles last season for the Bulldogs, showcasing tremendous read-and-react skills."

It's definitely a safe bet to think the Cowboys will go defense-defense with these picks. They need it.

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