As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for their pivotal Week 18 clash against the New York Giants on Sunday afternoon, the focus is already shifting toward the offseason. With the 2025-26 regular season wrapping up, the Cowboys’ draft position is nearly set, and speculation is running wild about how they’ll address their roster needs in the 2026 NFL Draft. In a stunning twist that defies conventional wisdom, CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson has dropped a pre-finale mock draft bombshell, projecting Dallas to bolster both sides of the trenches with game-changing talent.
The Cowboys, holding the No. 14 overall pick and an additional No. 21 selection acquired via trade with the Green Bay Packers, have been widely expected to prioritize defense after a season plagued by inconsistencies on that side of the ball. However, Wilson’s latest projection takes an unorthodox route, starting with a massive investment in the offensive line before circling back to shore up the pass rush. This approach could reshape the team’s identity, especially amid rumors of cap-clearing moves like potentially releasing starting right tackle Terence Steele.
Let’s break down the picks that could define the Cowboys’ future:
Pick No. 14: Francis Mauigoa, Offensive Tackle, Miami Hurricanes
Dubbed a “road grader/earth mover” in the run game, Mauigoa is a behemoth at the offensive tackle position, blending enormous size with freakish athleticism. Standing out in the 2025 Cotton Bowl where he stonewalled rushers, the Miami standout excels in paving lanes for the ground attack while holding his own in pass protection. Wilson’s analysis highlights his edge on the field: “He plays with an edge and is better vs. the run than in pass protection right now but well above average in both departments. He could play right tackle or kick inside to guard.”
This selection would signal a proactive rebuild of the offensive line, addressing potential voids and providing quarterback protection for years to come. Mauigoa’s versatility makes him an ideal fit for a Cowboys unit that’s shown vulnerabilities in the trenches this season.
Pick No. 21 (via Packers): David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Restoring balance to the draft haul, Wilson tabs Bailey as the defensive reinforcement Dallas desperately needs. The Texas Tech EDGE brings a lethal combination of power, athleticism, and relentless motor to the table. At 247 pounds, he’s lighter than some prototypes, but his toolkit—featuring a devastating long-arm move, bull rush, and explosive burst around the corner—makes him a nightmare for opposing tackles.
“Bailey brings a mix of power and athleticism off the edge, pairing a strong long-arm move and a nasty bull rush with the burst to win around the corner,” Wilson notes. “His strength, motor and variety of pass-rush moves make him a constant problem for tackles who don’t anchor well.” Seen eyeing down quarterbacks like BYU’s Bear Bachmeier in key matchups and drilling ahead of high-stakes games like the Orange Bowl, Bailey’s profile screams “impact player” for a Cowboys defense that’s hungered for more quarterback pressure.
This duo could transform Dallas’ trenches, blending Mauigoa’s run-game dominance with Bailey’s pass-rushing prowess. While the Cowboys’ defensive woes have dominated headlines, fortifying the offensive line first might be the smart, long-term play—especially if cap space opens up through roster tweaks.
The 2026 NFL Draft, set to unfold in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from April 23-25, promises to be a pivotal moment for the franchise. As fans brace for the season finale, this mock draft adds fuel to the offseason fire. Will Jerry Jones and company follow this blueprint, or pivot to pure defense? Only time will tell, but one thing’s clear: the Cowboys are poised to make waves.
For more on the Cowboys’ finale, check out our bold predictions for the game against the Giants. Stay tuned as the draft buzz intensifies!
