It is the middle of October and it feels fair to say that we have a pretty strong idea what the Dallas Cowboys are going to do in April. In looking at the team’s roster they need defensive help like nobody’s business. Right when the season began the team traded away Micah Parsons. and it goes without saying that the draft capital acquired (which is near the bottom of the order right now) will be used on that side of the ball.
This is clearly the thinking of ESPN’s Jordan Reid at the moment. Reid launched a mock for the 2026 NFL Draft on Wednesday, first round only, and had Dallas going defense with both of their selections.
David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
Bailey has been a force off the edge this season, and he leads the FBS with a 24.6% pressure rate to go along with 8.5 sacks, which are tied for first. He is a constant disruptor who can win with speed or power. And with Micah Parsons now in Green Bay, the Cowboys need a potent pass-rushing presence outside, which Bailey could provide. Dallas’ 11 sacks are tied for 22nd in the NFL, and that defense is giving up 6.2 yards per play, which ranks 30th.
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Banks was viewed as a potential top-15 pick entering the season, but he suffered a foot injury in the preseason that has limited him to one game after he reaggravated it, requiring surgical repair. Banks had 4.5 sacks in 2024 and would represent great value for the Cowboys, who are rebuilding a defense that is last in the NFL in yards allowed per game (411.7) and 31st in points allowed per game (30.7).
Texas Tech’s David Bailey would be the Micah Parsons “replacement” as he is the edge rusher of the group. His Red Raiders have had one of the best seasons in college football this year, one that they may turn into a Big 12 title so he would have a chance to play in his future home if this mock comes to fruition.
Defensive tackle is an often-discussed topic when it comes to the Cowboys, but Mazi Smith was the first one they took in the first round since Russell Maryland many moons ago. Banks is an easy dot to connect considering that Reid’s colleague Field Yates had Dallas taking him in his mock from back in August before the Parsons trade happened.
This would be an infusion of talent on the defensive side of the ball which would certainly go a long way to helping things out. It stands to reason that Dallas may address the defense, somewhat, in free agency as well which could alter the state of the roster.
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