Detroit Lions replace Frank Ragnow, Dallas Cowboys fix defense in TNF mock draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The league spent the first half of the season pointing and laughing at the Dallas Cowboys for the Micah Parsons trade and the subsequent drubbings at the expense of their defense.

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The trade was still horrible, and this team would be better with Parsons on the edge. But suddenly, Dallas is back in the playoff picture, beating the Kansas City Chiefs to get to 6-5-1. With a win over the Detroit Lions on Thursday and a beleaguered Minnesota Vikings team a week later, the Cowboys would turn their playoff odds into a coin flip.

Of course, a Detroit squad with playoff aspirations of its own isn’t trying to let that happen. The Lions, though, are also fighting adversity, and as a once-surefire playoff spot fades, it’s worth looking ahead at how they could recalibrate for 2026.

Dallas Cowboys mock draft

Round 1, Pick 16: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Jermod McCoy began the cycle as the near-unanimous CB1. The good news is that he hasn’t done anything to threaten that title. The bad news is that a torn ACL is the reason why.

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After suffering the injury in January, McCoy has yet to appear in a game. I don’t know if that is cause for medical concern, and I’m not going to speculate — the league will let us know. For now, the middle of the first round seems apt for a versatile skill set like McCoy’s, and the film was good enough last season to earn his early-round hype.

McCoy is proficient in several different coverages along the boundary, and he logged four interceptions and nine passes defended against SEC competition. Dallas may struggle to invest in another corner with medical concerns, but help is needed in the secondary. There’s a chance McCoy is the best player on the board at No. 16, and the Cowboys’ trio of starting corners may not be as locked in as their name value would suggest.

Round 1, Pick 27: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia

Jerry Jones has not been shy about his affinity for good run defense. Ranking 29th and 30th in rushing EPA/Play and success rate, respectively, is rather damning. Quinnen Williams has helped change those fortunes, but there is work to be done to ensure next year’s unit can carry this late-season momentum.

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Allen is the best run-stuffing linebacker in this class. He is physical and aggressive, processes quickly, and has athleticism to spare. That opens the door to upside in coverage, although it is less proven than his early-down prowess.

Playing him next to DeMarvion Overshown would make for a dynamic unit and amplify the investments Dallas made into the spine of its defense.

Detroit Lions mock draft

Round 1, Pick 17: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

Bailey might not be available this late in mock drafts for much longer. He’s the best edge rusher in his conference and is answering all the questions that made him a Day 2 prospect this summer.

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Bailey is a freak athlete with good hands and a knack for getting to the quarterback, whether it be through burst, bend, or technique. As a run defender, he has taken significant steps forward, cementing his place as an every-down player, rather than a rotational sack artist.

MORE: Texas Tech’s breakout star dominating his way to the 2026 NFL Draft

Playing next to Aidan Hutchinson would further unlock that upside. And if Detroit is playing with a lead, the opportunity to let him pin his ears back and wreak havoc on opposing passing attacks could shift the balance of power in an ever-competitive NFC North. Prospects of this caliber aren’t supposed to be available for teams with this much talent.

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Round 2, Pick 50: Parker Brailsford, OC, Alabama

Frank Ragnow stepped back into the fold for a matter of hours before failing his physical and being sent home with a Grade 3 hamstring strain. That feels fitting for a Lions season defined by injuries and soft letdowns.

Finding a long-term center will be a priority this offseason. So much of Detroit’s success is built up front. The high-octane rushing attack is here to stay; so is Jared Goff’s uneasiness out of structure.

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Brailsford is emerging as the top center in the class, largely due to his pro-ready pass protection. Plugging that into a lineup that’s ready to compete makes sense, and being battle-tested in the SEC bodes well for early success.

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