Jan. 16, 2026, 9:47 p.m. CT
While the Dallas Cowboys look to work out what direction their defense will head for 2026 in their search for a new coordinator, the NFL world keeps barreling towards the offseason talent acquisition process. Seeing how that side of the ball is most in need of improvement, it’s hard to anticipate which direction the Cowboys will go in free agency and the draft.
That is, outside of players who are seen as fits in any scheme. In his latest first-round mock draft for The Athletic, famed draftnik Dane Brugler didn’t shy away from the defense for his two prospects he assigned to the Cowboys. Owning picks No. 12 and No. 20, Dallas went back-to-back defenders, choosing both a linebacker and a cornerback.
The last time the Cowboys had multiple top-20 picks, in 2005, they went with two defenders (Demarcus Ware and Marcus Spears). That is the expected approach for Dallas in the upcoming draft, too.
At 6 feet 4 and 240 pounds with 4.5 speed, Styles is a freak of nature. He doesn’t miss tackles, and his read-react skills get better with every game.
Styles is generally considered the top linebacker prospect in the last handful of drafts. The former safety has elite coverage skills, and elite size and quickness to pursue ball carriers.
Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell, doesn’t have elite size — and it shows at times versus bigger targets. But he does have NFL-level athleticism and competes like a linebacker. Over the last two seasons, Terrell has combined for 25 passes defended and eight forced fumbles. He has a “Honey Badger” aura to him.
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Terrell is a turnover machine; interceptions, forced fumbles, you name it.
