Last week, the Dallas Cowboys admitted what were their top concerns going into an offseason in which they desperately need to fix the defense. Both happened to be addressed in the latest Mock Draft put together by our college football experts Adam Holt and Rob Gregson at A to Z Sports.

Co-owner Stephen Jones pointed out the Cowboys “obviously” needed linebacker help, but also mentioned the secondary as one of the areas they need help the most. In my peers’ Mock Draft, the Dallas leads off with the latter by taking a cornerback described as a day one phenom. And let me tell you something, I love the pick.

Cowboys get Mansoor Delane in latest mockRound 1, Pick No. 12: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

“The Cowboys’ secondary, but particularly the cornerback position, is in dire straits in Dallas. Leaving round one without a corner feels irresponsible for Dallas, especially with someone who has the fluidity and footwork of Delane. He’s a day one, man coverage phenom in the league.” – Rob Gregson.

I recently wrote about why Delane blew me away when watching the tape. He’s consistently sticky in man coverage as Gregson points out. He almost never loses at the line of scrimmage as he patiently waits for receivers to get through their release. He’s physical but avoids penalties and he’s able to work through zone assignments effortlessly. Whether you hit him with an in-breaking route or a double move outside and deep, Delane is right there with you every step of the way.

I understand the concerns surrounding a slim frame at 190 pounds, but I expect Delane to be a baller at the NFL level. And if Gregson is right about him being a “day one, man coverage phenom,” I can’t think of many prospects that are better for Dallas. Urgent help is needed at corner.

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Round 1, Pick No. 12: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

“Dallas already addressed their CB need, so let’s take another swing for the horrific defense. Allen is a great mover at his size and can blossom at the pro level due to his natural instincts and willingness to get dirty in the run game. The Cowboys need more grit, and he can provide it at linebacker.” – Adam Holt.

Allen is more than just a consistent tackler and a good run defender, but even that should be enough for the Cowboys to pick him. Some people worry about the position value of off-ball linebackers in the first round but the reality is Dallas’ floor was so low in 2025 due to poor linebacker play.

Allen can cover as well, having the makings of a defender who will be involved in every defensive package.

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This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Jan 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.