Jan. 24, 2026, 5:00 p.m. CT

The Dallas Cowboys have a new defensive coordinator and with that they have a direction and blueprint for the future. Christian Parker, a former Philadelphia assistant, comes to Dallas a rising star in the NFL. The Vic Fangio product brings with him an intimate knowledge of one of the most respected schemes, and the 34-year-old has a teaching ability that’s earned rave reviews across the league.

Based on specialties and current focuses, most of the Cowboys’ DC candidates were coverage specialists and Parker is no exception. It speaks to Dallas’ dedication to fixing their secondary and indicates massive investments could be on the way by means of free agency and the 2026 NFL draft.

In this four-round mock draft we take a secondary-focused approach to things. With the defensive secondary taking a clear priority, we can except an intensive approach as the Cowboys seek to improve their team’s biggest weakness from a season before.

Round 1, Pick 14: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee(Cowboys trade 12, 150 for Baltimore’s 14, 80, 115)

With linebacker Sonny Styles and cornerbacks Mansoor Delane and McCoy still on the board at 12, Dallas accepts a move back knowing at least one of their top targets will be available later. In return they gain an extra top 100 pick and some change.

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As luck would have it, McCoy falls to Dallas and the rest is history. McCoy is arguably the top CB prospect in the class. Assuming he passes physicals and conducts workouts, there’s no reason to be scared of his previous season ending injury. This is not another Shavon Revel situation. McCoy will give Parker a true CB1 to work with, reducing the dependency and pressure on DaRon Bland and Revel in 2026.

Round 2, Pick 33: Anthony Hill Jr. LB, Texas(Cowboys trade 20, 112 for the Jets’ 33, 44)

The 6-foot-3, 238-pound Hill is rising up draft boards for very obvious reasons. The Texas linebacker is an extremely athletic prospect with both production and room for growth. The Cowboys have long struggled to find a capable MLB for their defense which, given its importance in coverage, makes it a problematic spot on the Dallas defense.

Hill is an instant starter with Pro Bowl potential. His presence allows the Cowboys to run the many coverages of Parker and fits into a 5-1-5 look that the new coordinator so often deploys. The trade back was significant but puts Dallas in position to target a specific safety they have their eyes on a little later.

Round 2, Pick 44: Dillon Thieneman, SAF, Oregon

After Caleb Downs, there’s a hefty amount of debate as to who is the second-best safety prospect in this draft. Thieneman has a pretty good case.

The 6-foot, 205-pound Oregon safety is an elite prospect at a position of major need in Dallas. Lightening fast with range, processing skills, and discipline, Thieneman is dream addition for a secondary looking for a makeover.

It helps that Thieneman comes from a diverse scheme and has been in a leadership role. Both intangibles weigh heavily in Dallas. Instant starter with Pro Bowl potential. It’s a theme of all three draft picks so far.

Round 3, Pick 80: Dani Dennis-Sutton, DE, Penn State

At 6-5, 265-pounds, Dennis-Sutton is a massive option on the edge for the Cowboys. An ideal bookend to the slender duo of James Houston and Donovan Ezeiruaku, the Penn State edge is NFL-built and perfect as a base end for the Cowboys.

An all-around performer, Dennis-Sutton is powerful and disciplined to play multiple roles in multiple fronts. Aside from his power moves, he’s undeveloped as a pass rusher but his PFF pass rush win rate of 15.8 percent falls into elite territory regardless. He’s a hard worker and beloved teammate making him a solid fit on a Cowboys team that values character.

Round 4, Pick 115: Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State

Going back to the Penn State well, the Cowboys find a game-breaking running back prospect who could serve a variety of roles in Dallas. If the Cowboys keep Javonte Williams, Singleton could slide into a RB2 role easily. Or if Williams leaves in free agency, the 6-foot, 224-pound Sutton could take over starting duties right away.

Singleton is experienced and polished making him an instant contributor who can be an asset on all three downs. His pass protection ability alone makes him a massive upgrade over second year RB Jaydon Blue.

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