Locked On Cowboys Podcast: Dallas Cowboys DESTINED to Land a Defensive Star in 2026? | Top 50 NFL Draft Prospects!

Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool
Date: November 12, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into Dane Brugler's newly released Top 50 NFL Draft Prospects for 2026, discussing what it means for the Dallas Cowboys' draft strategy—especially on defense, where they have glaring needs at edge rusher, linebacker, and in the secondary. The hosts assess positional depth, player archetypes, and team philosophy, previewing how Dallas might reload its roster in hopes of contending in 2026 and 2027.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Dane Brugler's Track Record and List Impact

• Dane's Reliability:
  Marcus boosts Dane Brugler's credibility, noting his consistent accuracy with pre-draft player rankings—“Of his top 15 players, 11 were drafted inside the top 15. And of his top 32 players, 20 went in the first round.” (01:50)
• Purpose of the Discussion:
  The focus isn’t just despair over a rough season; it’s about using the Cowboys’ extra downtime to look ahead smartly with a list that’s been a solid NFL indicator.

Deep, Versatile 2026 Edge Rusher Class

• Loaded with Talent:
  • Nine of Dane's top 45 are edge rushers; potentially ten if counting hybrid types.
  • Quote: “That's great news for the Cowboys because it doesn't mean that you necessarily have to use whatever is your first of the two round picks on the defensive end, because there's probably going to be a little bit of talent maybe lingering in the bottom of the first half as well.” –Landon (04:44)
• Prospect Styles:
  There’s something for every defensive philosophy—big, power ends (like Keldrick Falk and Reuben Bane Jr.) and smaller, speedier rushers (such as David Bailey and Our Mason Thomas).
• Cowboys' Likely Strategy:
  Focus on best available pass rusher rather than a single archetype, given contract situations and roster needs.

Edge Rusher Prospect Deep Dives

• Keldrick Falk (Auburn):
  • Size: 6’6”, 270 lbs; youngest player in the draft class.
  • Draws comparisons to Mikel Williams; serves as a "classic Auburn player" misaligned in college but probably ready to blossom in a pro scheme.
  • Quote: “This guy's just dripping with athletic talent.” –Landon (06:47)
• Reuben Bane Jr. (Miami):
  • 6’3”, 275 lbs; “power end” similar to Jared Verse; not as long as Falk but disruptive.
• Cashes Howell (Texas A&M):
  • Explosive and productive, leading SEC in sacks.
  • Short arms (<31”) could limit his draft ceiling, despite production. Debate on how much it matters for NFL success.
• David Bailey (Texas Tech):
  • Leads NCAA in pressures and Big 12 in sacks.
  • More effort as a run defender, but explosiveness as rusher stands out.
  • Quote: “He's a guy that could really be an explosive playmaker as a pass rusher.” –Landon (09:51)

Linebacker Class—Headlined by 'Do-It-All' Prospects

• Arvell Reese (Ohio State):
  • Top overall prospect on Dane’s board.
  • Has Micah Parsons-like versatility; lines up as edge or off-ball LB, disruptive everywhere.
  • Quote: “If he wanted to put Over Reese as a full time defensive end, he probably would be the best defensive end in the country.” –Landon (13:35)
• Sonny Styles (Ohio State):
  • 6’4”, 243 lbs, runs a 4.38 40, 20 years old, senior captain.
  • Compared to a "bigger Ryan Shazier."
  • Quote: “There's just not very many linebackers out there with that kind of size, speed, athleticism.” –Marcus (14:52)

Defensive Backfield: CB & Safety Needs

• Cornerback Situation:
  • Dane’s top CB, Jermod McCoy (Tennessee), is rehabbing from an ACL.
  • General lack of size/length among top corners—a concern given Dallas' draft thresholds.
  • Quote: “All of these guys are undersized... not meeting the thresholds Cowboys usually have at the position.” –Landon (17:25)
• Safety Standout – Caleb Downs:
  • Number 3 overall prospect; classic 5-star arc (Alabama/Ohio State).
  • Can play single high, slot, or box with top-level production and pedigree.
  • Quote: “He’s a unique cat where he can play in the slot. He can play single high, he can play in the box.” –Marcus (20:20)
  • Cowboys likely to consider a safety early due to Wilson, Hooker, and Thomas' uncertain futures.

Offensive Playmakers: Less Likely, but Possibilities

• OL or RB in Round 1?
  Landon finds it unlikely, but possible if a top tackle (like Fanu) or RB Jeremiah Love falls.
• WR—The Likely Exception:
  If George Pickens is moved via trade/franchise tag, WR becomes a top need.
  • “If Pickens isn't coming back, then wide receiver probably is going to be have to be one of those first round picks.” –Landon (25:57)
  • This year’s WR class is deeper and more varied than last year, although it lacks a Jamar Chase-level star.
• Quarterback?
  No current expectation Dallas reaches for one in 2026.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the 2026 draft matching the Cowboys’ needs:
  “It just feels like the board aligns perfectly for Dallas to fix its biggest holes.” –Marcus (26:40)

• On Dallas’ likely draft focus:
  “This is going to be a very defensive heavy draft. I think the Cowboys are hoping they can get two starters on defense with their two first round picks.” –Marcus (28:00)

• On linebacker Arvell Reese:
  “He’s a pressure player who is all over the field… can drop back into coverage, he can pressure the quarterback.” –Landon (13:35)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Main Theme Intro: 01:50
• Dane Brugler’s top 50’s track record: 01:50–03:16
• Edge rusher class & prospects: 03:42–10:36
• LB/Arvell Reese & Sonny Styles: 12:56–16:37
• DB Class (CB/S): 16:37–21:15
• Safety Need/Caleb Downs: 18:22–21:15
• Offensive prospects/WR class: 24:08–27:37
• QB/Team-building philosophy: 27:37–28:27

Episode Takeaways

• The 2026 draft is shaping up to be deep along the defensive front—exactly where Dallas has need.
• Cowboys’ likely top targets: Edge rusher, linebacker, potentially a starting safety or corner, with search for offensive help contingent on outgoing veterans.
• Draft depth means Dallas could land impact defenders even if picking mid-late in round one.
• Explosive, versatile defenders like Reese and Styles get special attention as potential franchise-changing stars.
• If Dallas surprises with a first-round offensive pick, it’ll likely be a WR contingent on roster moves with George Pickens.
• Philosophy is “win now, reload—in 2026, 2027—before approaching a full rebuild and QB search.”

For more Cowboys draft coverage, team news, and full prospect breakdowns, subscribe to Locked On Cowboys wherever you get your podcasts.

Hosts' Twitter:

• Marcus Mosher: @Marcus_Mosher
• Landon McCool: @McCoolBCB