DRAFT: Favorite Round 1 Picks For The Dallas Cowboys Ahead Of NFL Combine | Styles or Delane?

Summary

Locked On Cowboys Podcast
Episode: DRAFT: Favorite Round 1 Picks For The Dallas Cowboys Ahead Of NFL Combine | Styles or Delane?
Date: February 23, 2026
Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool

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Episode Overview

In this episode, Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool preview their favorite—and most realistic—round one draft picks for the Dallas Cowboys as the NFL Calendar moves closer to the 2026 NFL Draft and NFL Combine. With just two months to go, the hosts share their top options for picks #12 and #20, discussing not only big names and fan favorites but also realistic contingencies and how these players would fit within the Cowboys' roster and defensive schemes.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Stage: The Cowboys’ First Round Priorities

• The focus is on identifying the most realistic and beneficial picks for the Cowboys in the first round.
• The hosts acknowledge that the draft board's dynamics change quickly, and this discussion captures their thinking as of late February.

Notepad Tradition & Early Favorites

• Marcus mentions his annual tradition:

  “I always like to do this. I, I write it down on a little notepad next to my desk to just kind of see where the feel is at when it comes to these picks and see how much it changes over the next couple of weeks.” (01:27)

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Round 1, Pick 12: Styles vs Delane

Marcus’s Pick: Sonny Styles, Linebacker, Ohio State

[03:51]

• Value at Linebacker:
  Marcus: “I just think that Sonny Styles is a really special player and a position where more and more that position is becoming more valuable. He can stay on the field when all three downs. He's just a player who's on the rise.”
• Underappreciated on a Loaded Roster:
  Marcus notes that Styles may be underestimated due to playing on a stacked Ohio State team and likens it to the “hidden in plain sight” nature of big-program standouts.
• “I just don't think you get a lot of linebackers like him coming out of drafts every single year.” (04:38)

Landon’s Pick: Mansour Delane, Cornerback, LSU

[04:58]

• Aggression and Versatility:
  Landon: “I just love watching him play. I love how aggressive he is. I like how physical he is despite being undersized.”
• Solution to a Roster Problem:
  “It's really hard to find corners like this… if you do, you got to pay a ton of money in free agency for them or you've got to trade like multiple first round picks like the Colts had to do.”
• Pairing with Bland:
  Landon highlights that Delane would form a potent duo with Duron Bland: “You've got two corners that can play inside and outside.”
• On Delane’s Size:
  Marcus admits: “Yeah, the size is obviously the thing that is my concern, but absolutely agree. Would not have any problem with him being the pick at 12. It makes a ton of sense.” (05:43)
• Football IQ:
  Marcus on Delane: “He's coming off of his guy to go get the ball because he knows exactly where it's gonna go. It's kind of wild to watch. Just a super heady player… he more than makes up for it with the way he plays and how smart he is.” (05:43)

Consensus at 12

• Both agree Styles or Delane would be high-upside, smart picks at #12, fitting both the Cowboys’ needs and the board's value.

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Round 1, Pick 20: Looking for Flexibility and Scheme Fits

Marcus’s Pick: Dylan Thielman, Defensive Back, Oregon

[08:42]

• Positional Versatility:
  “He could play safety if I need him to. He's just a heady guy who I think he's got valuable skill set that could fit, slide right in.”
• Draft Strategy Logic:
  “I took a linebacker at 12. I gotta find a way to get a defensive back out when I'm coming out of this draft.”
• Depth in the Class:
  “There are so many guys I think that will be available that I would be thrilled with… that’s the good part about that pick.” (09:14)
• Positional Value Defense:
  Marcus clarifies he views Thielman more as a nickel, not strictly a safety, leaning into today’s NFL trends.

  “In a world where nickels are starters, I think that's, you need to have these kind of guys.” (11:39)

Landon’s Pick: Cassius Howell, Edge Rusher, Texas A&M

[09:52]

• Edge Urgency:
  “If you're going to be playing more odd man fronts, you need these edge rushers that are comfortable playing on their feet, dropping into zone coverage…guys that can really bend the edge and get to the quarterback quickly and I think that's Cassius.”
• Immediate Impact and Potential:
  “He's super, super productive. Two double digit sack seasons in his career. I think at 20 you're just not concerned about the lack of power or him being able to stop the run because it's a perfect scheme fit.”
• Pairing with Veterans:
  “Even if he's not a full time player as a rookie, I think there are ways that you pair him with like let's say a Judevion Clowney and you figure out that defensive end position. These kind of guys are hard to find.” (09:52)
• Marcus’s Response:
  “You can start him out really early as just a defensive pass rusher and if you've got a veteran guy like Clowney… he can eat up some snaps for him early.” (10:57)

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Broader Draft Philosophy & Notable Quotes

• On drafting for need vs. value:

  “I know positional value, man, I listen, I hear you but I think in a world where nickels are starters, I think that's, you need to have these kind of guys.” (Marcus, 11:39)

• Landon teases an upcoming episode on safety prospects:

  “If you're going to draft a safety at 20, you might as well draft the second best one in the class. And I don't think that's Dylan Thinman, but that's a tease. For our Tuesday show, you should check it out where we'll be talking about the other non Caleb Down safeties in this draft class…” (11:52)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Marcus, on surprise prospects falling:
  “Would I be absolutely gobsmacked if Caleb Downs fell to you at 12? ... I don't think it would like, that was another just really shocking one. ... I don't think I would be that level shocked.” (02:44–03:27)
• Landon, on Corners:
  "I just love Delane and I think that's the guy that is ready to play against any style of defense and it's hard to draft corners and I know he's undersized a little bit, but I just love the attitude.” (04:58)
• Marcus, on watching Delane’s tape:
  "You could just see there's so many times... where he just, he's coming off of his guy to go get the ball... It's kind of wild to watch. Yeah. Just a super heady player, you know, makes up for. That's what you want to see these undersized guys do... he more than makes up for it with the way he plays and how smart he is...” (05:43)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:12 — Episode intro & rationale behind the draft picks exercise
• 02:35–03:51 — Discussion of dream/realistic options at pick 12; the tradition of pick notes; joke about favorites written on a notepad
• 03:51–04:58 — Marcus makes the case for Sonny Styles at 12
• 04:58–06:21 — Landon makes the case for Mansour Delane at 12, discussion of the pros/cons
• 08:42–09:33 — Marcus’s pick at #20: Dylan Thielman; rationale and depth at the position
• 09:52–10:57 — Landon’s pick at #20: Cassius Howell; edge urgency, scheme fit, projected impact
• 11:34–11:52 — Philosophical conversation about positional value and a teaser about safeties for an upcoming episode

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Summary Table of Draft Favorites

| Pick | Marcus's Favorite | Landon's Favorite | Key Rationale | |------|---------------------------|------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | 12 | Sonny Styles (LB, OSU) | Mansour Delane (CB, LSU)| Styles: three-down LB, rare traits; Delane: tough, versatile, complements Bland | | 20 | Dylan Thielman (DB, Oregon)| Cassius Howell (Edge, A&M)| Thielman: versatile DB/nickel fit; Howell: explosive edge rusher, scheme fit |

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Closing and Looking Ahead

• The hosts emphasize these are their current thoughts and expect plenty of movement as more information comes in post-Combine and through free agency.
• Teaser for next episode: “Which safeties (other than Caleb Downs) do we like for the Cowboys in this draft class?”
• Follow Landon (@mccoolbcb) and Marcus (@marcus_mosher) on Twitter for updates, and check the Locked On Cowboys Supercast for more exclusive content.

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This summary captures the lively, expert analysis of Marcus and Landon, provides essential timestamped arguments and quotes, and offers a useful guide for fans seeking to understand the Cowboys' draft possibilities as of February 2026.

Transcript

[Marcus Moer]

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[Landon McCool]

We are two months away from the NFL draft. We'll tell you our favorite picks at number 12 and number 20 next.

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You are Locked On Cowboys, your daily

[Landon McCool]

Dallas Cowboys podcast, part of the Locked On Podcast network. Your team every day. Welcome back to the Locked on Cowboys podcast. We'd like to thank you for making us your first listen every single day. And also thank you for making us the number one sports podcast network. This episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Use your profit boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals. Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Welcome back. I am your host, Marcus Moer. He is Landon McCool. And on today's show, we're talking about our favorite round one picks for the Dallas Cowboys. We're two months out from the NFL draft. I always like to do this. I, I write it down on a little notepad next to my desk to just kind of see where the feel is at when it comes to these picks and see how much it changes over the next couple of weeks. And it will. But as of right now, Layton, what would be your favorite? I'm gonna say realistic pick for the Cowboys at number 12.

[Marcus Moer]

I just imagined you with a scribbled note in your pocket that says Jeremiah Love no matter what.

[Landon McCool]

Oh my God, I did have one Luther Burden all last year.

[Marcus Moer]

I do remember that. I do remember that. Yeah, I think realistic is the key thing here, obviously, but honest. But I also think that even the unrealistic options are kind of sort of realistic just because of the best players that you could possibly ask for outside of Maybe Arvel Reese. I just don't think that Arvel Reese could possibly fall. Would I be absolutely gobsmacked if Caleb Downs fell to you at 12? I, I wouldn't be so shocked. Not, not like shocked. I think like CD Lamb falling you

[Landon McCool]

or exactly the comp I was going to use. CD Lamb fell into the Cowboys at 17 was way more unre. Caleb Downs falling to 12.

[Marcus Moer]

I agree. And the Des Bryant, like we traded for Des Bryant, but I mean, just like shocking Morris Claiborne, like, I don't think it would like that was another just really shocking one. Like, I, I don't think that, I don't think I would be that level shocked. However, I won't pick Caleb down here. Even though if everyone anyone's asking, that's my first year, it's fair.

[Landon McCool]

I'm fine with that.

[Marcus Moer]

I think it's for me, it's Sunny Styles at 12. I, I, I don't necessarily love the idea of taking a linebacker. I prefer my preferred route of handling this whole situation is to get a linebacker in free agency. We've talked about this before. I just think that Sonny Styles is a really special player and a position where more and more that position is becoming more valuable. He can stay on the field when all three downs. He's just a player who's on the rise. And I, and I just think that there, and we've talked about this before, there are times when really, really, really good players almost get outshined on super, like, super teams. Right. Like Ohio State has done this before, their wide receiver core and like in other spots where there's just so much talent in that group that sometimes they just aren't as easy to appreciate all the way. Even though they're very much in the public eye, there's like they're hiding in plain s Think Styles is like that, where if you really examine like all the elements of him, he's just a player on the rise. And I just don't think you get a lot of linebackers like him coming out of drafts every single year.

[Landon McCool]

Man, I've got no problem with Styles at 12, but my guy's Mansour Delane from LSU. I, I just love watching him play. I love how aggressive he is. I like how physically he is despite being undersized. And to me, it's a part of like, you just, it's really hard to find corners like this. And if you do, you got to pay a ton of money in free agency for them or you've got to trade like multiple first round pick like the Colts had to do. I just think you put Delane together with a healthy Duron Bland and you've got two corners that can play inside and outside. You hope Rebel can eventually figure it out, but I love Delane and I think that's the guy that is ready to play against any style of defense and it's hard to draft corners and I know he's undersized a little bit, but I just love the attitude.

[Marcus Moer]

Yeah, the size is obviously the thing that is my concern, but absolutely agree. Would not have any problem with him being the pick at 12. It makes a ton of sense. He's super talented. Teams just weren't throwing at him and and for good reason. And you could just see there's so many times on the tape where you're watching it where he just, he's coming off of his guy to go get the ball while because he knows exactly where it's gonna go. Like it's, it's kind of wild to watch. Yeah. Just a super heady player, you know, makes up for. That's what you want to see these undersized guys do is make up for their lack of size in some way or form. He more than makes up for it with the way he plays and how smart he is in understanding the football, the understanding of the game.

[Landon McCool]

So Sunny Styles, Manure, Delaine, they're on our short list for top options at 12, but what about at pick 20? We'll get to that next this episode is brought to you by Turbo Tax Tax season doesn't have to take over your Life this year. TurboTax is making it easier than ever to just hand things off and move on with your day. With TurboTax Full Service, you can have your taxes done for you by a trusted local expert, start to finish, without the stress or the guesswork. Instead of spending hours trying to figure out forms, you can meet with a local TurboTax expert in person or connect online. It's a huge time saver because they handle everything from W2s to self employed forms and work to get you every deduction possible. And for a limited time only, you can have your taxes done for you by a trusted local tax expert for just $150 all in. If a TurboTax expert didn't file for you last year, just file by February 28th. So take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit turbotax.com local to book your appointment today. This episode is brought to you by fanduel. Have you ever wanted to experience the NBA Finals live and in person. Bando is giving you the chance to turn that dream into reality with their NBA sweepstakes. And here's how it works. Use your profit boost on an NBA future and you'll automatically be entered for a shot to win a trip to the NBA Finals. That's right, flights, tickets, the whole experience. And if you're already looking at the board thinking about which teams can make a deep playoff run, this is the perfect time to lock in. So visit FanDuel.com to get started and use your profit boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals. Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Welcome back to the Locked on Cowboys podcast. We're discussing our favorite options at pick numbers 12 and 20 for the Cowboys. Sunny Styles, Mansour Delane at 12. Who's your top option at 20?

[Marcus Moer]

This is a little bit of a spoiler alert because we haven't talked about these guys yet, but it's Dylan Thielman from Oregon. I just think that he certainly could have gone with one of these pass rushes that I think will be available there at 20. And I'm not going to be upset with any of these guys as well, but in my, in my ideal draft, I took a linebacker at 12. I gotta find a way to get a defensive back out when I'm coming out of this draft. And I just think he's a guy who maybe even more than some of these corners that I feel like I could plug into that nickel spot. He could play safety if I need him to. He's just a heady guy who I think he's got valuable skill set that could fit, slide right in. You know, I think that's the thing about 20, I will say is there are so many guys I think that will be available that I would be thrilled with. And that's. That's the good part about that pick.

[Landon McCool]

But differently, there's only a couple that I like at 20, so that's. This is interesting.

[Marcus Moer]

Okay. Yeah. I mean, look, I'm taking the draft for what it is at this point, and, And I think that, yeah, I think that there's a couple different guys that I probably would have been comfortable with. I'm sure whoever you pick, I'm probably gonna be okay with, too. Just. Unless you're gonna blow me away with somebody.

[Landon McCool]

No, I mean, I, I mean, my guy is cash as hell. I love cash as hell. The edge rusher from Texas A and M. It is partially because number one, I think he's a really good fit in this defense. Right. If you're going to be playing more odd man fronts, you need these edge rushers that are comfortable playing on their feet, dropping into zone coverage, but also because they're going to be playing so wide, guys that can really bend the edge and get to the quarterback quickly and I think that's Cassius. How I just don't think they've got one guy right now on the roster that has any kind of juice on the edge and that's Donovan. As a Rocky you brought bring in another guy like this and even if he's not a full time player as a rookie, I think there are ways that you pair him with like let's say a judevion Clowney and you figure out that defensive end position. These kind of guys are hard to find. He's super, super productive. Two double digit sack seasons in his career. I think at 20 you're just not concerned about, you know, maybe the, the lack of power or him being able to stop the run because it's a perfect scheme fit.

[Marcus Moer]

Yeah, absolutely. And look, I think you, you can start him out really early. It's just a defensive pass rusher and if you've got a veteran guy like Clowney, like you said, he can eat up some snaps for him early and, and, and while you're waiting on him, develop a little bit. I think that blitzing is going to be, or sim pressures are also going to be a huge part of this, of this defense next year. So there are going to be ways for you to generate pressure outside of just pure edge pass rushing until you've got the horses to do it that way. Because obviously attacking with four and then dropping seven is the best way to win most of these games. So yeah, I, I don't hate that pick at all. I think he's another really solid pick for what the Cowboys need.

[Landon McCool]

So just to be clear, your two picks are a off ball linebacker and a safety. Correct?

[Marcus Moer]

Like I view, I view them and more as a nickel as honestly. So yeah, I know positional value, man, I listen, I hear you but I think in a world where nickels are starters, I think that's, you need to have these kind of guys.

[Landon McCool]

All I'm saying is if you're going to draft a safety at 20, you might as well draft the second best one in the class. And I don't think that's Dylan Thinman, but that's a tease. For our Tuesday show, you should check it out where we'll be talking about the other non Caleb down safeties in this draft class and which ones that we like the best for the Cowboys. So tune in for that. Make sure you download the podcast wherever you get your podcast because we are free and available on all platforms and if you never miss an episode, the everyday club is built for you. Get locked on Cowboys ad free members only discord access and so much more. Head over to Locked on Cowboys Supercast to join the Join the club and for those of you on video we can send you the first ever 24. 7 National NBA YouTube channel and on audio make your second listen the NFL Locked on NFL Draft Podcast. Follow Landon on Twitter @mccoolbcb I'm @marcus Underscore Moser. We'll see you right back here on Tuesday. Meet the Energy shot that tastes just like birthday cake Confetti Craze Extra strength five hour Energy tastes like a rich buttery vanilla birthday cake, frosting and all. Light the candles, make a wish and get ready to celebrate with every sip. Feel unstoppably energized with as much caffeine as your favorite 12 ounce fancy coffee, but with zero sugar for zero sugar crashes. For more information and to get the party started, visit FiveHouseEnergy.com or visit Amazon today.

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[Marcus Moer]

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