RANK: How Do The Dallas Cowboys STACK The Top-6 Defenders In The 2026 NFL Draft?

Summary

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Locked On Cowboys – Episode Summary

Episode Title: "RANK: How Do The Dallas Cowboys STACK The Top-6 Defenders In The 2026 NFL Draft?"
Hosts: Marcus Mosher, Landon McCool
Date: April 8, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this episode, Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool dive into a listener question: How might the Dallas Cowboys rank the top six defensive prospects in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft? The breakdown includes player-specific analysis, discussion of Cowboys roster needs, and how different defenders’ skill sets fit within the current team composition. The episode focuses on six prospects: David Bailey, Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, Reuben Bain, and Mansoor Delaine, with a sidebar on why J. McCoy isn’t considered due to medical concerns.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Stage ([00:54])

• Listener Question: Episode is driven by a Twitter question from Kevin: "How do you think the Cowboys have stacked the top 6 defensive players in this year's class?"
• Six Prospects Discussed:
  • Valrese (Arvell Reese)
  • Caleb Downs
  • David Bailey
  • Sonny Styles
  • Reuben Bain
  • Mansoor Delaine
• Not Considered: J. McCoy (cornerback, Tennessee) due to medical concerns.

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Ranking the Top Six Defenders

1. David Bailey, Edge (Texas Tech)

[01:56]

• McCool: “I just think for the cleanest transition for need value...David Bailey is very clean. He's a lot of upside there because he's rushing the passer.”
• Mosher notes Bailey is the "easiest to project having a good pass rushing season right away," although he isn’t a 'Willie Anderson'–tier prospect.
• Both agree Bailey’s production and fit at EDGE make him the favorite for Dallas at 1.
  Notable Quote ([02:43]):

"He's been productive for multiple years at Texas Tech. I think maybe you have concerns about like, hey, what's the ceiling here? Like, I don't think he's a Willie Anderson or that type of player, but I think he's a really, really good edge prospect." – Marcus Mosher

2. Arvell Reese, Linebacker

[03:12]

• McCool: “I still think Arvell Reese is 2 to me...you can play him at linebacker while he's also, you know, potentially rushing the passer on obvious passing situations.”
• Emphasis on his versatility—fills two spots, can blitz, and is "the most unique of all these players."
  Notable Quote ([03:38]):

"You're getting a guy that can really fill two spots...I think he's the most unique of all these players on the list." – Marcus Mosher

3. Sonny Styles, Safety

[04:14]

• McCool: “I think it's probably Sonny Styles at three.”
• Discussion revolves around positional value and need, especially at linebacker, framing Styles as a "clean fit".
• Mosher supports Styles as a day-one starter, recognizing strong need at linebacker.
  Notable Analysis ([04:39]):

“You've got absolutely nothing at the opposite linebacker, really. So you...find the linebacker there. So obviously that's a clean fit there.” – Landon McCool

4. Caleb Downs, Safety/Nickel

[07:09]

• McCool: “I think for me, it's Caleb Downs...I think Cowboys, because I could...I think it's Downs for me.”
• Debate centers on value as an elite safety/nickel over a corner (Delaine).
• Downs praised for consistency, performance at multiple programs, and versatility.
  Notable Quote ([08:30]):

“Downs is kind of this elite game changing safety that could be a nickel, can be a linebacker, he can wear so many different hats on game day that you're just going to get the most value out of that.” – Marcus Mosher

5. Mansoor Delaine, Cornerback

[09:03]

• Delaine is recognized as a "very clean cornerback prospect" who is closely tied with Cowboys staff due to his Virginia Tech connection.
• Discussion acknowledges his athletic upside and youth; some concerns about only one year of production at LSU. Notable Quote ([09:21]):

“I think you're gonna find that we would be thrilled to get any of these six defenders and that ultimately that is our goal in this draft, is to get one of these six defenders.” – Landon McCool

6. Reuben Bain, EDGE

[10:20]

• Both express high personal regard for Bain but acknowledge less reported interest from the Cowboys compared to the others.
• Speculate on lack of buzz, but don't rule out Cowboys taking Bain if available at 12. Notable Insight ([10:39]):

“I just, you know, have concerns that the Cowboys are not as interested in this player specifically as much as we are.” – Landon McCool

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Recap of Rankings ([11:12])

1. David Bailey
2. Arvell Reese
3. Sonny Styles
4. Caleb Downs
5. Mansoor Delaine
6. Reuben Bain

• Mosher notes other names may sneak into the Cowboys' list, given inconsistent buzz around Bain.

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Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On the difficulty of the ranking exercise:

  "This is a very difficult exercise to kind of rank these guys, especially when it isn't my personal preference." – Landon McCool ([09:21])

• On versatility and value:

  “Downs is kind of this elite game changing safety...he can wear so many different hats on game day that you're just going to get the most value out of that.” – Marcus Mosher ([08:30])

• On the draft’s main goal:

  “Our goal in this draft is to get one of these six defenders.” – Landon McCool ([09:21])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:54 – 01:56: Introduction & framing the question; list of prospects
• 01:56 – 03:12: Top spot: David Bailey
• 03:12 – 04:14: Second spot: Arvell Reese
• 04:14 – 07:09: Third spot: Sonny Styles; shifting to Downs/Delaine discussion
• 07:09 – 09:03: Fourth spot: Caleb Downs, debate with Delaine
• 09:03 – 10:20: Fifth spot: Mansoor Delaine
• 10:20 – 11:12: Sixth spot: Reuben Bain, lack of buzz
• 11:12 – 11:36: Recap of full rankings and speculation on other names

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Tone & Style Notes

• Analytical but conversational, with both hosts offering personal preference vs. projected Cowboys’ board.
• Both hosts express excitement about the upside and clean fit of the top options.
• Theme of versatility and scheme fit recurs throughout.
• The exercise highlights how real-world draft boards may differ from media/player consensus.

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For New Listeners

This episode is a must-listen for fans interested in the Cowboys' draft strategy, positional value in the modern NFL, and detailed analysis of how top college defenders fit into the Dallas defense going forward. Both hosts' familiarity with both team needs and the 2026 prospect class make this episode a comprehensive guide through the likely priorities at the top of the Dallas Cowboys’ draft board.

Transcript

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[Marcus Moer]

How did the Dallas Cowboys have the top six defensive players ranked? We'll try to guess next.

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You are Locked on Cowboys, your daily

[Marcus Moer]

Dallas Cowboys podcast, part of the Locked On Podcast network. Your team every day. Welcome back. I am your host Marcus Moer. He is Landon McCool. And on today's show, we're answering a very good Twitter question from Kevin who wants to know how do you think the Cowboys have stacked the top six defensive players in this year's class? And the top six players, just to refresh everybody's memory in some order are Valrese, Caleb Downs, David Bailey, Sonny Styles, Reuben Bane and Mansoor Delaine. The name that did not make that list is J. McCoy, the cornerback from Tennessee who Landon, you and I just continue to believe will not be an option for them in round one because of the medicals. It seems like that's continuing to be the vibe out of Dallas. But let's start with those six names of of the six that I mentioned, who do you think is at the very top of their board?

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, I kind of think it's David Bailey, the edge from Texas Tech. I just think that when you talk about what the Cowboys are specifically looking for, I mean, look, they obviously haven't needed linebacker as well. Yeah. And, and I do think we'll talk about Reese at some point, but I just think for the cleanest transition for need value, you know what the and what they're kind of looking for. I think David Bailey is very clean. He's a lot of upside there because he's rushing the passer. You're asking him to rush the passer. That's what he made his money for. You can figure out run stuff. I think he can get better there, hopefully with some coaching. But even if he was just a defensive pass rusher specialist his rookie year, while he's learning that I think that's a very valuable player specifically with the Cowboys are lacking pass rush, I think

[Marcus Moer]

he's the easiest to project having a good pass rushing season right away just because he's Been productive for multiple years at Texas Tech. I think maybe you have concerns about like, hey, what's the, what's the ceiling here? Like, I don't think he's a Willie Anderson or that type of player, but I think he's a really, really good edge prospect. So I'm with you. I, I think this is the easy one. I think it gets a little tough after Bailey. So we're gonna have Bailey at 1. Who would you say is 2?

[Landon McCool]

I still think Arvell Reese is 2 to me. I think because you, you, you can play him at linebacker while he's also, you know, potentially rushing the passer on obvious passing situations. And because you would specifically be doing a lot of sim pressure stuff, potentially where he would be maybe coming anyways just from like an off ball position. I, I think you would find a lot of value in Narvel Reese and he would immediately become probably your best linebacker as well.

[Marcus Moer]

Yeah, and that's the value is you're getting a guy that can really fill two spots and you're hoping that he develops as a pass rusher. But even if he doesn't, you can use him on blitzes, you can use him, you know, a lot of different ways to get value out of him. And I think he's the most unique of all these players on the list. So I'm good with that. Arvell Reese at 2. What about at 3? Because now you're talking about like Sonny Stiles, you're talking about Caleb Downs, Reuben Bain. Who do you think is third on their board?

[Landon McCool]

I, I think it's probably Sunny Styles. That's three.

[Marcus Moer]

That's, that's my guess as well.

[Landon McCool]

I, I think I personally would probably put Caleb Downs, but I, I mean, I love both of these guys very much, so I'm, I'm really kind of, you know, picking nits here, but I

[Marcus Moer]

think, I think that's the need. You have such a big need and he's a, a really good prospect.

[Landon McCool]

Yep. And I think you've got something at nickel right now, which is where I would be playing. Caleb, you could certainly cobble it together. You've got absolutely nothing at the opposite linebacker, really. So you, you need to kind of, you know, find the linebacker there. So obviously that's a clean fit there.

[Marcus Moer]

And he's just a guy that walks in as a day one starter you pair him with over shown they play well together. I, I think of the top three, he's going to be the easiest to acquire because I think Bailey and Reese both go into the top four. We'll see if he gets past the Giants, if Miles gets past the Giants at five, But I think that's the top three now. It gets a little tricky after this because do you value the better football player or do you value the position value in corner? Let's talk about Monsor Delaine versus Caleb Downs next. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Financial stress is something that a lot of people are carrying right now, and it's not just about numbers. And it can affect your sleep, your relationships, and your overall mental health in ways that build up over time. And the reality is, struggling with money doesn't mean that you failed sometimes. It just means that you haven't had the right kind of support. It's something that I think about all the time, how easy it is to put pressure on yourself financially without even really thinking about it or talking about it. The stress that comes with trying to figure out everything on your own, the expectations that you have, trying to have everything together at all times, and how that pressure can spill into other areas of your life. Therapy isn't just about financial advice. It's about working through the stress, the anxiety and the emotions that come with it. And with over 30,000 licensed therapists and more than 6 million people served, BetterHelp makes it easier to get matched and start focusing on what you need. So when life gets overwhelming, therapy can help. Sign up and get 10 [e-mail] locked on. That is BetterHelp H E-P.com locked on. Welcome back to the Locked on Cowboys podcast. We are ranking the top six defensive players for the Dallas Cowboys going into the 2026 NFL Draft. And just to recap, David Bailey at one, Arvell Reese at two, Sonny Styles at three. And I think this is where it gets really challenging. Landon, who do you think is that fourth name?

[Landon McCool]

I think for me, it's Caleb Downs. I, I, I and I think Cowboys

[Marcus Moer]

because I could, I, I think it's downs for me. But I do wonder for the Cowboys if it's Elaine.

[Landon McCool]

I, I, I think, man, it's like it's so well balanced, right? Because one is, I think, a more elite player at their position being downs. I think Delaine is obviously extremely good that he's the number one player. I think corner at this position. I just think the downs is so specifically elite of what he does. I think that Delaine is a more obviously measurable athlete. Right. Because we've seen the, with the 40 time, there's, there's some metrics to it. However, I also think that Downs has performed all the, every single year that he's been in college at a high level. Delane has been a one year performer. I, I don't know, I kind of think that they, I honestly think that they would pick Downs. I honestly think that would be. And that's fine because I think that if you look at like how, how old school their coaching could be, I think they will value the fact that Downs has play, has performed the way he has for as long as he has across multiple defensive coordinators and they view that nickel spot as a valuable first round piece, just like an outside corner.

[Marcus Moer]

And they've, I think they've done enough to cover themselves at cornerback. If the idea is that, hey, Bland's going to be on the outside, Durant will be there, we've got Kendrick, we've got Ravel, we've got Kalyn Carson. Yes, you could definitely add another player, but Downs is kind of this elite game changing safety that could be a nickel, can be a linebacker, he can wear so many different hats on game day that you're just going to get the most value out of that. I, I've got no problem at all putting Downs at four. I do think if you're putting him at four, I think Delane is pretty clearly number five.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah.

[Marcus Moer]

Because I, I again, I think he is a very clean cornerback prospect.

[Landon McCool]

Yes.

[Marcus Moer]

Who this coaching staff knows really well given his connection to Virginia Tech and as Ryan Smith who recruited him there. I think Delane is, would be right there with Caleb Downs.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, I mean, honestly, I, I think you're gonna find that we would be thrilled to get any of these six defenders and that ultimately that is our goal in this draft, is to get one of these six defenders. So yeah, I mean, again, I have no ill will and this is a very difficult exercise to kind of rank these guys, especially when it isn't my personal preference. But I, I think, yeah, Mr. Delaine, what he did last year at LSU was absolutely incredible. His tape's amazing. I wish we had seen a little bit more of this the previous year at Virginia Tech, but I think that, you know, look, he, he developed into where he is. He's a younger player still. Right. So, and, and I think that he's a guy that's going to come in and, and, and, and going to be a really good cornerback for someone right away. And if it's for the Cowboys, I'm thrilled. And if, if we got Caleb Downs, I'm also thrilled. So again, I'm thrilled with all these guys, but kind of picking nits and trying to figure out where they, they stack is is a little bit difficult.

[Marcus Moer]

All right, so that leaves Reuben Bain at 6. And this is unfortunate because we both love Reuben Bain. You hate to put anybody six, but it just feels like at least out of Dallas, there hasn't. There has not been the same amount of buzz for Ruben Bane as there's been for the top five players that we just mentioned.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, I just, you know, have concerns that the Cowboys are not as interested in this player specifically as much as we are. And so, yeah, I mean, I think that's why we're ranking him here. I, I also am not going to be shocked if he's available at 12 and the Dallas Cowboys trip over themselves trying to run to the podium to turn his card in. So I did. But I do think that, you know, we haven't seen, considering this is such a strong need for what the Cowboys are, are looking for, we haven't seen the same kind of smoke around Reuben Baines name that we would expect to see at this point in the draft.

[Marcus Moer]

All right, so just to recap, David Bailey at 1, Arvell Reese at 2, Sonny Stiles at 3. Then this is the tough one. Caleb Downs at 4, Monsor Delane at 5, Reuben Bain at 6. And I even wonder, I wonder if Bane is even six for them. I wonder if there's a chance that there's another defender again. Maybe it's Dylan Thieman, maybe it's Mazador, maybe it's Keldrick Falk.

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I don't know.

[Marcus Moer]

I'm just throwing names out. Just because we have not heard a ton of buzz about Reuben Bane. I hope it's just because they love him and they're just trying not to

[Landon McCool]

get that out there.

[Marcus Moer]

Yeah, we'll see. But that is it for today's show. We'd like to thank you for making Laton Cowboys your first listen every single day. Make sure you subscribe and follow the podcast. You get all of the latest episodes. 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 lockon cowboys supercast.com to 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 Locked on NFL Draft podcast. Follow Landon on Twitter acoolbcb. I'm arcusmozier and we will see you right back here tomorrow.

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