Locked On Cowboys Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Episode Title: SIMULATION: Will Dallas Cowboys Select Two DBs In Round 1 Of 2026 NFL Draft | NFL MOCK DRAFT!
Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool
Date: March 4, 2026
Main Theme:
Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool run a full mock draft simulation for the Dallas Cowboys’ first four picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing particularly on the possibility—and practicality—of selecting two defensive backs in the first round. They walk through each pick, discuss player fits, and explore a surprise trade down scenario, offering in-depth analysis for every decision and how it shapes the Cowboys’ offseason strategy, especially with free agency looming.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage for the Mock Draft

• Mock Draft Timing: Both hosts emphasize this as the perfect point in the offseason (post-Combine, pre-free agency) to get realistic and informative mock draft results.
• Draft Simulator Used: Pro Football Focus mock draft simulator.

2. Cowboys’ Draft Board at Picks 12 & 20

• Draft Landscape at #12:
  • Marcus rapidly recaps picks 1–11, noting a few notable falls and how those influence Dallas’ options.
  • Quote – Landon (03:33):
    “When that pick goes up and the 11th pick from Miami goes up, I bet everyone in the Cowboys war room is… screaming with happiness. I assume, because I think they’re not interested in McCoy and the fact that Mansour Delane is still available... is a huge win.”
• Potential Trade Scenarios:
  • The hosts muse about moving up if a falling star (e.g., Arvel Reese) dropped further, but in this simulation, stick with their assigned picks.

3. First Round Picks Analysis

Pick 12 (12:00) – Monsour Delane, CB

• Rationale:
  • Landon loves the value and versatility of Delane, describing him as a high football IQ defender with multi-scheme experience—even if a touch undersized.
  • Both agree Delane is a top-10 talent and fits an immediate need on the boundary.
• Discussion of Other Options:
  • Weighing WR (Makai Lemon) and alternate DBs (C.J. Allen, Dylan Thieneman, Avion Terrell).
  • Deep dive into nickel/slot roles, highlighting fit vs. ceiling for each candidate.
• Quote – Landon (05:05):
  “He [Delane] shows you a guy that has played multiple types of man coverage and zone scheme and has been successful… If he was 2 inches taller and 10-15 pounds heavier, he’d be a top 5, top 10 pick.”

Pick 20 (after trade-down to 22) – Dylan Thieneman, Safety/Nickel (16:08, 19:16)

• Draft Board at 20:
  • Dylan Thieneman (S), Spencer Fauna (OL), TJ Parker (Edge), Emmanuel McNeil Warren (S).
• Dual DB Dilemma:
  • Both acknowledge that picking two DBs early is unconventional, but the value and fit are too good to pass up.
  • Landon explains why defensive structure is evolving, requiring more big, versatile “nickels” (16:08).
• Trade Down Scenario:
  • Chargers offer: Pick 22 and Pick 86 for 20; hosts accept.
  • Concern about potentially missing Thieneman, but gamble pays off (he falls to 22).
  • Quote – Landon (19:16):
    “It’s beautiful… I think let’s take Thieneman here, and now we’ve got another pick to play with.”

4. Day 2/3 Picks and Strategies

Pick 86 – Kyle Lewis, LB (21:21)

• Needs at this stage:
  • Edge depth not available, so linebacker is the focus.
  • Kyle Lewis (Pitt, undersized but athletic) offers immediate nickel LB solution and depth insurance.
  • Debate about fit alongside over-shown, but size concerns eased because of defensive scheme changes.
• Quote – Landon (23:35):
  “…I just worry about the fit with [DeMarvion] Overshown—just having two kind of undersized linebackers. But in this system where you’re playing a gap and a half… maybe you support something like that.”

Pick 112 – Nick Singleton, RB (24:44)

• Rationale:
  • With defense addressed, attention turns to offensive value.
  • Several intriguing running backs available (Nicholas Singleton, Jaden Ott, Katron Allen, Le’Veon Moss).
  • Singleton stands out as high-upside, athletic depth—potential home-run pick in the 4th round, especially as he recovers from injury and can be brought along slowly.
• Quote – Landon (25:55):
  “A year ago we were talking about [Singleton] potentially being a first round running back. There were reports he was going to run a 4.3 at 220 pounds.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the double-DB start:
  • Marcus (16:08): “You’re drafting two secondary guys and that is traditionally a position... that takes a little bit of time to get up to speed in the NFL and you’re really ignoring your front seven.”
• On trade-down luck after waiting out the Chargers and Steelers:
  • Landon (19:16): “It’s beautiful… let’s take Thieneman here.”
• On the identity of the revamped defense:
  • Marcus (27:23): “Think about those first three picks—Delane, Thieneman, Lewis. Those are all guys that can cover. All these guys can play in space. I think you instantly made your defense way more sound and way more versatile on the back end.”
• On Christian Parker's track record (defense coach):
  • Landon (28:02): “Let’s also not forget that Christian Parker did this exact thing before with Philadelphia… and was able to develop [young DBs] very quickly to great benefit.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:01–04:12 — Initial draft board review, notable picks before Dallas, early trade talk.
• 05:05–06:16 — Detailed breakdown of Monsour Delane and comparison to alternate prospects.
• 08:02–09:48 — Nickel/slot fit debate between DB options at #12.
• 13:00–14:20 — What’s on the board at #20; weighing Dylan Thieneman vs. other available players.
• 16:08–17:29 — In-depth safety/nickel prototype analysis and consideration of positional value.
• 17:38–19:26 — Trade-down with Chargers, picking up extra 3rd rounder, and getting Thieneman at 22.
• 21:21–23:35 — Weighing options at #86, need for nickel/athletic linebacker, selection of Kyle Lewis.
• 24:44–26:23 — Prioritizing offense at #112, why Singleton is a promising fourth-round RB selection.
• 26:48–28:02 — Summing up the draft, envisioning the impact of a youthful, versatile defense.

Cowboys' Final Mock Draft Haul (Summary Table)

| Pick | Player | Position | School | Key Fit/Comments | |-------------|-----------------------|------------|-------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | 1.12 | Monsour Delane | CB | [Not specified] | High-IQ, versatile, boundary or slot | | 1.22 (via LAC)| Dylan Thieneman | S/Nickel | Oregon | Modern hybrid safety/slot, smart, size | | 3.86 | Kyle Lewis | LB | Pittsburgh | Undersized but speedy/versatile LB | | 4.112 | Nicholas Singleton | RB | [Not specified] | Explosive, value recovery from injury |

Tone and Language

• Very conversational and analytical.
• Landon and Marcus detail every selection with evidence, data, and projected fit.
• The hosts keep an optimistic and practical tone, openly discussing doubts and trade-offs for each option.

For Listeners Who Missed the Show

This episode delivers an authentic simulation of the Cowboys’ 2026 draft process from pick 12 through 112. Marcus and Landon break down why two defensive backs in round one can work, debate the fit of top prospects, and seize a surprise trade-down that nets Dallas extra draft capital. The hosts showcase how roster needs, positional value, and modern defensive philosophy drive Dallas’ strategy—ending with a defense transformed by youth and versatility and a bonus high-upside running back.

If you’re a Cowboys fan tracking the team’s draft possibilities and defensive makeover, this episode is a must-listen—or this summary will get you fully up to speed.