MOCK DRAFT: Cowboys Draft STRATEGY Without Caleb Downs—Why Waiting at Safety Works!

In this episode of Locked On Cowboys, hosts Marcus Mosier and Landon McCool explore a mock draft scenario where the Dallas Cowboys deliberately avoid selecting a safety in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite a deep safety class featuring prospects like Caleb Downs and Mansoor Delane, the team opts to prioritize other positions—specifically edge rushers, cornerbacks, and linebackers—after addressing safety via free agency with Jalen Thompson and PJ Locke. The mock draft unfolds with the Cowboys landing Mansoor Delane at pick 12, trading down to 34 to select edge rusher Josh Sweat, and later drafting Jacob Rodriguez and Dante Corleone. The strategy emphasizes drafting the best available player while maintaining flexibility, with safety selections deferred to later rounds. The hosts argue this approach builds depth and versatility across the defense, potentially yielding three immediate starters and two rotational players. They conclude that waiting on safety may be a smarter long-term move, especially given the depth and specialization of the 2026 class.