RANK: How Do The Dallas Cowboys STACK The Top-6 Defenders In The 2026 NFL Draft?
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In this episode of Locked On Cowboys, hosts Marcus Moser and Landon McCool tackle a fan-driven question about how the Dallas Cowboys might rank the top six defensive prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. They analyze a hypothetical list featuring David Bailey, Arvel Reese, Sonny Stiles, Caleb Downs, Mansoor Delane, and Reuben Bain, discussing each player’s fit with the Cowboys’ defensive needs. The duo emphasizes the team’s urgent need for pass rushers and linebacker depth, favoring Bailey and Reese as top two picks due to their immediate impact potential. While they debate the order between Downs and Delane—highlighting Downs’ consistency and versatility versus Delane’s elite athleticism—they ultimately place Downs at four and Delane at five. Reuben Bain is ranked sixth, though both hosts express concern that he may not be a top priority for Dallas despite his strong potential. The episode concludes with a reflection on the difficulty of ranking elite defenders and the importance of drafting players who fit the team’s system and long-term vision.
David Bailey is seen as the top fit for the Cowboys due to his proven pass-rushing ability and immediate impact potential on the edge.
Arvel Reese is valued for his versatility as a linebacker who can also rush the passer and contribute in multiple defensive schemes.
Caleb Downs is prioritized over Mansoor Delane due to his consistent performance across multiple seasons and adaptability in the nickel role.
The Cowboys’ defensive needs—especially at linebacker and edge rusher—make these six players highly relevant in the 2026 draft conversation.
Reuben Bain, while talented, lacks the buzz and perceived team interest compared to the top five, raising questions about his actual ranking on the Cowboys’ board.
Introduction and Podcast Teaser
The episode opens with a promo for the Everydayer Club, highlighting ad-free listening and exclusive Discord access. The hosts introduce the core topic: ranking the top six defensive prospects the Cowboys might target in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Top Pick: David Bailey
“I think 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.”
Second Pick: Arvel Reese
“I think you would find a lot of value in Arvel Reese, and he would immediately become probably your best linebacker as well.”
Third to Sixth: Sonny Stiles, Caleb Downs, Mansoor Delane, Reuben Bain
The hosts debate the order of the remaining four players, favoring Sonny Stiles at three, Caleb Downs at four for his consistency, Mansoor Delane at five for his elite athleticism, and Reuben Bain at six despite concerns about lack of buzz.
Sponsor Segment: BetterHelp
A sponsored segment promotes BetterHelp, emphasizing mental health support for financial stress, with a 10% discount offer via the show’s unique link.
“Downs is so specifically elite at what he does. I think Delane is a more obviously measurable athlete because we've seen with the 40 time there's some metrics to it.”
“I think 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 that if you look at how old school their coaching can be, I think they will value the fact that Downs has performed the way he has for as long as he has.”
Hosts
Dallas Cowboys
other
Marcus Moser
person
Landon McCool
person
David Bailey
person
Caleb Downs
person
Arvel Reese
person
Sonny Stiles
person
Mansoor Delane
person
Reuben Bain
person
Locked On Cowboys
media
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