The simulator’s plan features two first-round selections aimed at shoring up the defense. Round 1, Pick 12 would bring LB Sonny Styles, a versatile Ohio State product described as a converted safety who can play as a three-down ‘backer with strong coverage ability. Styles is viewed as a chess piece for Dallas’ defense, capable of running sideline to sideline and matching modern offenses’ multi-tight-end looks. Round 1, Pick 20 would add DT Kayden McDonald, also from Ohio State, a 6-foot-3, 326-pound run defender who can anchor the interior and pair with Williams to clog rushing lanes, with development potential as a pocket-pusher on passing downs.
In Round 4, the Cowboys would add WR Zachariah Branch, listed here as hailing from Georgia. Branch is a smaller, electric playmaker (about 5-foot-10, 180 pounds) whose game would complement CeeDee Lamb and another presumed target, potentially emerging as a dangerous WR3 when utilized in space.
The offense would also gain depth at running back in Round 5, with Le’Veon Moss of Texas A&M (6-0, ~210) projected as a downhill, zone-scheme runner who can contribute in pass protection and as a receiver out of the backfield, potentially developing into a three-down back. Dallas would pair Moss with Pitt product Desmond Reid (Round 5, Pick 177), a smaller, speedy back who would serve as a complementary change-of-pace option behind the larger back.
On defense, Round 6 would bring S Jalen Catalon from Missouri, a downhill run-stopper who excels in the box but lacks elite instincts in the passing game. The Cowboys would close with Round 7 picks: C Jager Burton from Kentucky, a versatile interior lineman who can back up center and guard roles but may need to add strength; and Navy FB Eli Heidenreich, noted for high-end athleticism and speed, potentially providing a unique chess piece as a fullback or H-back in multiple sets.
