After missing the playoffs in 2025, Dallas faces renewed urgency to get back into contention, with the draft expected to be a pivotal turning point for the roster.
A key area of focus has been the cornerback position. Despite signing Cobie Durant earlier in the offseason, Dallas still has work to do to shore up the secondary, which allowed a high number of big plays last season.
An ESPN mock draft by Jordan Reid places the Cowboys at No. 20 with a pick aimed at a defensive upgrade, featuring San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson as a rise-to-early-second-round target and the potential third cornerback off the board.
Reid’s scenario also envisions Dallas selecting a safety at No. 12, with Dillon Thieneman cited as a fit, reinforcing the strategy of bolstering the back end through the draft.
Chris Johnson’s 2025 production at SDSU highlighted his playmaking potential: 48 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, four interceptions, two defensive touchdowns, and eight defended passes. Across four college seasons, he totaled 148 tackles, six interceptions, and 11 defended passes, underscoring why he’s viewed as a dynamic addition for Dallas.
If the draft unfolds as predicted, Johnson and Thieneman could provide immediate impact on the Cowboys’ defense, representing a significant step forward for a secondary that remains a clear area of emphasis heading into the 2026 season.
