Much of the mock-draft chatter has centered on defense, but Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has signaled that offense isn’t off the table. If the defensive stars are gone by the Cowboys’ pick, the highest-graded player on their board could be an offensive threat, potentially a wide receiver such as Carnell Tate or Jordyn Tyson, with the Cowboys weighing whether to take the best player available.
Jordyn Tyson has emerged as a potential franchise receiver candidate. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound talent previously played for Colorado before transferring to Arizona State. After missing 2023 with a knee injury, Tyson exploded in 2024 with 75 receptions for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns in 12 games, followed by 61 receptions for 711 yards and 9 touchdowns in nine games in 2025. His size, route running, and production have driven his stock higher.
Analysts have praised Tyson for a blend of physical traits and on-field polish that could translate into a WR1 ceiling. Mentions of his progression under notable coaching and his ability to line up at all three receiver spots have reinforced the perception that he can be a dynamic, multi-level threat. Comparisons to a high-end trajectory have helped frame Tyson as a potential elite playmaker.
Even with that rising profile, Tyson’s draft stock may push him beyond No. 12, complicating a Cowboys plan that could involve prioritizing an offensive playmaker if the board falls that way. There has also been speculation about Dallas exploring a trade of star receiver George Pickens to satisfy contract considerations and potentially land a defensive starter in return, though such outcomes remain uncertain and dependent on market dynamics.
In any case, the Cowboys’ 2026 decision could mirror the 2020 moment: if the top defenders are gone, a breakthrough offensive weapon at No. 12—like Tyson or Tate—could reshape their roster, underscoring a broader willingness to prioritize the best player on the board when the situation demands.
