SHOCKING DRAFT PLAN: Jerry Jones Could Land Elite Playmaking Cornerback Who Might Transform Cowboys’ Defense Overnight

Dallas, Texas

The Dallas Cowboys have had a productive offseason so far, but for many fans, something still feels missing. Owner Jerry Jones promised he would “bust the budget” to improve the roster, yet the franchise has not delivered the kind of blockbuster move that would shake the entire NFL.

Still, behind the scenes, Dallas may be preparing a move that could change the future of its defense — and it might come during the 2026 NFL Draft.

With the No. 12 overall pick, the Cowboys are increasingly being linked to Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy, a defensive back many scouts believe could become one of the elite playmakers of this entire draft class.

Dallas has already made several defensive upgrades this offseason. The Cowboys traded with the Green Bay Packers to acquire pass rusher Rashan Gary, sending a 2027 fourth-round pick in return. They also signed safety Jalen Thompson to a three-year deal worth up to $33 million.

Beyond those moves, the team added Cobie Durant, Otito Ogbonnia, P.J. Locke, and quarterback Sam Howell, quietly strengthening depth across the roster.

But one glaring need remains: cornerback.

And that is where McCoy enters the conversation.

According to CBS Sports analyst Josh Edwards, the Cowboys could select McCoy with the No. 12 pick in the upcoming draft — a move that could immediately reshape Dallas’ secondary.

“Jermod McCoy has the potential to be one of the best players to emerge from this draft class and possibly the top cornerback,” Edwards wrote in his latest mock draft.

What makes McCoy’s rise even more impressive is the fact that he missed the entire 2025 season due to injury, yet his draft stock has remained extremely strong. Scouts continue to view him as a mid-first-round talent with elite upside.

Before transferring to Tennessee, McCoy began his college career at Oregon State. His production during the 2024 season showcased the type of playmaking instincts that could fit perfectly in Dallas.

That year he recorded:

• 44 total tackles

The previous season, he added 31 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 7 pass breakups, demonstrating consistency and ball-hawking ability.

NFL analyst Lance Zierlein even compared McCoy’s skill set to Cleveland Browns cornerback Tyson Campbell, noting his length, instincts, and ability to stay attached in coverage.

For Dallas, the potential fit is obvious.

Cornerback DaRon Bland remains the most reliable player in the Cowboys’ secondary, but injuries have disrupted the unit since his All-Pro breakout in 2023. The team is also hoping players like Shavon Revel Jr. and Cobie Durant can develop into dependable starters.

Adding McCoy could allow defensive coordinator Dan Quinn’s system to evolve into a far more aggressive coverage scheme.

If McCoy reaches his projected ceiling, the Cowboys would suddenly have a true lockdown corner capable of generating turnovers and shutting down elite receivers.

And if that happens, the quiet offseason in Dallas may suddenly look a lot more strategic than fans initially believed.

Because sometimes the biggest move of the offseason isn’t made in March.

It’s made on draft night.