Dallas Cowboys’ Draft Shocker: Sonny Styles and Avieon Terrell Poised to Transform Defense
As the NFL Draft approaches, anticipation builds around the potential moves that could reshape team rosters. The Dallas Cowboys, currently in the playoff mix, find themselves at a crucial juncture where strategic decisions could enhance their chances for postseason success. With the focus shifting to the draft, the latest mock projections indicate a strong emphasis on bolstering the defense.
Defensive Focus in Mock Drafts
In a recent mock draft by CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards, the Cowboys are expected to prioritize defensive talent in the first round. This strategy aligns with the team’s pressing needs, particularly in the secondary and linebacker positions. The Cowboys aim to inject youth and skill into their defense, a necessity as they look towards the future.
Sonny Styles: The Linebacking Phenom
At pick No. 15, the Cowboys are projected to select Sonny Styles, a linebacker from Ohio State. Styles, a former five-star recruit, has consistently lived up to the high expectations set for him. He boasts a national championship and first-team All-Big Ten honors under his belt. His impressive performance this season includes 80 total tackles, five tackles for loss, one interception, and three passes defensed.
Edwards highlights Styles’ readiness to make an impact: “Sonny Styles may get overlooked because of Arvell Reese’s play, but Styles is playing as well as any other defender in the country. He has good size and could finally quench Dallas’ thirst for impactful play at the linebacker position.” Styles comes from a football lineage, as his father, Lorenzo Styles, was a former NFL linebacker and Super Bowl champion, providing him with a strong foundation in the sport.
Avieon Terrell: A Cornerback with Promise
Following Styles, the Cowboys are projected to land Avieon Terrell, a cornerback from Clemson, at pick No. 28, which they acquire through a trade with the Packers. Terrell has garnered attention for his potential to rejuvenate the Cowboys’ secondary. Like Styles, he has NFL ties, as his brother, AJ Terrell, plays for the Atlanta Falcons.
The mock draft points out the Cowboys’ need for a younger, more economical solution in the defensive backfield: “Dallas has invested a lot of resources into the game’s most volatile position, and it has not paid off for them. The selection of Avieon Terrell allows the Cowboys to get younger and more inexpensive.” With a potential move away from Trevon Diggs, which could free up nearly $13 million in salary cap space, Terrell presents a timely opportunity.
This season, while Terrell has yet to record an interception, he has been a consistent presence on the field, accumulating 48 total tackles, nine passes defensed, and five forced fumbles. His ability to disrupt plays and contribute to the defense could be invaluable for the Cowboys moving forward.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft, slated for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, holds significant promise for the Cowboys. With an eye on strengthening their defense through the selections of Styles and Terrell, Dallas is poised to make impactful changes that could resonate throughout the upcoming season. As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on how the Cowboys choose to leverage their picks to fortify their roster and enhance their playoff aspirations.
