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By Richie Whitt
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If you're going to trade away Micah Parsons, might as well begin the process of replacing Micah Parsons.
In ESPN guru Mel Kiper's first mock NFL draft of 2026, he projects the Dallas Cowboys do exactly that. Thanks to the trade of Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, the Cowboys own two first-round picks in April's draft. Kiper predicts they will spend both of the selections on defensive players who – like Parsons – can harass quarterbacks and make plays behind the line of scrimmage.
With their own No. 12 pick, Kiper says they will draft Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. With the 20th pick obtained from the Packers, he sees them selecting Miami defensive end Akheem Mesidor.
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"This defense needs a lot of help," Kiper said on ESPN Wednesday morning. "Getting these two playmakers in the first round could help the improvement immediately."
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The Cowboys had the worst defense in franchise history and one of the weakest in the NFL in 2025. They allowed 377 yards and 30 points per game, paving the way for a disappointing 7-9-1 season that got the coordinator fired. They attempted to improve on the fly, trading for New York Jets' Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams at the deadline.
Now they are interviewing prospective new coordinators at The Star in Frisco this week, and preparing to hit home runs in the draft.
Says Kiper of Styles, "Dallas could really use an impact player in the middle of the defense. Styles is a former safety, and it's no surprise once you see his speed. He can close on ball carriers and pass catchers in a flash. With 174 tackles over the past two seasons, he's a top-10 prospect for me."
Mesidor played on the Hurricanes' team that narrowly lost Monday night's National Championship game to Indiana.
"He had two sacks, bringing his season total to 12.5," Kiper said. "His toolbox is full. His bend, burst and power could help the Cowboys recapture some of the pass-rush juice they lost when they traded Parsons. Mesidor can get into the backfield quickly and finish, registering 17.5 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles this past season."
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