The Book of Genesis says that on the third day God created dry land and vegetation. It might not have been the most monumental day, but it was pretty noteworthy nonetheless. For the Dallas Cowboys, Day 3 of the 2026 NFL draft can only dream of being a fraction as productive.
With significant needs still at outside cornerback and offensive line depth, how might that final day go?
Snagging Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence in the first round while gaining added capital in the process, was nothing short of a miracle. Both players fill massive needs on defense and both players potentially bring game-changing ability.
The Cowboys followed their A+ Day 1 with a lottery ticket on Day 2. Jaishawn Barham, a multitool linebacker, was Dallas’ lone pick on Day 2 of the draft and the club plans to play him on the inside. The team also acquired 17-game starter Dee Winters for a Day 3 pick, meaning that room is rounding out as well, though it can still use additional help.
Here’s a look at what Day 3 might look like, with a perfect mock draft.
Round 4, Pick 112: Malik Muhammad, CB
Malik Muhammad, a Texas product, is a 6-foot, 182-pound boundary corner with zone-man versatility. Long and lean, he’s not the most intimidating of defensive backs but he’s well rounded and able to help solidify the depth chart for Dallas.
The Cowboys are banking on DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel, and added Cobie Durant to handle business on the outside in 2026, but in case they can’t, Muhammad should be able to hit the ground running.
Source: The Dallas Cowboys recently hosted Texas DB Malik Muhammad for a three-day visit.
A consistent perimeter presence for the Longhorns, Muhammad gave up less than 30 receiving yards in all but one of his 11 starts in ‘25. Ran 4.42 and jumped 39” in the vert at the combine.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) April 2, 2026
Round 4, Pick 114 : Bryce Boettcher, LB
The Cowboys avoided disaster and poor draft decisions by pulling the trigger on a linebacker trade. Sending a fifth-round pick to San Francisco, they attained Dee Winter to possibly man the middle next to DeMarvion Overshown. That said, they still need another linebacker and Winter’s presence allows them to be opportunistic rather than desperate.
Bryce Boettcher is fun linebacker with speed, instincts and a motor that won’t quit. He’s prone to bite and overpursue, but his explosiveness is an asset and temperance is something coaches can teach. Immediately, he slots in as a plus special teamer but this player has starting ability down the road.
The only P4 linebacker prospects since 2015 with a tackle rate > 12.0% and a pass breakup rate > 1.75% in at least one college season. Oregon LB Bryce Boettcher projects as a ‘Tier 2’ high level NFL starter..
🔘 Nick Bolton, Missouri
🔘 Payton Wilson, North Carolina State
🔘 TJ… pic.twitter.com/BArN1AJ6Ej— Adam Carter (@impactfbdata) February 16, 2026
Round 4, Pick 137: Beau Stephens, IOL
Brock Hoffman is already gone and T.J. Bass is only locked in for one more season. The Cowboys could use an extra interior offensive linemen to groom and Stephens is the best on the board. The Iowa product is capable of playing both guard spots and possibly even center.
Round 7, Pick 218: J’Mari Taylor, RB
J’Mari Taylor isn’t exciting but he’s safe and safe is exactly what the Cowboys need. Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah didn’t rise to the occasion as rookies and no one outside of Javonte Williams and Hunter Luepke looked trustworthy in pass protection.
Taylor is an old school runner with contact balance and pass protection ability. He would be the floor for the group as Dallas looks to unlock the ceiling that Blue brings.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys perfect Day 3 mock draft: LB, CB and depth still in need