RISK: Cowboys Likely To AVOID Rueben Bain, Jermod McCoy at No. 12 | Is Dallas OVERTHINKING It?

The Locked On Cowboys podcast dives into the Dallas Cowboys' potential strategy at pick 12 in the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on the growing consensus that the team may pass on top defensive prospects Reuben Bain and Jermon McCoy. Hosts Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool debate whether the Cowboys are overthinking their defensive needs, especially given Bain’s elite college production and unique edge-rushing ability, despite concerns about his physical fit for the outside linebacker role. They express skepticism about the front office’s apparent hesitation, suggesting it may stem from overvaluing scheme fit over raw talent. With both Bain and McCoy seemingly off the table, the hosts warn that the Cowboys face a narrow window to land one of the top five defensive players, as teams with high defensive needs are likely to snap them up early. They analyze the viability of trade strategies—particularly 'elevator trades'—and cite historical data showing that moving up in the first round is often affordable, costing just a late third- or fourth-round pick. The episode concludes with fallback options like Keldrick Falk, Thienemann, and Lachim Mesidor, though the hosts agree that staying at 12 could lead to a suboptimal selection, making a trade back or up a more prudent move despite the risk of losing a top-100 pick. Key takeaways include: 1) The Cowboys should not overvalue scheme fit at the expense of elite talent like Reuben Bain; 2) Trading up or down at pick 12 is likely necessary to secure a top-tier defensive player; 3) Historical trade data shows moving up in the first round is cost-effective; 4) The draft’s depth in rounds 3–4 means trading back could still yield strong value; 5) If forced to stay at 12, the Cowboys should consider high-upside, high-risk picks like Lachim Mesidor or Keldrick Falk; 6) The team’s flexibility at 12 makes it a strategic position, not a trap. The overall sentiment is cautiously optimistic, with the hosts believing the Cowboys have multiple paths to success, but cautioning against complacency.