Cowboys 2026 mock draft: Dallas predicted to use pick from Micah Parsons trade on Texas Tech edge rusher

The Dallas Cowboys traded away edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers ahead of the 2025 season, and the team hasn't effectively replaced the generational talent just yet.

Dallas' pass rush has been incredibly underwhelming this year, as the unit ranks in the bottom ten in sacks and struggles to consistently generate pressure on quarterbacks.

Though the interior of the Cowboys' defensive line is a major strength due to the likes of Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark, the edge play has been lackluster in 2025, largely due to Parsons' departure. As a result, CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson predicts Dallas will select Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey in April's draft.

In the deal with the Packers involving Parsons and Clark, Dallas also acquired two first-round picks. Wilson has the Cowboys selecting Bailey with one of the choices they got from Green Bay.

Here is Wilson's scouting report on Bailey:

"Bailey brings a mix of power and athleticism off the edge, pairing a strong long-arm move and a nasty bull rush with the burst to win around the corner. At 247 pounds, he's lighter than some, but his strength, motor and variety of pass-rush moves make him a constant problem for tackles who don't anchor well."

Bailey had an electric 2025 campaign, tallying 14.5 sacks and three forced fumbles for the Red Raiders. The 22-year-old has established himself as one of the top edge rushers in the upcoming draft and could be a high-impact player at the next level.

Replacing Parsons isn't a seamless task, but Bailey would provide Dallas with a player similar to the Packers' superstar. Bailey possesses exciting athleticism and makes up for being undersized for the position with this relentless motor and versatile pass-rushing skill set.

The Cowboys need to upgrade at edge tusher this offseason, and Bailey would give the franchise a player who could make a difference on Day 1.