The Dallas Cowboys are still a long way from the 2027 NFL Draft, but they need to start planning early for who to target.
Most likely, the Cowboys will focus on defense again, as they did in this year’s draft. Dallas still has plenty of positions to consider, with all three levels needing help.
The biggest question is what Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones will do. Jones might be able to find the perfect partner in crime for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.
Dallas Cowboys Could Target Defensive Tackle for Quinnen Williams
GettyQuinnen Williams #92 of the Dallas Cowboys
Sports Illustrated writer Gilberto Manzano shared his new 2027 NFL mock draft. Manzano has the Cowboys picking 21st overall and taking Oklahoma defensive tackle David Stone.
“If Stone has a breakout junior season, he might go higher in the draft. His high upside has been noticeable since he arrived at Oklahoma two seasons ago. Jerry Jones would likely jump at the chance to pair Quinnen Williams with the 6’3″, 294-pound Stone. However, Stone will need to generate better numbers in 2026 after having only 2.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in two combined seasons.”
While Pro Football Focus did a preview of the Oklahoma Sooners football team, they highlighted Stone as one of the stars on the team.
“Stone is a freakish athlete at 315 pounds and one of the best defensive tackles in the country. His quick first step and natural violence make him a dominant run defender. His 80.7 PFF run-defense grade ranked 10th among qualified SEC defensive tackles last season, while his 13.0% run-stop rate ranked second nationally, trailing only Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald.
Many draft evaluators view Stone as the top interior defensive line prospect in the 2027 class. With more discipline and a more refined pass-rush plan, he has the talent to prove them right.”
Dallas Cowboys Could Have Star in David Stone
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 13: David Stone #0 of the Oklahoma Sooners reacts against the Temple Owls in the first half at Lincoln Financial Field on September 13, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
This Cowboys defense could use all the help it can get. Entering 2026, the unit already looks much better than it has in recent years.
They could use some more size up front to stop the run and pressure the quarterback. Dallas added Von Miller to help with the edge rushers, but the guys in the middle of the line need some focus.
Williams is a Pro Bowl talent on the defensive line, but he needs more support. Stone would be able to jump in from Day 1 and be an instant starter for the Cowboys.
The hope is that Christian Parker will still be the defensive coordinator in 2027 and can keep building the defense the way he wants to. Parker might have some bigger needs depending on what happens with the secondary.
It is a good sign, though, if the Cowboys have the 21st overall pick. That could mean Stone is the final piece of the puzzle in making Dallas Super Bowl contenders.
Cowboys Mock Draft Finds Perfect Partner for Quinnen Williams