Cowboys Mailbag:Mick's Mail: 07/27

I keep reading that the Cowboys can have great success with an average defense in 2026. But with all the painstaking work (success) over the past few months completely upgrading both the coaching staff and player talent, why are the expectations so low? Why not a top 10 defense?

What do you read into the Cowboys drafting Drew Shelton in the fourth round and being expected to sign both Sidney Fugar and Shiyazh Pete as undrafted free agents, all of whom played left tackle in Power 4 conferences? Has the team been concerned about the position?

I am excited to see Dallas drafting and trading for these defensive players. The offense is already really good, but with a younger and hungrier defense, it reminds me of the early 1990s. Do I have too much optimism?

Now that the draft is over, what positions do you feel still need to be addressed?

I am in no way suggesting that Caleb Downs isn't everything he is projected to be in terms of playmaking ability, football acumen, IQ and leadership, but I feel the brakes need to be tapped a little bit. Remember, he is a young rookie who will have to earn his stripes. Is it a worry that the expectations are through the roof?

I feel like the Dee Winters trade flew under the radar during draft weekend. Is he the answer for our linebacker/green dot issue? Or will the team continue to look to bolster the linebacker group?

Which player selected on Day 3 of the draft intrigues you the most? Do any have a shot at truly making an impact in 2026?

In our opinion, what would be the best-case scenario for the Cowboys in the first round? Trade up, trade down, stay put? Which player(s) do you hope they draft and why?

What position would you say is the biggest need the Cowboys must address in the upcoming draft? And are there any positions they should simply stay away from in the first round?

The New York Football team now has the Nos. 5 and 10 picks, both ahead of Dallas at 12. How concerned are you that they are going to target players the Cowboys really want? Does this make it more likely for Dallas to trade up?

Would you rather trade up and get one Tier 1 player and then maybe a handful of Tier 3 and 4 guys who play special teams? Or given everything this defense needs, would you rather trade down and maybe get four or five Tier 2 players who could start or have significant roles on the defense?