Should the Cowboys take a defensive end in the first round?
With the Dallas Cowboys season coming to an end, this is a good time to look at the biggest needs for Dallas and who the key prospects are in the first round the Cowboys could take with either of their Day 1 picks. In this edition we look at the edge defenders.
Rueben Bain Jr, Miami
Bain Jr. is Miami’s built-in chaos button off the edge, playing with low pads, heavy hands, and a first step that jolts tackles before they settle, with enough size to kick inside and handle guards on passing downs.
Strengths:
He wins with leverage, torque, and a relentless motor that turns pressures into drive-killers, and he sets a sturdy edge for a guy his size.
Weaknesses:
The issues are with his arm length and wingspan, meaning longer tackles can stall him if the counter doesn’t fire fast, and he’ll occasionally overrun contain.
Summary:
Clean up the rush technique and keep better lane integrity, and you’ve got a weekly problem who can rush from multiple spots and make an impact on third down.
(Top-5 prospect)
Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Where Bain has issues with wingspan, Faulk does not have that problem. At 6’6” and 285 pound with a jarring long-arm, sturdy run fits, and enough quickness to push the pocket or bat throws, Faulk is an absolute menace.
Strengths:
Faulk brings prototype length and trench power. He wins first contact with a heavy long-arm and sets a firm edge without giving ground. He stacks and sheds with leverage, closes lanes with a wide wingspan, and carries inside-out versatility to line up at 4i/5/7 and push guards on stunts.
Weaknesses:
Statistically, Faulk is a tough read and you have to squint when you read his 2025 line. He finished with just 29 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and just two sacks all season. The numbers don’t match the traits. If you ask why, consistency is the biggest issue.
Summary:
With a steady motor and disciplined run fits, you get a rugged everydown end who shrinks the pocket on every play and keeps early downs on schedule.
(Top-10 prospect)
David Bailey, Texas Tech
Bailey is a transfer home run. A Stanford import who’s become the Red Raiders’ primary havoc source, piling up 13.5 sacks (most in the Big 12), 18 tackles for loss (most in the Big 12), three forced fumbles, and 43 tackles in 2025 while earning unanimous All-America and Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Week honors.
Strengths:
His game is built on snap timing and real speed-to-power. The results show up weekly, PFF graded him 93.2 overall on the season, which is highest among all edge defenders, and gave him a 93.9 pass rush grade which also ranks the best. He also finished the season with a national best of 77 total pressures, so the results are real. He’s a rusher with both pedigree and form.
Weaknesses:
When beat on the first move he needs better and quicker counters, and longer linemen can wash him on contact if his pad level gets too high. There’s also question on his every-down bulk versus NFL run games, areas that technique and strength work can chip away at.
Summary:
Bailey looks like a plug-and-play edge threat who can kill third-down plays right now, with the résumé to back it. If he gets better at counter moves and the pad level stays low, he projects as a high-impact starter whose pressure rate travels in the NFL.
(Top-20 prospect)
T.J. Parker, Clemson
Parker is Clemson’s edge hammer. He measures 6’3” and 265 pound, but he plays with a jarring long-arm and good first-step. He wrecked 2024 with 57 tackles, 19.5 TFL, 11 sacks. He then followed that in 2025 with 37 tackles, 9.5 TFL, five sacks, drawing top-of-class buzz heading into this draft cycle.
Strengths:
Long limbs with a compact build, and a jarring speed-to-power long-arm and tough against the run. He consistently pushed the pocket and produced splash plays the last two years.
Weaknesses:
For no apparent reason his pass rush can stall. Issues also arise when his pad level rises and he’ll give his opponent opportunities to re-set if his counter isn’t on time. Turning more pressures into finishes against long, patient pass protectors is a big development point.
Summary:
Parker is a versatile, every-down end who sets an edge on early downs and squeezes pockets on third down. He already owns high-end production and the traits to match, he just needs to work on counter moves and keeping a low pad level, and he projects as a top-tier draft prospect.
(Top-20 prospect)
Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Howell has carried star form into 2025 for Texas A&M after leading the MAC in sacks during the 2023 season. In 2024 for the Aggies he came out strong the he exploded this season with 31 tackles, 14 TFL, 12 sacks, six pass breakups, and one forced fumble, earning SEC Defensive Player of the Year and All-America honors, no small feat in the SEC.
Strengths:
He has a great first step along with long arms that converts speed to power insanely well. His production matches the tape and he’s flashed elite week-to-week pass-rush metrics with a 90.4 PFF pass rush grade, and a 23.8% pass rush win rate in his career between Bowling Green and Texas A&M
Weaknesses:
Has issues overpowering tackles when they anchor. His coutner moves are not always consistent, and against bigger players he can get washed if his hands don’t land first, hence the occasional game-to-game swing in impact.
Summary:
Howell needs to clean up the leverage and put a hair-trigger on his counter moves, and he could solve his consistency issues. He’s an immediate sub-package menace with clear every-down starter upside.
(Top-30 prospect)
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