Dallas, TX
Dallas Cowboys ‘Dream Scenario’ Misses Boat on Team’s Biggest NFL Draft Need
With two picks in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, the Dallas Cowboys are expected to address their glaring holes on defense. Unfortunately for them, there are many holes that need to be addressed.
One of those is the cornerback position, which is where SI’s Gilberto Manzano turns his attention when identifying the team’s “dream scenario” during the draft. Manzano paints this scenario as the Cowboys being able to draft LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane at No. 12, while also adding Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy at No. 20.
Manzano accurately claims the Cowboys won’t be able to land an EDGE such as David Bailey without trading up, so his idea is to turn the secondary into a strength.
“Instead of losing picks, team owner and GM Jerry Jones should focus on turning the secondary into a strength,” Manzano wrote.
There’s no denying such a haul would completely revamp the secondary in Dallas for years to come. The problem is that it ignores a greater need, which is a game-changer on the front seven.
Cowboys have to get a starting LB or EDGE in NFL draft
Ideally, Dallas would walk away from Round 1 with a new starter on the edge, but there’s no guarantee that will happen. Their best bet could be if Rueben Bain Jr. falls to them at No. 12, but that’s not guaranteed even with the recent news about his part in a fatal car accident.
If they’re unable to land Bain, or another starting-caliber EDGE, then Dallas needs a linebacker who can make plays all over the field. While Ohio State’s Arvell Reese seems to be out of their range, there’s still a glimmer of hope that his teammate, Sonny Styles, could be an option. Although, that might only happen via trade up as well.
Whatever they do, however, the Cowboys must find someone who can help closer to the line of scrimmage, even if the Delane-McCoy combo would be formidable.
Cowboys haven’t gone back-to-back cornerback since 2017
Dallas has no issues doubling up on cornerbacks when needed. They did so in 2021 when they took Kelvin Joseph and Nahshon Wright in consecutive rounds (although they picked Osa Odighizuwa and Chauncey Golston in between the two). They also selected Trevon Diggs and Reggie Robinson II in 2021.
To find the last time they went back-to-back on corners, however, you have to look to the 2017 class. After taking Taco Charlton in Round 1, the Cowboys selected Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis with their next two selections.
Delane and McCoy would give them a superior pairing, but it comes at great risk since the front seven would still be suspect.
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Dallas, TX
Fatal crash on LBJ Freeway in Dallas leaves 1 dead, multiple people hospitalized, police say
One person has died and several others are injured after a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 635 in Dallas on Saturday.
Police were called to the 11100 block of westbound LBJ Freeway just before 6:30 p.m. for a major accident. Investigators discovered that a blue sedan heading west on I-635 moved to exit from the second from the left lane. It first hit the concrete barrier and traffic attenuator, or crash cushion. The sedan was then hit by a white pickup truck and a semi truck, police said. The sedan then caught on fire.
One passenger in the blue sedan died on the scene and another was ejected. The driver of the sedan and the ejected passenger were both taken to the hospital in critical condition.
The driver and two passengers in the pickup truck were also taken to the hospital. Their conditions are unknown.
Dallas police said the investigation is ongoing.
The family of 38‑year‑old Marisol Perez and her 18‑month‑old son, Erik Jr., is sharing their grief after the two were killed in Thursday’s apartment explosion and fire in Dallas’ Oak Cliff.
The blast at the Clyde Apartments also claimed the life of community activist and Democratic Party precinct chair Sylvia Collins. Five others were injured.
Marisol’s sisters describe her as a devoted mother and a deeply loving person.
“She was a dedicated mom and a good person… she had a good heart and wonderful intentions,” said Maria Lopez, Marisol’s sister.
Family members rushed to the scene after receiving a call from police, hoping Marisol and her children had made it out safely.
“They told me they couldn’t find my sister and her baby. It was devastating,” Lopez said.
Daughter rescued from rubble
Marisol’s 9‑year‑old daughter, Vanessa, was pulled from the rubble by a good Samaritan moments after the explosion. She turns 10 on Monday.
“We don’t have any words to thank him. We are so grateful,” Lopez said.
“He risked his life. Anything could have happened when he ran across the street to get her,” said sister Nora Carmona.
A close-knit family grieving
Marisol was one of four sisters, all of whom said they shared a tight bond.
“We called her Mari… or güera,” Lopez said.
“Every special occasion, she wanted me to do her makeup and hair. We’d laugh and bond. I miss it so much,” said sister Rosalinda Martinez.
The family says they are now focused on supporting Marisol’s husband, who was at work when the explosion happened.
“He wants justice. He knows this was not just a tragic accident. There have to be answers,” Carmona said.
Vigil planned for Sunday
The family is inviting the public to a vigil in honor of Marisol and Erik Jr. The event is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Sunday.
A GoFundMe has also been created to help with funeral expenses.
H-E-B is one step closer to opening its first location in the city of Dallas.
The grocery chain filed a construction permit for the store at 635 and Hillcrest Road on Wednesday.
According to the permit, construction is set to begin in March 2027. The store is projected to open in September 2028.
When plans for the location were first announced last year, some neighbors raised concerns about the development. Those concerns included increased traffic, noise pollution and crime.
A primary concern is congestion in an already high-traffic area. H-E-B says it plans to add turn lanes and make other upgrades to ease congestion, but neighbors still have concerns.
When the zoning request was still being considered in December 2025, some drew comparisons between the abundance of grocery stores in northern Dallas to the long fight to bring more grocers to food deserts in southern Dallas. The rezoning request passed 14-1.
In a statement, H-E-B wrote: “We appreciate the thoughtful consideration from city officials, staff, and community members throughout this process. We are committed to serving Texans and look forward to bringing our first H-E-B store to the city of Dallas.”
Benjamin Scott, Group Vice President of Real Estate and Shopping Center Development for H-E-B said the new store will bring 800 new jobs and an estimated $24 million in tax revenue to Dallas over the next five years.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.
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