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DAL
Dallas Cowboys
Draft Needs
| Priority | Position | Level | Target Round | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CB | HIGH | Round 1 | Secondary is a top need with multiple CBs set to depart; Cowboys ranked last in EPA per play allowed on defense and need coverage help behind Trevon Diggs |
| 2 | EDGE | HIGH | Round 1 | Despite trading for Rashan Gary from GB, Cowboys lost Jadeveon Clowney (79.2 grade) and Dante Fowler Jr. (77.6 grade) to free agency; need a second elite pass rusher |
| 3 | LB | HIGH | Round 2 | Kenneth Murray Jr. led team in tackles but lacked impact plays and was often out of position; Cowboys want an upgrade at this position |
| 4 | S | HIGH | Round 2 | Signed Jalen Thompson but still need depth; lost Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson to free agency, leaving safety a major concern |
| 5 | DT | MEDIUM | Round 3 | Interior defensive line needs reinforcement to stop the run and generate interior pressure |
| 6 | RB | MEDIUM | Round 4 | Javonte Williams may have tested free agency; backfield depth needed behind top option |
Draft Strategy
Balanced Approach
This team takes a balanced approach, weighing both player value and team needs. They will take the best player available when the value is clear, but will also factor in positional need when players are similarly rated.
Team Info
Dallas
City
Cowboys
Nickname
NFC
Conference
East
Division
2026 Draft Picks
8
Total Picks
2
Round 1
3
Top 3 Rounds
2
Compensatory
| Round | Pick | Overall | Type | Original Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rd 1 | 12 | #12 | OWN | - |
| Rd 1 | 20 | #20 | TRADE | GB |
| Rd 3 | 92 | #92 | TRADE | SF |
| Rd 4 | 112 | #112 | OWN | - |
| Rd 5 | 152 | #152 | OWN | - |
| Rd 5 | 177 | #177 | COMP | - |
| Rd 5 | 180 | #180 | COMP | - |
| Rd 7 | 218 | #218 | TRADE | TEN |
Needs Summary
1
CB
HIGH
2
EDGE
HIGH
3
LB
HIGH
4
S
HIGH
5
DT
MEDIUM
6
RB
MEDIUM
2026 Offseason Moves
+ Additions
Brandon Aubrey
K
FREE AGENCY
from DAL
$5.8M/yr
1yr
George Pickens
WR
FREE AGENCY
from PIT
$27.3M/yr
1yr
Jalen Thompson
S
FREE AGENCY
from ARI
$12.0M/yr
3yr
Javonte Williams
RB
FREE AGENCY
from DEN
$8.0M/yr
3yr
Otito Ogbonnia
DT
FREE AGENCY
from LV
$3.0M/yr
1yr
P.J. Locke
S
FREE AGENCY
from DEN
$5.0M/yr
1yr
Rashan Gary
DE
TRADE
from GB
Acquired from Green Bay Packers in exchange for a 2027 4th-round pick
Sam Howell
QB
TRADE
from PHI
Acquired from Philadelphia Eagles; third NFC East team Howell has played for
Sam Williams
DE
FREE AGENCY
from FA
$3.0M/yr
1yr
− Losses
Jadeveon Clowney
DE
FREE AGENCY
Departed as unrestricted free agent
Jalen Tolbert
WR
FREE AGENCY
Departed as unrestricted free agent
Logan Wilson
LB
RELEASE
Released in February 2026
Miles Sanders
RB
FREE AGENCY
Departed as unrestricted free agent
Osa Odighizuwa
DT
TRADE
to SF
Traded to San Francisco 49ers for a 2026 3rd-round pick
Solomon Thomas
DT
TRADE
to TEN
Traded to Tennessee Titans in a pick swap (pick 218 for pick 225)