Dallas Cowboys 2026 NFL Draft: Picks, team needs and 5 things to know
The NFL Draft is around the corner and the Dallas Cowboys have a lot of holes to fill. Here’s what to know.
The 2026 NFL Draft is almost here, and it will give the the Dallas Cowboys a critical opportunity to reshape the roster after a disappointing 2025 season.
Dallas finished 7–9–1 and missed the playoffs, leading to a busy offseason filled with roster turnover and key additions. Now, with multiple premium picks and several clear needs, the Cowboys enter April with plenty of flexibility, but pressure too.
Here are five things to know.
Cowboys have two first-round picks
Dallas owns two first-round picks: No. 12 overall pick and No. 20 overall pick (via Green Bay). It’s the first time the Cowboys have had multiple first-round selections since 2008.
The No. 12 pick comes from their 7–9–1 finish, while the second was acquired in the Micah Parsons trade to the Green Bay Packers. That gives Dallas the flexibility to stay put and add two starters, package picks to move up, or trade back and build depth.
Defense is Dallas’ clear priority
The Cowboys’ offseason tells you exactly where their needs are.
They lost multiple defensive linemen, including Osa Odighizuwa. They moved on from several edge players like Dante Fowler Jr. and Jadeveon Clowney. And they saw turnover at linebacker and in the secondary.
In response, Dallas traded for Rashan Gary, signed multiple defensive depth pieces, and added safety Jalen Thompson to stabilize the secondary.
Even with those moves, the defense remains a work in progress. Expect Dallas to target edge rusher, defensive tackle, or cornerback or safety depth.
Roster has been reshaped but questions remain
The Cowboys were active in free agency, bringing in players like Sam Howell (QB depth), Matt Hennessy (interior OL), and Jalen Thompson (starter-level addition). They also re-signed running back Javonte Williams to a three-year deal.
But there are still clear concerns:
- Interior defensive line depth
- Linebacker stability after multiple departures
- Secondary consistency despite new additions
This is not a finished roster, and the draft is expected to fill those gaps.
Full list of Cowboys draft picks
Dallas enters the draft with multiple selections, headlined by two first-rounders.
Key picks:
- Round 1: No. 12
- Round 1: No. 20 (via Packers)
- Round 3: No. 92
- Round 4: No. 112
- Round 5: No. 152
- Additional late-round compensatory picks
Notably, Dallas does NOT have their original 2nd-round pick and have dealt away other mid-round selections. That makes the first round even more important.
How to watch the 2026 NFL Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft takes place in Pittsburgh from April 23–25.
- Round 1: Thursday, April 23
- Rounds 2–3: Friday, April 24
- Rounds 4–7: Saturday, April 25
The event will be broadcast on ESPN, NFL Network, and streamed on NFL+. We’ll also be providing live text coverage of the first round of the NFL Draft right here on AS USA.
The Cowboys are entering this draft from a position of urgency. After a losing season, major defensive turnover, and a transitioning roster, Dallas has more questions than answers. But with two first-round picks and a clear direction on defense, this is a chance to reset the trajectory of the franchise heading into 2026.
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