Cowboys 2026 NFL Draft guide: Number of picks, biggest needs, draft history, and more

The Dallas Cowboys have a chance to make a splash, and here is their 2026 NFL Draft guide, with picks, biggest needs, and history.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:49pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented football players and draft prospects in the colors of the Dallas Cowboys, representing the team's focus on improving their defense through the upcoming draft.The Dallas Cowboys' 2026 NFL Draft strategy aims to rebuild their defense through a pair of first-round picks.Today in Pittsburgh

The Dallas Cowboys' 2026 NFL Draft guide is here to get you ready for the upcoming annual selection meeting. Ahead of this crucial week, the article looks at the Cowboys' draft picks, their biggest needs, potential targets, and their recent draft history.

Why it matters

The Cowboys have a chance to significantly improve their roster through the 2026 NFL Draft, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Their draft strategy and selections will be crucial in determining the team's success in the upcoming season.

The details

The Cowboys have eight picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including two first-round selections. Their biggest needs are at linebacker, edge rusher, and cornerback. Potential targets include Ohio State's Sonny Styles, Texas A&M's Cassius Howell, Miami's Akheem Mesidor, and Jermod McCoy from an undisclosed school. The Cowboys have a history of drafting offensive linemen in the first round, but they are expected to focus on defense this year.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with Round 1 kicking off on April 23, Rounds 2 and 3 on April 24, and Rounds 4-7 on April 25.

The players

Sonny Styles

A former Ohio State player who has the traits and versatility to be a potential target for the Cowboys. He is described as an emerging player with the ability to make an impact from multiple spots on the field and is a plus man-cover talent.

Cassius Howell

A defensive end from Texas A&M who could be a target for the Cowboys with their second first-round pick.

Akheem Mesidor

A defensive end from Miami who could also be a target for the Cowboys with their second first-round pick.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

A safety from Toledo who would be elite in a three-safety look due to his 6-foot-4 build, range, and ability to play in the box. He is known for his downhill tackling ability that has led to nine career forced fumbles.

Jermod McCoy

A cornerback who missed the entire 2025 season due to a torn ACL, but his 2024 tape was elite, with four interceptions and nine passes defensed. He profiles as a physical outside cornerback with smooth moving skills.

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What they’re saying

“'Dallas' cornerback room is full of question marks behind DaRon Bland due to the release of Trevon Diggs. Bland is solid, but the Cowboys need a corner who scares opposing QBs. McCoy missed last season following a torn ACL suffered in January 2025, but his 2024 tape was elite, with four interceptions and nine passes defensed. The 6-foot-1, 188-pound McCoy profiles as a physical outside cornerback with smooth moving skills in phase. He would have been my top cornerback in the 2025 class if he had been draft-eligible.'”

— Matt Miller

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Cowboys have a chance to significantly improve their defense through the 2026 NFL Draft, with potential targets at linebacker, edge rusher, and cornerback. Their draft strategy and selections will be crucial in determining the team's success in the upcoming season.