Cowboys Warn of Potential Offensive Draft Picks

Brian Schottenheimer suggests Dallas may target offensive players despite defensive needs

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:04am

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Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has hinted that the team may consider drafting offensive players in the 2026 NFL Draft, despite the Cowboys having the worst defense in the league last season. This comes as a surprise, as the team has focused heavily on defensive free agent signings and trade rumors. However, Schottenheimer and team executive Stephen Jones have suggested the team will take the 'best player available' approach, similar to when they drafted star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb in 2020 despite defensive needs.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' decision to potentially prioritize offense over defense in the draft could be a franchise-altering move. While drafting the best player available has proven successful in the past, the team's championship window with quarterback Dak Prescott appears to be closing, making defensive improvements a more urgent need. Fans and analysts will be closely watching the Cowboys' draft strategy to see if they truly commit to an offense-first approach.

The details

Schottenheimer stated the team wants to 'be prepared to do what we need to do on defense,' but added they won't 'pass on a great offensive player if they're there.' Jones also noted the team will be 'open-minded' in the draft, similar to when they selected Lamb in 2020 despite targeting a defensive player. The Cowboys hold two first-round picks, and while defensive needs are glaring, offensive talents like running back Jeremiyah Love and wide receiver Carnell Tate could be too good to pass up at certain draft slots.

  • In January 2026, Cowboys executive Stephen Jones discussed the team's openness to drafting the best player available, even if it's on offense.
  • In March 2026, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer warned the team may target offensive players in the upcoming draft.

The players

Brian Schottenheimer

The offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, who has hinted the team may target offensive players in the 2026 NFL Draft despite defensive needs.

Stephen Jones

The executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Dallas Cowboys, who has expressed the team's willingness to draft the best player available, even if it's on offense.

Dak Prescott

The 32-year-old starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, whose championship window appears to be closing.

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What they’re saying

“'You want to be prepared to do what we need to do on defense, but certainly, we're not going to pass on a great offensive player if they're there.'”

— Brian Schottenheimer, Offensive Coordinator, Dallas Cowboys

“'… we've got two first-round picks. A lot of people, a probably rightfully so, think they might end up being defensive players, but at the same time we were going to a defensive player when we drafted CeeDee Lamb…'”

— Stephen Jones, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Dallas Cowboys

What’s next

The Cowboys' draft strategy will be closely watched as they look to balance their defensive needs with the potential to select top offensive talents. The team's decision on how to use their two first-round picks could have major implications for their championship aspirations.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' willingness to consider offensive players in the draft, despite their defensive struggles, highlights the team's commitment to taking the 'best player available' approach. While this strategy has paid dividends in the past, the team's closing championship window with Dak Prescott may require a more urgent focus on defensive improvements to maximize their Super Bowl chances in the near future.