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Cowboys Reporter Doubts Defensive Focus in 2026 NFL Draft for Dallas
ESPN's Todd Archer warns Jerry Jones may surprise with an offensive pick in the first round.
Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:22pm
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The Dallas Cowboys have two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft and are expected to focus on upgrading their defense, which was a major weakness in 2025. However, ESPN reporter Todd Archer cautions that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has surprised before, such as when the team selected wide receiver CeeDee Lamb in the first round in 2020 despite defensive needs.
Why it matters
The Cowboys' defense was a major liability in 2025, so addressing those needs through the draft is crucial. However, the unpredictable nature of Jones' decision-making means the team could potentially go in an unexpected direction and select an offensive player, which would be a surprise to many.
The details
Archer points out that while the Cowboys know they must address linebacker, cornerback, and pass rusher in this draft, the team had similar defensive needs in 2020 but ended up taking Lamb, a top-rated offensive player, instead. Archer says the only scenario where Dallas would take an offensive player at 12th or 20th overall is if the team intends to trade wide receiver George Pickens or if Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love falls to them, though the latter is considered very unlikely.
- The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for later this month.
The players
Todd Archer
An ESPN reporter who covers the Dallas Cowboys.
Jerry Jones
The owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys.
CeeDee Lamb
A wide receiver drafted by the Cowboys in the first round in 2020.
George Pickens
A wide receiver currently on the Cowboys roster.
Jeremiyah Love
A superstar running back prospect from Notre Dame.
What they’re saying
“Definitely? With Jerry Jones? Nothing is definite. The Cowboys know they must address the defense, and the best way to do that is with their two first-round picks. They must find a linebacker, cornerback and pass rusher in this draft.”
— Todd Archer, ESPN Reporter
“But the Cowboys had similar defensive needs in 2020 and ended up with receiver CeeDee Lamb in Round 1. He was a top-10-graded player on their board and too much of a 'blinking light' to pass up at No. 17. That's the only scenario where the Cowboys go with an offensive player at either 12 or 20.”
— Todd Archer, ESPN Reporter
What’s next
The Cowboys will make their first-round selections in the 2026 NFL Draft later this month, with the expectation being they will focus on defensive needs despite the unpredictable nature of owner Jerry Jones' decision-making.
The takeaway
The Cowboys' defense was a major weakness in 2025, so addressing those needs through the draft is crucial. However, the team's history of making surprising offensive picks, like CeeDee Lamb in 2020, means they could potentially go in an unexpected direction and select an offensive player in the first round, which would be a surprise to many.
