Cowboys Seek Defensive Standouts in 2026 NFL Draft

ESPN analysts predict Dallas will target linebacker, cornerback and pass rusher with two first-round picks

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:55pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a Dallas Cowboys defensive player making a tackle, with sharp planes of navy blue, silver, and white creating a dynamic, multi-angled composition.A cubist interpretation of a Cowboys defensive standout making a game-changing play, as the team looks to the draft to bolster its struggling unit.Dallas Today

The Dallas Cowboys, who haven't won a Super Bowl in over 30 years, are expected to focus on improving their defense in the 2026 NFL Draft. ESPN analysts Todd Archer and Jordan Reid believe the Cowboys will target defensive players with their two first-round picks at Nos. 12 and 20, potentially looking to trade up for highly-coveted prospects like Ohio State safety Caleb Downs or Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' defense struggled last season, allowing the third-most yards per game in the NFL. With their offense already featuring stars like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, the team is poised to prioritize defensive upgrades in the draft to help end their long championship drought.

The details

According to the ESPN analysts, the Cowboys know they must address linebacker, cornerback and pass rusher in this draft. While the team has taken offensive players in the first round before when a top-rated prospect fell to them, the expectation is that Dallas will focus on defense with their two first-round picks. Potential targets include Ohio State's Caleb Downs, a two-time All-American safety, and Miami's Rueben Bain Jr., a dominant edge rusher who could help replace the production of Micah Parsons.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April.

The players

Dak Prescott

The Cowboys' star quarterback.

CeeDee Lamb

A top wide receiver for the Cowboys.

Caleb Downs

An All-American safety from Ohio State who is expected to be a top draft target for the Cowboys.

Rueben Bain Jr.

A dominant edge rusher from Miami who could help replace the production of Micah Parsons for the Cowboys.

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What they’re saying

“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 Analyst

“Trading up continues to be a possibility, especially if there's a player they have high on their board who backslides a tad. Safety Caleb Downs (Ohio State) and edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) are believed to be players whom the Cowboys would maneuver for, as Dallas reportedly sees both as instant-impact game changers on defense.”

— Jordan Reid, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, and the Cowboys will be closely monitoring the board to see if they can trade up to land one of their top defensive targets.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' struggles on defense last season have made it clear they must prioritize that side of the ball in the upcoming draft. By targeting elite prospects like Caleb Downs and Rueben Bain Jr., Dallas has a chance to significantly upgrade its defense and take a major step toward ending its long championship drought.