Cowboys Weigh Options as Draft Approaches

Dallas faces key decisions with needs on both sides of the ball

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:07pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Dallas Cowboys football game, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, silver, and white, capturing the complexity and intensity of the sport.The Cowboys' draft strategy will determine how quickly they can rebuild their defense and return to contention in the NFC.Dallas Today

The Dallas Cowboys have several pressing needs to address heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, including at linebacker, edge rusher, and in the secondary. With the 12th and 20th overall picks, the team must decide whether to trade up, trade down, or stand pat and select the best available players to improve their defense.

Why it matters

The Cowboys had the worst defense in the NFL last season, so they need to find immediate impact players to turn things around. Their offseason moves so far have been mixed, leaving several holes that must be filled through the draft.

The details

Dallas has explored free agent linebackers like Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker, as well as potential trades for players like Jordyn Brooks of the Dolphins. However, those talks have cooled, leaving the team to potentially address linebacker through the draft. At 12th overall, the Cowboys could target players like Sonny Styles or Caleb Downs, while edge rusher Rueben Bain is also in consideration. The team may also look to trade up or down to get the right pieces.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place on April 24-26.
  • The Cowboys hold the 12th and 20th overall picks in the first round.

The players

Brian Schottenheimer

Dallas Cowboys head coach

Stephen Jones

Dallas Cowboys COO

Jerry Jones

Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager

Will McClay

Dallas Cowboys vice president of player personnel

Nakobe Dean

Free agent linebacker

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

The Cowboys face a critical draft as they look to rebuild their defense and return to contention in the NFC. Their decisions with the 12th and 20th picks, as well as any potential trades, will go a long way in determining the trajectory of the franchise in the coming years.