The goal for the 2026 NFL season was clear for Jerry Jones: to try to improve one of the weakest areas of his team, the Dallas Cowboys. For that reason, the draft presented itself in an ideal way, as he used 5 of his 7 picks to strengthen the team’s defense.
This part of the team’s performance was one of the lowest points in 2025 under the leadership of Matt Eberflus as defensive coordinator. On average, the Cowboys allowed 30.1 points per game (Rank: 32nd, last in the league) and 371.0 yards allowed per game (Rank: 30th).
After his stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, Christian Parker arrived at America’s Team as the new DC. It’s clear that a radical change was coming in the playing philosophy of Brian Schottenheimer’s team.
What lies ahead appears to bring a breath of change in Dallas. Not touching what worked well could be a smart decision, but having strongly reinforced the weak spots might be even better. Could this be enough for them to emerge as contenders in the NFC East?
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer of the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys’ first decisions
In a bold and intriguing move, the Cowboys traded up from No. 12 to No. 11 with the Miami Dolphins to select star safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State. They later reinforced their front seven by trading back slightly and picking UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence at No. 23. These two picks represent a significant investment in athleticism and playmaking ability for a unit that lacked both in 2025.
| Player | Position | Key 2025 College stats |
| Caleb Downs | Safety | 68 tackles, 2 INTs, 2 FFs, 1 sack |
| Malachi Lawrence | Edge | 7 sacks, 11 TFLs, 40 total pressures, 2 FFs |
Trading two fifth-round picks and the No. 12 selection to move up one spot and select Downs may have been one of Jerry Jones’ biggest successes. Now Downs will have to repay on the field the trust placed in him after being selected out of the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Caleb Downs of Ohio State celebrates after being selected eleventh overall pick.
New linebacker in Dallas
With the 92nd overall pick acquired through the Osa Odighizuwa trade, the Dallas Cowboys selected Jaishawn Barham, a versatile defender from the Michigan Wolverines. Capable of playing both as an off-ball linebacker and an edge rusher, Barham recorded 32 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks during his 2025 campaign.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has indicated that Barham will initially focus on the inside linebacker position, where his athleticism and physicality can provide an immediate boost to the team’s defensive core for the 2026 season.
The fourth round was the most active for the Cowboys
The Cowboys bolstered their roster with three fourth-round picks, starting at No. 112 with Penn State tackle Drew Shelton, who was the team’s first offensive selection of the 2026 draft after allowing only one sack in his final college season.
Two picks later at No. 114, the team added Florida cornerback Devin Moore, a 6’3″ defensive standout who recorded 35 tackles, 2 interceptions, and an elite 83.0 PFF grade in 2025. Given this production, Jerry Jones can feel confident about Moore becoming a key playmaker in a secondary that desperately needs a boost.
Finally, at No. 137, Dallas selected Alabama defensive lineman LT Overton, whose 42 tackles and 4 sacks in the SEC provide immediate rotational depth to an interior front looking to regain its dominance.
Drew Shelton.
A new weapon for Dak Prescott
With their final selection at No. 218, the Cowboys returned to the offensive side of the ball to draft Anthony Smith, a speedster from East Carolina. Known for his vertical threat and 4.4-second 40-yard dash speed, Smith is expected to challenge for a role as a deep-ball specialist and a key contributor on special teams.
The rookie joins a revamped wide receiver room headlined by CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, providing Dak Prescott with even more explosive depth for the upcoming 2026 season.
The Dallas offense aims to stay on track
In 2025, Dak Prescott anchored a high-powered Dallas Cowboys offense that ranked second in the NFL with 391.9 total yards per game. Individually, Prescott delivered a statistically elite campaign, throwing for 4,552 passing yards (3rd in the NFL) and 30 touchdowns against only 10 interceptions.
His efficiency was highlighted by a 99.5 passer rating and a 67.3% completion percentage, leading an air attack that featured standout performances from George Pickens (1,429 receiving yards) and CeeDee Lamb (1,077 receiving yards). Despite the team’s defensive struggles, Prescott’s leadership enabled the offense to average over 30 points per game, keeping Dallas competitive throughout the season.
