The Dallas Cowboys are preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on improving their defense after a disappointing 2025 season. They hold eight draft picks, including two in the first round, aiming to bolster their roster for a playoff return.
Key points
Cowboys finished 2025 season with a 7-9-1 record
Dallas ranked second in the NFL for total and passing yards
Team allowed 511 points, the most in franchise history
2026 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh, PA
Cowboys have eight picks, including two first-round selections
Dallas CowboysPhiladelphia EaglesGreen Bay PackersSan Francisco 49ers
FRISCO (SILVER STAR NATION) — The 2026 NFL Draft is just over the horizon, bringing the promise of new talent to all 32 franchises in the National Football League, including America’s Team.
The Cowboys failed to reach the postseason for a second consecutive season in 2025. While Dallas finished second in the NFC East, the Cowboys ended the 2025 season with a record of 7-9-1.
In 2025, Dallas was one of the league’s top offensive teams, ranking second in total yards, second in passing yards, and seventh in points per game in the National Football League. The issue for the Cowboys in 2025 was the defense. They surrendered the most passing yards in the entire league, allowing 511 total points, the most in franchise history.
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With head coach Brian Schottenheimer returning to lead the team and Christian Parker, former defensive backs coach for the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, taking over as defensive coordinator, the Cowboys are hopeful that their offseason additions, including their soon-to-be draft picks, can help return Dallas to playoff football in 2026.
When is the 2026 NFL Draft?
The 2026 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the first time the NFL Draft has been held in the Steel City in almost 80 years. The NFL Draft begins with the first round on Thursday, April 23, and concludes on Saturday, April 25.
**Thursday, April 23**— Round 1 — 7:00 p.m. Central
Q&A
What is the date and location of the 2026 NFL Draft?
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from April 23 to April 25, 2026.
How many draft picks do the Cowboys have in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Cowboys have a total of eight draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including two in the first round.
What were the Cowboys' defensive struggles in the 2025 season?
In 2025, the Cowboys had the worst pass defense in the league, allowing the most passing yards and surrendering a franchise-record 511 points.
Who is the new defensive coordinator for the Cowboys?
Christian Parker, formerly the defensive backs coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, has been appointed as the new defensive coordinator for the Cowboys.
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**Friday, April 24**— Rounds 2-3 — 6:00 p.m. Central
**Saturday, April 25** — Rounds 4-7 — 11:00 a.m. Central
When are the Cowboys picking in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Cowboys have 8 total picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, with three selections in the top 100 picks. This includes two picks in the first round, but only one pick on Day 2 of the NFL Draft, in the third round. They’ll have five picks on Day 3.
A complete list of the Cowboys’ draft picks can be found below:
READ MORE: Cowboys face tough offseason with 15 free agents
Many current players for Dallas that project to play a key role in the 2026 season came via trades during the season, such as defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. However, the Cowboys added a few key pieces in free agency.
In addition, the Cowboys will be returning several key contributors to 2025’s offensive success to extensions, including wide receiver George Pickens (franchise tag) and running back Javonte Willaims (re-signed in the offseason).
A review of the Cowboys’ offseason activity can be found below:
**DT Osa Odighizuwa** — One of the more consistent players for Dallas, the additions of Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams made Odighizuwa’s contract a salary cap issue for the Cowboys, opting to trade him to San Francisco for a third round pick
**WR Jalen Tolbert** — After a career year in 2024, Tolbert’s role with Dallas diminished following the acquisition of George Pickens, leading the receiver to sign with Miami in the offesason
**DT Solomon Thomas** — Upon the initial signing of the DFW native and former first-round pick, Thomas was traded to Tennessee for a seventh-round pick
What are the biggest needs for the Cowboys?
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It’s no secret that addressing defensive deficiencies that plagued the Cowboys in 2025 is a top priority for Dallas during the 2026 NFL Draft. With two picks in the first round, it’s possible America’s Team will be able to add top-tier talent at key positions of need.
The 2026 draft class is considered top-heavy by many NFL analysts and experts, with elite talent in the top half of the first round, followed by a significant drop-off outside of the first round.
Historically, America’s Team has been hesitant to trade up in the first round of the NFL Draft. The last time they did was in 2012, trading up to the sixth overall pick to draft cornerback Morris Claiborne. Despite this, however, they may have to trade both of their first round picks to acquire a top-tier player.
Four main areas of need that the Cowboys may attempt to address in the 2026 NFL Draft:
4. Linebacker
Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
***Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)***
Demarvion Overshown’s talent is undeniable, but his injury history is reason enough for the Cowboys to be interested in adding a top-tier linebacker with one of their eight picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Sonny Styles (Ohio State), considered by many to be the best athlete in the 2026 draft class, will likely be off the board by pick 12, but with options like Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech) and CJ Allen (Clemson) likely to be available in the late first or early second round, the Dallas front office may attempt to make a move to add a high-level linebacker to the roster.
3. Safety
Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)
***Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)***
While the safety position was largely addressed during free agency with the additions of Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke,
Several talented safeties have found themselves in the top end of the 2026 draft class, which may entice Dallas to select one in the first round.
Top safety prospect Caleb Downs (Ohio State) will likely already have a home when the Cowboys are set make the 12th overall selection. However, Dillon Thieneman (Oregon) and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo) may be too good to pass up with the 20th overall pick.
2. Cornerback
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane (4) and safety Dashawn Spears (10) on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
***LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane (4) and safety Dashawn Spears (10) on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)***
One of the most glaring needs for Dallas to address in the 2026 NFL Draft is the defensive backfield. Not only did the Cowboys allow the most passing yards in the NFL in 2025, but the addition of defensive coordinator Parker, who specializes in developing defensive backs, makes drafing a high-end cornerback nearly a necessity for Dallas in 2026.
Mansoor Delane (LSU), Jermod McCoy (Tennessee), Chris Johnson (San Diego State), and Avieon Terrell (Clemson) will likely be available when the Cowboys make their two first-round selections, and all four could make an immediate impact for Dallas.
1. Defensive End
Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
***Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)***
The loss of Micah Parsons had a noticable impact on the Cowboys’ pass rush in 2025. Dallas finished the season with 35 sacks, ranking 25th in the NFL. No player finished with more than 9 sacks, and only two had more than 5 (Jadaveon Clowney, James Houston).
Disrupting the opposing quarterback is top among the long list of needs for the Dallas defense. Fortunately, the 2026 NFL draft class has plenty of pass rushing talent, but depending on how the draft falls, the Cowboys may have to pay a hefty price.
With top-end prospects like Rueben Bain (University of Miami), David Bailey (Texas Tech), and Arvell Reece (Ohio State), the 2026 draft class is loaded with talent. The question for Dallas is whether one of the top prospects will fall to them, or if they’ll have to trade up to acquire one.
Follow Silver Star Nation’s coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft
