The Dallas Cowboys had a successful Day 1 of the 2026 NFL draft but still have significant needs to address on Day 2, particularly in the offensive line. With only one pick remaining, the team must prioritize filling these gaps.
Key points
Dallas Cowboys had a successful Day 1 in the 2026 NFL draft.
The team has significant needs to address on Day 2.
Cowboys currently have only one pick for Day 2.
Offensive line is a major area of concern.
Dallas CowboysNFL Draft 2026
Cowboys remaining needs entering Day 2 of 2026 NFL draft expands to O
The Dallas Cowboys had a great Day 1 in the 2026 NFL draft, but the job isn’t done. With Day 2 beginning at 7pm Eastern, the team currently only has one pick, and several positions that still need to be addressed.
Not every hole can be plugged across Round 2 and Round 3, so the front office in Dallas must find an answer for at least one of these positions. Here are the biggest remaining needs for the Cowboys as Day 2 of the 2026 draft arrives.
Offensive line (OT)
This wouldn’t be the biggest need for the Cowboys, but the team has to prepare themselves for injuries and ineffectiveness at the offensive tackle spots. Jerry Jones employs the highest paid player in the league in quarterback Dak Prescott and then asks him to deliver more than most signal callers, it’s a priority to protect him.
Despite drafting offensive lineman early and often, Dallas still might need help. Left tackle Tyler Guyton improved off his rookie season, but couldn’t stay on the field enough, missing seven games last year. Guyton also still needs a lot of work to become a top LT.
His backup, Nathan Thomas, did his best, but was noticeably the weak link on the unit. The Cowboys need a better answer if injuries strike, or if Guyton doesn’t take the next step up.
Right tackle Terence Steele also struggled to play well consistently last season, and saw his salary cut this offseason in a reworked deal.
Q&A
What positions do the Cowboys need to address on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL draft?
The Cowboys need to focus on improving their offensive line and potentially other positions as they enter Day 2.
What time does Day 2 of the 2026 NFL draft start?
Day 2 of the 2026 NFL draft begins at 7 PM Eastern.
How many picks do the Cowboys have for Day 2 of the 2026 NFL draft?
The Cowboys currently have only one pick for Day 2 of the 2026 NFL draft.
What was the Cowboys' performance on Day 1 of the 2026 NFL draft?
The Cowboys had a great Day 1 in the 2026 NFL draft, successfully addressing some of their needs.
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Even though they continue to draft offensive linemen at a high rate, the Cowboys need to think about getting better at the tackle positions on offense.
The problem is that there was a ridiculous run on OTs in the first round, and there just might not be any prospects that make sense by the time the Cowboys are back on the clock.
Linebacker
This is a position where the defense just doesn’t have many options, or good enough players.
Christian Parker’s scheme is versatile enough that Rashan Gary and Donovan Ezeiruaku will play some outside LB, but the bigger issue is in the middle, where the Cowboys have one viable option in DeMarvion Overshown.
Second-year man Shemar James is in the mix as well, but he feels better suited as a backup LB, and the same for Justin Barron, who signed as an undrafted free agent last year. There isn’t much more help, or depth, at the position.
As good as Overshown has played when healthy, his injury history leaves questions and the draft needs to bring answers. The team is desperate for help at LB and finding someone to pair with Overshown would be ideal.
Cornerback
This is a place where the Cowboys have thrown resources at this offseason, but none are long-term answers. The projected starters are DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel, with Cobie Durant in the mix there as well, and Caelen Carson and Reddy Steward fighting to be the nickel corners.
Others in consideration are Derion Kendrick, Josh Butler and Corey Ballentine. Of the CB group, only Bland, Revel and Carson are signed past this season.
For the 2026 season, it’s a position that has promise, but injuries make it a question mark. The two penciled in starters have health concerns. Bland had his second foot surgery in two years this offseason, while Revel is further away from his torn ACL and should be healthier.
Durant brings depth and stability, only missing three games in the last three seasons.
There’s also the question of skill. Bland is considered the top CB in Dallas but struggled last season under disposed-of DC Matt Eberflus, and Revel didn’t get enough experience as a rookie and still has a bit of a learning curve. No one else on the depth chart feels like a top player at the position.
Parker may need to find a high-quality prospect to help the defense at CB.
Tight end
One of the positions not talked about enough as a need for the Cowboys is TE. The team has a capable starter in Jake Ferguson, who is coming off a career year.
However, Ferguson doesn’t have the athletic ability or the dynamic run after the catch skills the offense could use. He’s a good end zone target and can move the chains, but a game breaker at TE could unlock this Dallas offense even further. Two TE sets with Ferguson and a better athletic option is an ideal way for the offense to improve in year two with Brian Schottenheimer and Klayton Adams.
They didn’t draft one early, but there are still some quality TE options for the Cowboys to pair with Ferguson.
Caleb Downs, Alabama
Caleb Downs, Alabama
Caleb Downs, Alabama
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs (2) intercepts a pass from Michigan quarterback Davis Warren (not in the photo) during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
Ohio State football safety Caleb Downs makes an interception during the third period during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines Saturday, November 30, 2024 in Ohio Stadium.
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.
Oct 4, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) enters the field before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Ohio State Buckeyes safeties coach Matt Guerrieri yells at defensive back Caleb Downs (2) during warm ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) warms up during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) makes ain interception on a pass intended for Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Khalil Dinkins (16) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates after sacking Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) takes the field for warm-ups prior to the NCAA football game against the UCLA Bruins at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 15, 2025.
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs (DB34) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs gets measured during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses with his parents Gary Downs and Tanya Shorter Downs on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Caleb Downs, Alabama
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Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Caleb Downs, Alabama
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Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Caleb Downs, Alabama
3 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Caleb Downs, Alabama
4 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs (2) intercepts a pass from Michigan quarterback Davis Warren (not in the photo) during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
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Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State football safety Caleb Downs makes an interception during the third period during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines Saturday, November 30, 2024 in Ohio Stadium.
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Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.
7 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.
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Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.
9 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Oct 4, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) enters the field before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
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Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes safeties coach Matt Guerrieri yells at defensive back Caleb Downs (2) during warm ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.
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Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) warms up during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.
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Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.
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Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) makes ain interception on a pass intended for Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Khalil Dinkins (16) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.
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Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates after sacking Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.
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Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.
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Dallas Cowboys select Caleb Downs: 5 things to know about him
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) takes the field for warm-ups prior to the NCAA football game against the UCLA Bruins at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 15, 2025.
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Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs (DB34) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
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Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs gets measured during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.
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Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.
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Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.
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Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.
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Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses with his parents Gary Downs and Tanya Shorter Downs on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
