Cowboys roster needs following the 2026 NFL Draft

TL;DR

The Dallas Cowboys have reassessed their roster needs following the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on positions like inside linebacker and edge rusher. Key acquisitions include Caleb Downs and Dee Winters, but concerns remain about depth and performance.

Key points

Dallas Cowboys reassess roster needs after 2026 NFL Draft
Key positions include inside linebacker and edge rusher
Caleb Downs and Dee Winters are notable acquisitions
Concerns remain about depth and performance in key positions

Dallas Cowboys

DALLAS, TEXAS. - APRIL 24: Newly drafted Dallas Cowboys defensive player Caleb Downs (left) and Malachi Lawrence of UFC pose with their first round jerseys following their introductory press conferences at The Star in Frisco, April 24, 2026. The Cowboys 5 Super Bowl trophies are pictured as well. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News via Getty Images) It’s been over a month since we last ranked the Cowboys’ roster needs, and a lot’s happened since then. How are things looking after the 2026 NFL Draft, undrafted free agent signings, and other player acquisition moves? Back in mid-March, after the first wave of free agency, we took stock of Dallas’ needs. Here was the list at that time, from the greatest need to the least:

Inside Linebacker
Edge Rusher
Offensive Tackle
Cornerback
Wide Receiver
Defensive Line
Running Back
Tight End
Safety
Guard/Center
Quarterback Given how the 2026 draft shook out, it would seem the team mostly agreed with our list. Six of our seven drafted rookies fell into those top-six spots. And really, when you consider that S Caleb Downs will be playing nickel CB, he partially does as well. If LB Sonny Styles had fallen to the 11th pick instead of Downs, it’s a pretty safe bet that he would’ve been Dallas’ selection. Early Friday night, the Cowboys addressed ILB another way by trading for the 49ers’ . Between that pickup and the declaration that will also be playing inside to start his career, Dallas clearly saw ILB as a top priority. After these moves, the question now is if it’s still their biggest need? What about the other positions: how much did the draft and other activity since mid-March change the rankings? Let’s get into it.

Q&A

What are the Dallas Cowboys' biggest roster needs after the 2026 NFL Draft?

The biggest needs include inside linebacker, edge rusher, and offensive tackle, with recent drafts addressing these positions.

Who did the Cowboys draft in 2026 and how do they impact the roster?

The Cowboys drafted Caleb Downs and several other rookies that primarily fill their top needs, particularly in the linebacker and edge rusher positions.

What changes were made to the Cowboys' roster after the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Cowboys traded for Dee Winters and signed several veterans, which shifted their roster needs but left some concerns about depth and performance.

How does Caleb Downs fit into the Cowboys' defensive scheme?

Caleb Downs is expected to play nickel cornerback, adding depth and leadership to the secondary.