The Dallas Cowboys are looking into one of the most underrated players in college football the last 2 years

Iowa offensive lineman, left, Griffin Liddle runs a drill with Beau Stephens during a spring NCAA football practice, Thursday, March 30, 2023, at the University of Iowa Indoor Practice Facility in Iowa City, Iowa. Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Dallas Cowboys are expected to focus on defense in Days 1 and 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft. But players like this underrated offensive lineman could make them deviate and add to the offense instead.

Many expect the Dallas Cowboys’ first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft to be all about defense. They’re sending different signals.

Particularly for Day 2, the Cowboys are looking into more than one offensive prospect based on their pre-draft visitors. Thanks to that, they’re looking into one of the most underrated prospects in the class: Iowa interior offensive lineman Beau Stephens.

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Stephens visited the Cowboys ahead of the Draft.

Beau Stephens is used to being underrated

For more insight on Stephens, who ranks 101st in the Consensus Big Board, I reached out to our own Ryan Roberts, who describes Stephens as one of the best zone blockers ahead of the draft. He also explains why he thinks he’s being undervalued by the media.

“Playing on a talented Iowa offensive line that included potential top-100 selections Gennings Dunkers and Logan Jones, Beau Stephens was one of the more underrated offensive linemen in all of college football the last two seasons,” says Roberts. “That underrated feel has transferred over to the draft process, where he has been greatly undervalued by the general public.

“Stephens is one of the better zone blockers in the entire 2026 class, playing with a great combination of smoothness, balance, and control when navigating space,” Roberts adds. “There is a lack of length for Stephens, which makes a smaller margin for error, but his technical prowess keeps him consistently in a sound position.”

“Stephens’ hands are rock solid, showing the patience in pass protection, while also having good timing and hand violence. There is always a strain to finish from Stephens, showing great intent to block to the echo of the whistle. Stephens strikes me as a future starter who won’t be overly flashy, but an efficient player who, at worst, will be an outstanding swing option inside to backup all three interior positions.”

Why Stephens makes sense for the Cowboys

The Cowboys’ depth on the interior offensive line took a hit with Brock Hoffman’s departure. His biggest value came in what Roberts’ describes as one of Stephens’ strengths: Position flexibility.

With uncertainty about where All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith will play in the 2026 season, adding someone who can compete with T.J. Bass for a spot at offensive guard would be a wise move. At best, Stephens could find himself battling for a roster spot. At worst, he’s a valuable swing backup.

Whether it’s at pick No. 92 or No. 112, expect Stephens to be in the mix for Dallas.