2026 Dallas Cowboys Draft Board: Rebuilding This Defense

Round 1 Grades: The Core of My Board

Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State) is the top defensive prospect and possibly the top prospect in the entire draft. His instincts, range, and ball skills are exactly what this secondary needs.

Arvell Reese (LB/Edge, Ohio State) gives me Micah Parsons lite vibes. He’s a versatile and explosive defender who can rush the passer, cover, and play in space.

Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State) might be one of the most unique players in the country. Moving from safety to linebacker may give him the best coverage skills of any linebacker in this draft class.

Anthony Hill Jr. (LB, Texas) is a tone-setting linebacker with speed and power. He fits the aggressive style this defense needs in the middle.

On offense, I have three tackles with clear first-round value: Francis Mauigoa (Miami), Spencer Fano (Utah), and Kaleb Proctor (Alabama).

All three of these tackles have the athletic traits and long-term developmental upside to solidify our offensive line for the next decade.

At running back, Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame) is the only skill player I would consider in the first round. He’s the top RB in the class and one of the best overall prospects.

At tight end, Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon) is the lone first-round talent. He gives our offense a vertical and explosive mismatch we don’t have.

Round 2 Grades: Starters With Upside

C.J. Allen (LB, Georgia) brings instincts and leadership to the middle of the defense.

Caleb Lomu (OT, Utah) and Gennings Dunker (OT, Iowa) offer toughness and long-term starter ability on the edge.

I have these running backs as Day 2 players: Jadarian Price (Notre Dame), Jonah Coleman (Washington), Justice Haynes (Michigan), and Nicholas Singleton (Penn State).

They all have starter upside, but are a tier below Love.

The Day 2 tight ends I have are Max Klare (Ohio State), Oscar Delp (Georgia), Michael Trigg (Baylor) who are all athletic pass catchers who would add competition and depth.

Round 3-4 Grades: Building Defensive Depth

This is where I reload at safety if Downs isn’t available early.

Players like Bray Hubbard (Alabama), Keon Sabb (Alabama), Jalon Kilgore (South Carolina), Dillon Thieneman (Oregon), Emmanuel McNiel-Warren (Toledo), Peyton Bowen (Oklahoma), and Rod Moore (Michigan).

All these players project as future starters or high-end rotational pieces. These are the kind of players who strengthen a defense on the backend.

My Draft Philosophy

For me, it’s simple: build the roster through the defense, reinforce the trenches, and only go offense early if the value is too good to pass up.

I think this board reflects that approach, and if the Cowboys were to stick to it, they could begin reshaping the identity of this team on the defensive side of the ball in 2026.