6 Draft Sleeper Targets in the 2026 NFL Draft

Jaden Dugger, LB, Louisiana-Lafayette

Jaden Dugger is one of the easiest fits on this list.

He’s 6’5”, 230 pounds and had 125 tackles to go along with four sacks in 2025. Along with great stats, the Cowboys brought him in for a top-30 visit.

I like the size, production, and team interest, and that’s enough for me to take him seriously as a draft sleeper.

His frame and range reminds me of Anthony Barr, and if the Cowboys can get anywhere close to that kind of production from Jaden Dugger, it would be the steal of the draft.

James Brockermeyer, IOL, Miami

This is the quiet kind of pick I think looks better six months later than it does on draft night.

James Brockermeyer had a strong pass-blocking grade of 83.4 according to PFF, and he gave up no sacks. That is the kind of production I want as interior depth on the offensive line.

I see him as a Joe Looney type of addition who can play all three positions in the interior and, with the loss of Brock Hoffman, this would be the perfect replacement.

George Gumbs Jr., EDGE, Florida

I don’t think Dallas should never stop taking swings on pass rushers.

George Gumbs Jr. makes sense because he has the traits that are easy to buy into. He ran a 4.66 forty, and had a 41-inch vertical. Having time with a pass rushing coach in the NFL will take these traits and turn them into production.

He is long, explosive, and still developing and, because of this, he reminds me of Arden Key with more athletic traits.

TJ Hall, CB, Iowa

TJ Hall gives this group of sleepers some attitude, and I like that for the potential Cowboy.

In 2025, he had a 84.4 run-defense grade from the cornerback position. He is a physical corner who could slide into the slot position seamlessly.

He puts me in the mind of a player we all hated to see leave, Jourdan Lewis. If we could find that type of player again, it would raise the ceiling of this defense exponentially.

Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest

If the Cowboys want more speed out of the backfield, Demond Claiborne is a fun draft sleeper.

He has 4.37 speed and his stats were strong at 907 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns, and 28 catches last season. He could be what we thought we had in Jaydon Blue.

At only 188 pounds, he needs some time in an NFL weight room, but I think he could bring Tony Pollard type of production with more weight and no loss in speed.

Jordan Vaughn, RB, Abilene Christian

If Claiborne is the speed sleeper, Jordan Vaughn is the size and power sleeper.

Abilene Christian lists him at 6’3” and 235 pounds. At ACU, he had 112 carries for 663 yards, 5.9 yards per carry, and eight touchdowns.

I feel like he is a Latavius Murray kind of player. He has that taller frame, longer stride, and downhill style that gives a backfield a different feel.

The Draft Sleepers Who Just Make Sense for the Cowboys

What I like about these draft sleepers is they don’t feel forced.

Dugger gives Dallas size and production at linebacker. Brockermeyer adds interior insurance. Gumbs is the traits-based edge. Hall brings toughness to the secondary. Claiborne adds speed. Vaughn adds power and rare size.

This wasn’t some random list, it’s a sleepers board with actual logic behind it. That is usually where the best late-round value comes from.