Cowboys In 'Dire Need' Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dibyendu Mondal | Last updated Mar 26, 2026 7:31 AM ET

The Dallas Cowboys finished last season with a 7-9-1 record, missing out on postseason contention for the second consecutive year. The problem was not in the offense, which ranked No. 2 in the league. The team faltered due to very apparent defensive struggles.

Dallas surrendered a league-high 511 points (30.1 per game), highlighting holes on that side of the ball. After the first wave of free agency, despite efforts, the glaring issues remain.

Ben Solak of ESPN wrote on Wednesday, "The failure to address linebacker. It wasn't for lack of trying; as ESPN's Todd Archer reported, Dallas was 'deep into talks with Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean,' both of whom ended up with the Raiders."

That left the team with only three off-ball linebackers on the roster–DeMarvion Overshown, Shemar James and Justin Barron.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown looks on before a game.© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

"The current talent at linebacker is prohibitive to a playoff defense. With Marist Liufau moving to an on-ball role, the Cowboys have only three rostered off-ball linebackers, and DeMarvion Overshown is still rounding into form following his major 2024 knee injury."

Overshown recorded 56 solo tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 13 games before his injury in 2024. After returning near the end of 2025, he has managed just 15 solo tackles in six games.

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer chopping it up with Steve Sarkisian at Pro Day#HookEm | #Texas | #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/PT9eVqIqr9
— Cory Mose (@Cory_Mose) March 24, 2026

The team must use its draft capital and cap space wisely. Dallas holds two first-round picks (Nos. 12 and 20 overall) and eight total selections.

"Dallas needs a big trade or an early draft pick that hits," Solak added. "That should be doable in a solid draft class and with an extra first-round pick to play with, but it's never good to enter April with this dire need."

With their championship window closing, the Cowboys must hit on at least one high draft pick or trade if they hope to field a defense capable of contending.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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