Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings. Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Dallas Cowboys' Biggest Glaring Question Entering 2026 NFL Draft

Originally posted on Dallas Cowboys on SI
By Randy Gurzi | Last updated Apr 3, 2026 10:51 AM ET

With the NFL draft three weeks away, the Dallas Cowboys have a rare opportunity to add multiple high-impact players in Round 1.

The Cowboys have the 12th and 20th overall selections, and it's easy to see where they need to focus their attention. Dallas boasted one of the best offenses in the league last year, but their defense was a disaster.

They've attempted to shore things up, beginning with the firing of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Christian Parker takes over at that position, and he has some new players to work with.

Dallas signed safeties Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke, as well as cornerback Cobie Durant. They added to the front seven as well with outside linebacker Rashan Gary, defensive end Jonathan Bullard, and nose tackle Otito Ogbonnia. Even with those moves, Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon says figuring out their defense remains their top question entering the draft.

Dallas Cowboys' biggest question: How does the defense go from liability to asset?

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Gagnon points out their additions, but says they're still in need of help after striking out at inside linebacker. That hole, as well as a lack of depth at nearly every position, should leave them unsatisfied with the changes.

"That unit surrendered a league-worst 30.1 points per game in 2025 before adding Rashan Gary, Jalen Thompson and Cobie Durant last month. But they tried and failed to upgrade a weak linebacker unit, and they traded away Osa Odighizuwa. It's hard to imagine they're satisfied, but the good news is they have significant draft capital with two first-round picks. Expect all of that to go into the defense," Gagnon wrote.

Dallas has been linked to just about every defensive player in this class. They made their rounds through the state of Texas, checking out Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, and outside linebackers David Bailey and Romello Height. They've also scouted Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles and safety Caleb Downs, while showing interest in Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy.

The real concern is how many of those difference-makers will be on the board at No. 12 and No. 20. Bailey, Styles, and Downs are potential top-10 picks, whereas No. 20 would feel early for Height, Hill, and Rodriguez.

Dallas has typically done well with early picks, and they're surely running through every scenario, while asking the same question Gagnon is.

This article first appeared on Dallas Cowboys on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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