With Packers struggling, here's where the Dallas Cowboys are projected to pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft

When the Green Bay Packers landed Micah Parsons a week before the 2025 regular season, it seemed like they had acquired the final piece of the puzzle. With a premium pass rusher like Parsons, the Super Bowl dreams seemed slightly closer to reality.

That directly impacted the Dallas Cowboys' perceived compensation as one of the two first-round picks they got from the Packers seemed to have the potential to be one of the very last ones in the 2026 NFL Draft. But now, that doesn't appear to be the case as Green Bay's struggles—particularly on offense—have caused them to lose back-to-back games in disappointing fashion.

With a tough stretch of games ahead—including five divisional matchups, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Denver Broncos—it might not get much better for the Packers. In turn, that would mean better draft positioning for Dallas. Where can Cowboys fans expect Green Bay to land in the standings and in consequence, in the Draft order?

Cowboys' projected first-round picks for 2026 NFL Draft

If the season ended today, this is where the Cowboys would be picking in the first round during next year's Draft, per Tankathon:

• 12th overall
• 21st overall (via GB)

FTN projects the Packers to end the 2025 season with 10 wins, per its DVOA rankings, and gives them a 70% chance to make the playoffs.

Missing the postseason would lock them in the Top 18 picks. If they make it, however, their exact order will be determined by when they're eliminated. The good news for the Cowboys is that playoff success will be tougher for Green Bay if they're forced to play on the road as a wild-card, which seems like the likeliest scenario given how the 6-3 Detroit Lions are playing.

For now, Cowboys fans will continue to root against Green Bay if they want their draft pick to improve. The Cowboys gave up the 2027 first-round pick they got from the Packers as part of the Quinnen Williams trade, so making the 2026 one count will be huge for the long-term future of the team.

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This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Nov 11, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.