Cowboys may take a surprising approach to the 2026 NFL Draft

The Dallas Cowboys had one of the best offenses in the game last season, but their inability to get stops cost them a playoff spot.

That's why, with new defensive coordinator Christian Parker taking the reins of that unit, team owner/GM Jerry Jones wants to make sure he has all the necessary groceries to spice things up.

According to CBS Sports insider Jonathan Jones, Parker will be at the forefront of their decision-making process in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. While he won't make the picks, he'll have a strong input in what they make with both selections, says Jones.

The Cowboys will double down on defense in the first round

“It would be a surprise if the Cowboys don't go defense-defense with the two first-round picks, and of course they could do something to trade up in the draft as well,” Jones wrote. 

Jones also predicted that, unlike what's been reported thus far, the Cowboys won't trade up. Even if they do, they will look to have two first-round picks this year anyway.

“The influence new defensive coordinator Christian Parker will have on what the Cowboys do is significant,” added Jones. “Parker is just 34 years old and hardly a household name, but he will have a major say in what the most popular NFL team does next week at picks No. 12 and 20.”

The Cowboys certainly need as much help as they can get on that side of the field. Even if they improved with Quinnen Williams' arrival and have some intriguing and promising pieces like Shavon Revel Jr. and Donovan Ezeiruaku, adding two top-tier prospects won't hurt.

They gave up the third-most total yards (377), the most passing yards (251.5) and the most points per game (30.1) last season. Prospects like Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, David Bailey, Mansoor Delane, Keldric Faulk or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would certainly help their case.