Cowboys must fix this key issue if they want to win in 2026

The Dallas Cowboys are getting glowing grades for their decision during the 2026 NFL draft, and one of their biggest splashes was drafting UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence early in the event.

The Lawrence pick even helped the Cowboys earn an A grade from CBS Sports' Pete Prisco in his post-draft feature, saying of Lawrence that he "loves" the edge rusher and also calling him an "explosive, high-ceiling player. They needed help there."

But, that doesn't mean it's a cakewalk for the Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones from here on out.

Dallas Cowboys must fix this issue now to win in 2026

After the action-packed draft, the Cowboys still have a problem then have to fix, and it's their ability to convert pressure into sacks. It's a point that Christian D'Andrea of USA Today's For the Win makes in a Tuesday, May 12 feature about the team's biggest weakness.

In the piece, D'Andrea notes that Dallas' pass rush wasn't terrible, and the franchise's 34.7 percent pressure rate was close to the NFL's average, according to NFL research. But, they only had 35 sacks for the whole season.

"Now the team heads into 2026 without either Jadeveon Clowney or Osa Odighizuwa, who ranked first and second on the team in total pressures," she states in the piece. "Rashan Gary arrived via trade, Quinnen Williams will have a full season with the team and Demarcus Lawrence was one of the franchise's two first-round draft picks."

D'Andrea adds: "They should help keep the pressure rate constant, but it may not matter if they're not better at turning chaos into lost yards."

So, should the Cowboys be worried? Maybe. The team's edge rusher room and ability to get at the quarterback is a question mark, because that part of the team has changed so much heading into the new season. Having Lawrence in the fold should certainly help, but it would be wise to add some veteran help, and if the Cowboys do that right now, it would be a proactive move to save them in the long run.