Cowboys draft picks tracker: Every selection, live grades

Defense still wins championships, which is perhaps why the 2025 Dallas Cowboys were nowhere near a Super Bowl in 2025.

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones’ full, undivided attention should be on improving his team’s defense. There was a microscope on the Cowboys’ defense in 2025 after Jones traded All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers before the start of the season. The roster did nothing to validate that decision in the season that ensued.

Dallas ranked near or at the bottom of the league in several statistical categories on defense while simultaneously ranking near the top of the league in several offensive statistics. That ultimately led to a 7-9-1 record that was not enough to make the playoffs, and the Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after the end of the season.

COWBOYS MOCK DRAFT: Dallas picks Jermod McCoy, builds up defense

Jones made some moves to address the Cowboys’ defense in the offseason. He signed safeties Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke to reinforce the secondary, while defensive end Rashan Gary came over in a trade.

There’s still plenty of work to do to build up the roster in the 2026 NFL Draft. Fortunately, the Cowboys have two first-round picks to get the momentum started early.

Cowboys 2026 NFL Draft picks

The Cowboys have eight picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Here’s the complete list:

• Round 1, Pick 12
• Round 1, Pick 20 (from Packers)
• Round 3, Pick 92 (from 49ers)
• Round 4, Pick 112
• Round 5, Pick 152
• Round 5, Pick 177 (compensatory pick)
• Round 5, Pick 180 (compensatory pick)
• Round 7, Pick 218 (from Titans)

COWBOYS NEWS: Markquese Bell arrested, safety facing drug possession charges

Cowboys NFL draft grades

This section will be updated after the Cowboys make their first selection.

Cowboys 2026 NFL Draft needs

Edge rusher

The rumors are true: the team that traded away elite edge rusher Micah Parsons ahead of the 2025 season needs a new edge rusher on their roster. Despite finishing with the ninth-best pass-rush win rate, per ESPN, the Cowboys also finished tied for the seventh-fewest sacks in the NFL in 2025.

Dallas’ 2025 sacks leader, Jadeveon Clowney, had 8.5 sacks last year and is still a free agent. Behind him was James Houston with 5.5 sacks despite not starting a single game and playing fewer than 30% of Dallas’ defensive snaps. Even after trading for Gary, the Cowboys could use more help on the edge to improve their overall defensive shortcomings.

Cornerback

Dallas allowed the third-highest completion rate, second-highest passer rating and most passing yards to opponents in 2025. Re-signing Corey Ballentine and bringing in Cobie Durant in free agency are not transactions that significantly moved the needle.

Adding a secondary defender on the outside should be among top priorities for the Cowboys with one of their two first-round picks. LSU’s Mansoor Delane could be a strong consideration at 12, and Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy could be available at either pick slot for Dallas.

Cowboys 2026 NFL mock draft

Here’s what the Cowboys could do come draft night, per Ayrton Ostly’s seven-round mock draft:

• Round 1, Pick 8 (trade up with Saints): LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
• Round 1, Pick 12: Traded to Saints
• Round 1, Pick 20 (from Packers): CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
• Round 3, Pick 92 (from 49ers): Traded to Saints
• Round 4, Pick 112: CB Julian Neal, Arkansas
• Round 5, Pick 152: Traded to Saints
• Round 5, Pick 177 (compensatory pick): Edge Mikail Kamara, Indiana
• Round 5, Pick 180 (compensatory pick): S Jalen Stroman, Notre Dame
• Round 7, Pick 218 (from Titans): Edge Logan Fano, Utah