How the Cowboys are approaching the 2026 draft and combine to address roster weaknesses

The Dallas Cowboys are actively shaping their approach to the 2026 NFL Draft and combine, with a strategic focus on addressing key roster weaknesses while maintaining maximum flexibility for bold moves. Their planning involves a blend of mock draft scenarios, trade possibilities, and in-depth evaluations conducted during the NFL Combine, all aimed at building a more physical and versatile team.

Mock Draft and Trade Scenarios: Targeting Impact Talent

Recent mock drafts and expert analyses reveal Dallas's willingness to trade up into the top 8–10 picks to secure game-changing players, particularly on defense or offensive line. An analyst has proposed an aggressive trade into the top 5, reflecting Dallas's openness to making high-stakes moves for impact talent. Such a move could allow them to select a premier pass rusher or offensive lineman—positions prioritized in their schematic overhaul.

Conversely, Dallas is also open to trading down to accumulate additional picks and veteran assets, providing depth and flexibility. For example, recent mock drafts suggest they might trade with Cleveland for multiple future picks, or explore acquiring impactful players like EDGE David Bailey through trade, aligning with their goal of bolstering the front-seven.

Combine Meetings and Player Evaluations: Focus on Defense and Offensive Line

The NFL Combine has served as a crucial intelligence-gathering platform for Dallas. Their front office and coaching staff have engaged in formal meetings with top prospects, especially interior defensive linemen and versatile defenders like Sonny Styles, whose skill set fits their vision of a bigger, more physical 3-4 base defense.

Meetings with prospects such as DE Akheem Mesidor highlight their emphasis on disruptive front-seven players capable of both pass rushing and run stopping. Upgrading the interior defensive line remains a priority, with multiple interactions indicating they aim to dominate the line of scrimmage.

On offense, there is ongoing consideration of Spann-Ford’s potential move to tackle to improve pass protection, especially given the limited free-agent tackle market. Improving the offensive line remains a key focus, alongside their defensive schematic shift.

Schematic Shift Toward a Larger, More Physical Defense

Dallas’s offseason efforts include a major schematic overhaul, led by Defensive Coordinator Christian Parker. The team is transitioning from a primarily coverage-based scheme to a bigger, more aggressive 3-4 defense, emphasizing versatile outside linebackers and disruptive defensive linemen.

This shift aligns with their draft and trade targets—acquiring disruptive interior and edge defenders—and reflects their desire to dominate the trenches. Recent meetings with prospects like Texas A&M LB and Dane Brugler’s report on Sonny Styles reinforce their focus on versatile, physically imposing defenders.

Contingency Planning Around George Pickens

A central element of Dallas’s strategy involves George Pickens, a talented wide receiver they publicly support. The front office, including Stephen Jones, has stated their desire to keep Pickens, with intentions to franchise him if necessary. However, contract negotiations and potential holdouts remain a concern, especially if negotiations for a long-term extension falter.

Recent developments suggest Dallas is prepared for scenarios where Pickens might skip voluntary workouts or be traded for a premium return. Their draft flexibility and trade assets allow them to pivot—either drafting early receiver targets or developing depth in later rounds—to ensure offensive explosiveness surrounding CeeDee Lamb and Javonte Williams.

Supplementary Insights and Strategic Outlook

Articles such as the "Proposes Aggressive Cowboys Trade Into Top 5" and "Meeting with Elite DT Prospects" highlight Dallas’s willingness to make bold moves. Their interest in veteran defenders like Minkah Fitzpatrick and active engagement at the Combine show a proactive approach to roster construction.

Dallas's strategy is marked by opportunism, boldness, and adaptability. They are prepared to execute high-stakes trades, target impact players early or build depth later, and manage the uncertainties surrounding Pickens’s contract situation. Their combination of draft intelligence, veteran signings like Javonte Williams, and schematic evolution aims to build a resilient, explosive team ready to contend for a Super Bowl.

Final Thoughts

As the offseason progresses, Dallas’s strategic agility will be critical. Whether they trade into the top 5, trade down for assets, or pivot around Pickens’s situation, their actions reflect a clear intent: maximize impact while maintaining flexibility. With active engagement during the Combine and a forward-looking draft plan, the Cowboys are positioning themselves to make impactful moves that could reshape their roster for 2026 and beyond—setting the stage for a potentially transformative season.