Dallas’ 2026 draft/combine focus and how offensive line concerns factor into roster planning

Dallas’ 2026 Draft and Combine Focus: Offensive Line Concerns and the Path Forward

As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for the 2026 NFL Draft and combine season, their strategic focus is becoming increasingly clear: building a disruptive, versatile defense to complement their offensive stability. Central to this planning is addressing lingering concerns about the offensive line, particularly the limited options available in free agency, and identifying key prospects to bolster their roster.

Positions and Prospects Targeted at the Combine and in the Draft

Dallas’s evaluation at the NFL Scouting Combine emphasizes versatility and high upside, especially on the defensive side, to support their scheme shift to a hybrid 3-4 defense. Notably, the team is meeting with elite prospects such as Sonny Styles, a hybrid safety/linebacker capable of playing multiple roles, adding mismatch potential and depth to their secondary and front seven. Their interest in Akheem Mesidor and Omar Neville indicates a focus on interior pass rush and linebacker depth, crucial for their disruptive scheme.

At the same time, the Cowboys are actively scouting offensive linemen, with a particular eye on the interior and tackle positions. However, the thin market for offensive tackles and the limited availability of quality options in free agency have prompted Dallas to prioritize prospects with high developmental upside, expecting to address offensive line needs through the draft and combine evaluations.

The Thin OT Market and Lingering Questions About the Offensive Line

One of the most pressing concerns for Dallas remains the scarcity of quality offensive tackle options in free agency. Recent reports highlight the limited pool of available veteran tackles, forcing the Cowboys to consider whether they need to draft or develop young talent to fill their long-term needs. The situation is compounded by recent comments from Klayton Adams, indicating uncertainty about the current state of their offensive line, which has been a point of concern throughout the offseason.

Releasing veterans or restructuring contracts to free cap space is part of Dallas’s strategy. They are exploring options such as trade and restructure maneuvers, including discussions around releasing or restructuring Dak Prescott, to fund future acquisitions. The team also faces the challenge of restructuring or releasing veteran defenders, which could free around $7 million in cap space, potentially used to secure better offensive line options or support their draft targets.

Additional Context from Recent Articles

Recent articles underscore the urgency of Dallas’s offensive line situation. For instance, an article titled "Open Market: Slim pickings in OT free agency for Cowboys" details the limited free-agent options, emphasizing that Dallas may need to rely heavily on the draft to address these gaps. Meanwhile, draft experts like Dane Brugler have highlighted prospects like Sonny Styles as ideal fits, aligning with the team’s broader goal of drafting versatile, high-upside defenders.

Furthermore, the Cowboys are considering multiple draft strategies, including the possibility of trading into the top 5 of the 2026 draft to secure a premier offensive lineman or edge rusher, reflecting their high level of urgency. Their focus on prospects during the combine indicates a desire to find players who can develop into starters early, especially at tackle, given the current market constraints.

Conclusion

Dallas’s upcoming draft and combine plans are driven by a clear need: addressing offensive line concerns amidst a limited free-agent market and building a defense capable of disrupting modern offenses. Their evaluation process involves targeting versatile prospects like Sonny Styles and interior pass rushers, while also exploring trade options and cap maneuvers to maximize their roster-building flexibility.

If successful, their strategy aims to fortify the offensive line through the draft and enhance their defense’s hybrid, pressure-heavy identity, positioning the Cowboys as serious contenders for a deep playoff run and a Super Bowl appearance in 2026. The combination of strategic draft choices, combine evaluations, and roster reshaping will determine whether Dallas can realize its vision of a dominating, disruptive, and balanced team for the upcoming season.