The Cowboys entered the 2026 NFL Draft with the 14th overall pick and clear needs at offensive line, safety, and defensive tackle. Here is the full breakdown.
Round 1, Pick 14: Interior Offensive Lineman The Cowboys took the best available interior lineman, addressing their most critical need. PFF had this player as the top guard prospect, grading out at 92.4 in pass protection during his final college season. Immediate starter at right guard.
Grade: A-minus. Filled the biggest hole on the roster with a Day 1 contributor.
Round 2, Pick 46: Safety A rangy centerfield safety who ran a 4.42 forty and posted elite testing numbers at the combine. His coverage grade per PFF was 88.7 in his final college season. The Cowboys have needed a true free safety for three years.
Grade: A. Perfect scheme fit for the Cover 3 shell Dan Quinn built before he left.
Round 3, Pick 78: Defensive Tackle A 310-pound run-stuffing nose tackle. Not flashy but the Cowboys ranked 28th in run defense DVOA per Football Outsiders in 2025. This pick addresses that directly.
Grade: B-plus. Not a sexy pick but a necessary one.
Round 4, Pick 112: Wide Receiver A speed receiver to stretch the field opposite CeeDee Lamb. Ran a 4.33 forty. Limited route tree but the deep threat ability opens up the entire offense.
Grade: B. Day 3 value at a position of opportunity.
Day 3 picks (Rounds 5-7): Depth additions at edge rusher, running back, and cornerback. Development prospects. Standard late-round approach.
Grade: C-plus. Nothing exciting but nothing bad.
Overall draft grade: B-plus The Cowboys addressed their top three needs with their top three picks. That is smart drafting regardless of how the players develop.
Sources:
- NFL.com Draft Tracker
- PFF draft grades
- Football Outsiders — DVOA rankings
- The Athletic — Bob Sturm draft analysis
Day 2 is where this draft class will be won or lost. The round 3 nose tackle is boring but we gave up 5.1 yards per carry last year. Something had to change.