Cowboys Draft Focuses on Defense, Shakes Up Roster

0:00On April 26, the Dallas Cowboys just wrapped their 2026 draft with seven picks, but they went all in on defense, grabbing only two. Offensive players late. Their first offense came at pick 112 with Penn State Tackle Drew Shelton. The latest they've waited since 2021. They kicked things off by snagging top safety Caleb Downs early, then added edge rushers, Malachi Lawrence and Jason Baram to rebuild under new. Offensive coordinator Christian Parker. Coming off a defensive meltdown in 2025, under Matt Eberfluss, the Cowboys overhauled things big time. They turned over 64% of their starting defense through free agency and the draft, stocking Parker's pantry with scheme fits like corner. Devon Moore and defensive Tackle, LT Overton. This full-core press targeted pass rush and secondary needs after trading away Michael Parsons last year, tanked their pressure game. Frosty reactions are splitting clear winners from losers. Every pass catcher and running back wins big since the Cowboys skip skill positions until

1:03their final seventh round pick, giving guys like Malik. Davis and Jaden Blue real shots next to starter, Javante Williams. But pass rushers Isaiah Land, James Houston, Tyrus Wheat and Mars Lepho, face cuts with new blood like Lawrence and Overton fitting the shift to A, 34 base better. Safety, Jalen Thompson emerges as a sneaky winner, pairing perfectly with downs at nickel while handling deep coverage duties. Thompson's versatility shines now that downs locks down the box, pushing Malik Hooker to situational roles. Inside linebackers, Justin Barron and Shamar James take hits too, lacking the motor of rookies like Barham and trade acquisition D-Winters. Competition heats up across the board as Vets battle fresh talent for spots, setting the stage for Parker to mold a new look defense that could flip. The Cowboys fortunes this fall.