Cowboys' Draft Strategy: Filling Defensive Gaps

0:00It's March 28th, NFL News. Today starts now, AI-powered and game ready. I'm Cory with the story. The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft just under a month away, while owner Jerry Jones and coach Brian Shottenheimer had to Phoenix for the league owner's meetings this weekend. They've got eight picks, including first round spots at number 12 and number 20, plus a key third rounder they snagged in a trade with the San. Francisco 49ers for OSA, Odie, A. G. Zua. Coaches and scouts are hitting college pro days hard at places like Miami, Texas, and Texas Tech, unhosting group visits at the star with prospects. Like Ed's Russia Romello height, linebacker sunny styles, and wide receiver Omar Cooper. Jerry Jones made it clear at the Scouting Combine. No projects or injury risks. They want guys ready to contribute right now. Fans are buzzing about linebacker Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech, who just had dinner with

1:02Shottenheimer and crushed 23-inch press reps. At pro day, he's a bucket's award winner, eyeing the Cowboys linebacker need. Meanwhile, safety Caleb Downs, a top prospect, might slide past the top 10, according to NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah, putting him in play at number. 12, since teams often undervalue safeties. Demarvian overshones hell this huge, too. After back-to-back knee injuries, a full offseason could unlock his speed and make him the veteran anchor at. Linebacker, especially with no big free agent ads yet. Moddras have them grabbing cornerback, Mansor Delane at 12 for instant coverage help, and defensive N.T.J. Parker at 20 to beef up the line. As the draft nears, watch how they maneuver those early picks to fill gaps on defense, could be the spark to turn this franchise around for 20. 6.