Cowboys Load Up on Defense for Draft

0:00On March 25th, the Dallas Cowboys are ramping up for the 2026 NFL draft with two first-round picks at the 12th and 20th spots. Head coach Brian Shottenheimer says their free agency moves have them positioned to draft naturally, picking the best players available without. Forcing needs. He's diving deeper into scouting this year, reviewing game film on prospects across all positions. Free agency helped balance the roster on both sides of the ball. They brought back key offensive players like George and Javante, and added defensive standouts such as Rashan Gary, Jalen Thompson, and Kobe Durant. Shottenheimer praised these signings for giving the team flexibility heading into the draft next month. Last season's defense ranked 30th overall, and dead last against the pass, so bolstering that unit is a priority. Cowboys brass showed strong interest in Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., a projected second-rounder from the Dallas area. Shottenheimer even had dinner with him in Austin before the Longhorn's pro day.

1:01The team made three aggressive offers to the Raiders for edge rusher Max Crosby, including their 12th pick, plus picks, or player Osa Odidi Zua. But the deal fell through when Raiders held out for two firsts. Meanwhile, Shottenheimer and defensive coordinator Christian Parker hit pro days in Miami, Texas and Texas A&M this week, eyeing edge ruskers, linebackers, and more. With eight total picks and an extra third-rounder, the Cowboys aimed to load up on defense during the draft in Pittsburgh from April 23rd to 25th, building on their offseason foundation.