Cowboys' NFL Draft Strategies: Defensive Talents Abound

0:00On March 21st, the 2026 NFL Draft is just over a month away, and the Dallas Cowboys face big decisions with their pick at number 12. Overall, after some moves in Free Agency, they still need help on defense, especially at cornerback, edge rusher, and linebacker to build a stronger unit next, season. One straight forward option is to stay put if a top defender, like a cornerback, slides to them, letting Dallas grab immediate starters without trading, picks. They could pair that with higher upside players later, though at risks missing proven pass rusher's right away. Teens often shake things up, so the Cowboys might trade up aggressively, say to number six, giving a multiple first rounders for an elite edge, like a Texas tech standout, that lands a game changer, but cost depth, or they could trade back for extra picks, adding corners and linebackers across rounds two and three. Another smart play involves multiple smaller deals, sliding down just a few spots to snag an edge at 15, then flipping picks to grab a sliding, linebacker in round two.

1:04It boosts their haul without huge risks, though any trade down opens the door for others to jump ahead. With so many defensive talents in this class, Dallas has flexible paths to rebuild fast, and their moves could set the tone for contention in 20, 26.