First Round Pass Rushers the Cowboys Can Draft in 2026
This free agency cycle has begun, and the Dallas Cowboys have been attacking vulnerable areas on their defense that let down one of the best offenses in the league last year. They demonstrated their willingness to make changes to improve their defense by signing safety Jalen Thompson from the Arizona Cardinals and adding cornerback Cobie Durant from the Los Angeles Rams. The NFL Draft in April is another perfect opportunity to be able to add even more talent to the roster, and after attacking positions like corner and safety in free agency, a pass rusher seems more needed than ever. With two first-round picks and several different options at the position that are worthy of being chosen in the first round, who are some of the realistic options?
Cashius Howell
Texas A&M pass rusher Cashius Howell had a dominant senior season for the Aggies, recording over 11.5 sacks and 31 tackles. At the combine, Howell recorded just under a 4.6-second 40-yard dash and was able to show his athletic ability, having a 32.5-inch vertical jump. He has all the capabilities to succeed as a pass rusher in the NFL, but his run defense still leaves something to be desired. Dallas trading for veteran Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers can even help a potential young player like the former Aggies pass rusher by teaching him the ropes of how to be a successful player in the NFL. Howell may not be a three-down edge at the start of his career, but he has the potential to become a highly successful player.
Akheem Mesidor
The six-foot-two, 265-pound pass rusher from the University of Miami, Akheem Mesidor, had a season to remember last year, being one of the best players on the team that made a CFP National Championship Game. He had over 12.5 sacks a season ago, and in the playoffs, he stepped it up another notch, recording over five and a half sacks, with a pair each coming against the reigning champions, Ohio State, and in the title game against the Indiana Hoosiers. The only downside to Mesidor is that he is entering the NFL Draft this season at age 25, being one of the older D-line players that the draft usually sees year after year. He is a high-level floor player who can help the Cowboys right away, being capable in the run game and instantly wreaking havoc, and his ability to get to the quarterback was on display all season long.
