How Well Did the Dallas Cowboys Do in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The 2026 NFL Draft concluded on April 25th, and the Dallas Cowboys believe they are departing Pittsburgh with one of their best drafts in recent history. They secured Caleb Downs with the 11th pick and are optimistic about their selection of LT Overton in the fourth round. Overall, there is a strong sense that they have drafted key players throughout the event. In this year's draft, Dallas chose over seven players and made three different trades during the draft window. It is too early to tell how successful this draft truly is until the cleats hit the field, but what can be a proper grade?
A
It could be said that this grade is a biased perspective, but Dallas did have the draft they dreamed of. They secured the future of their defense by selecting Downs, while also trading back in the first round, effectively recouping what they gave up for Downs and choosing Malachi Lawrence. On day two, Dallas added Michigan edge rusher Jaishawn Barham to their roster and executed a trade with the 49ers to acquire Dee Winters, an underrated linebacker who aligns well with Christian Parker's defensive scheme. Day three was just as successful for the Cowboys compared to the previous two. Dallas has a reputation for being strong early in day three drafting, and with selections like Devin Moore and the previously mentioned Overton, even their later-round picks instilled confidence in their overall draft strategy.
Reason for Optimism
The consensus is that Dallas had a strong draft, but what are the reasons behind this belief? The obvious reason is because of one man, and he is Caleb Downs. It is hoped that he can essentially be the Dak Prescott of this Dallas defense, leading this unit for over the next decade. This optimism also stems from the approach the Cowboys took in the draft. Everyone recognized the need for defensive players, and that is precisely what the front office focused on. Five of Dallas's seven draft picks focused on defensive players, a strategy carefully orchestrated by Parker in his inaugural offseason. Even the three trades that the Cowboys made, trading up for Downs, back for Lawrence, and for Winters, all look like smart and decisive moves that Dallas is excited about. It may be a biased opinion; however, one thing is clear: the excitement among fans in Dallas has reached a level not seen in quite some time, making it arguably the best offseason in decades.
