Two Players the Dallas Cowboys Can Draft with the 20th Pick in 2026
With the 2026 NFL Draft only being less than two weeks away, the Dallas Cowboys have an exciting first round ahead of them. They have two first-round picks, a luxury they have not had in over 18 years, and they have two key chances at making their roster better than what it was a season ago. The majority of the hype surrounding this draft for the Cowboys focuses on their higher pick, which is 12th overall. However, the 20th pick also holds significant value for Dallas. The Cowboys have the option to trade their 20th pick, and moving up in the draft is a realistic possibility for them. However, choosing to stay at the 20th pick still allows them to select an important player who could become a cornerstone of the franchise in the future. With defense being the main focus likely in the first round, what are the names that Dallas fans should familiarize themselves with?
Keldric Faulk
Edge rusher Keldric Faulk from the University of Auburn is the true definition of a project player. He possesses all the physical attributes necessary to develop into an elite defensive end in the NFL. However, at just 20 years old, he displays signs of inconsistency at times. The numbers on paper do not look that enticing, as Faulk only produced two sacks and 29 tackles a season ago, but film on tape shows the potential that he can one day reach. The Cowboys still need to find another edge rusher to improve a defensive line that has weakened; however, Faulk may not provide an immediate solution. Being said, the potential wait for him to become a superstar could be worth it in the long run, and the Cowboys could be willing to take that risk
Colton Hood
Colton Hood, the Tennessee volunteer, has emerged as a favorite for Dallas at the 20th pick, rather than Jermod McCoy, whom many Cowboys fans initially hoped to draft but are now rumored to be moving away from. Dallas's secondary room is one of the worst in the NFL, and the hope is that the new defensive coordinator and new acquisitions can fix that. Hood would play the outside corner opposite of DaRon Bland and is regarded as the best run-defending corner in the draft, while still being one of the better man-to-man corners in the draft. Dallas’ new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker, has established a reputation for developing cornerbacks into elite players during his time in the NFL, and there is every reason to believe Hood could be the next to join that list if the Cowboys choose him.
