Dallas Cowboys Focus on Defense in Ambitious 2026 NFL Draft Strategy

Dallas Cowboys Focus on Defense in Ambitious 2026 NFL Draft Strategy

The Dallas Cowboys finished the 2025 season with a disappointing 7-9-1 record, primarily due to their NFL-worst defense, which allowed an alarming 30.1 points per game. Despite an explosive offense led by Dak Prescott, who ranked as the third-leading passer with 4,552 yards, and standout performances from players like George Pickens and Javonte Williams, the team's defensive struggles overshadowed their offensive prowess. Key Offensive Stats: Dak Prescott: 4,552 passing yards (3rd in NFL) George Pickens: 1,429 receiving yards (3rd in NFL) Javonte Williams: 1,201 rushing yards (9th in NFL) CeeDee Lamb: 1,077 receiving yards (11th in NFL, missed 3 games) The Cowboys’ defense recorded the second-most points allowed per game in the franchise's 66-year history, only surpassed by the inaugural 1960 team. Prescott expressed his frustration on January 1, emphasizing the need for leadership and influence across both the offense and defense. Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, the Cowboys are expected to prioritize defensive talent. Utilizing the Pro Football Focus mock draft simulator, here’s a projected seven-round draft strategy for Dallas: Round 1: Pick 12 Round 1: Pick 20 (via Packers) Round 3: Pick 92 (via 49ers) Round 4: Pick 112 Round 5: Pick 152 Round 5: Pick 177 Round 5: Pick 180 Round 7: Pick 218 (via Titans) The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, and the Cowboys are keen on making significant upgrades to their defense to return to postseason contention.

Source: CBS Sports - 2026-03-30