The 2026 NFL Draft is near, with the first round starting April 23, and it’s shaping up to be an important draft for the Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas already has a championship-level offense, so the team is expected to build up the defense early in the draft. To do that, the Cowboys are equipped with three top-100 picks, including two in the first round.
While those selections will allow Dallas to land some exciting defensive prospects, the addition of those prospects will also put pressure on some returning veterans. Adding rookies could either push veteran players out of their spot and off the team, or the veterans could be fueled to play better. Either way, here are three veterans who should be paying close attention to who the team selects in the early rounds.
The Dallas Cowboys’ draft plans could put pressure on a few veteran starters
DaRon Bland
One position Dallas has been connected to with the 12th overall pick is cornerback. A player like LSU's Mansoor Delane has been floated as an option, and if he’s selected that early, DaRon Bland would definitely be put on notice.
Bland had a breakout season back in 2023, but he hasn’t been able to build on that momentum in the last two years. Health has been part of the reason, with him only playing 19 games over the last two seasons due to foot injuries, but he hasn’t delivered with his play either.
Now, as Bland enters the first season of a four-year, $90 million extension, the Cowboys have an out in his contract after the 2026 season. If a rookie corner emerges for Dallas, and second-year defensive back Shavon Revel Jr. takes a step, Bland could be on his way out.
Malik Hooker
The secondary, as a whole, has been one that draft experts expect Dallas to target with the 12th or 20th pick; so while cornerbacks are in play, so are safeties. With one of their first-round picks, the Cowboys could select Caleb Downs, Dillon Thieneman, or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.
If one of them makes their way to Dallas, veteran safety Malik Hooker could be on the clock. Hooker has been with the Cowboys since 2021, starting 53 games with 76 total appearances. However, he recently turned 30 years old and is only under contract for one more season. Drafting a first-round safety would officially signal that his time with the team is coming to an end.
DeMarvion Overshown
DeMarvion Overshown was once the early-round pick putting pressure on veterans when he was selected in the third round of the 2023 Draft, but he’s now a veteran entering the final season of his rookie contract. Injuries have significantly affected his career, limiting him to just 19 games since being drafted.
While it would be great if he could stay healthy and have a great season in 2026, the reality is that the Cowboys have to address the linebacker position.
That’s why the team has been connected to Day 2 prospect Anthony Hill Jr. While Hill has been honest about his dream to play alongside Overshown, after following his footsteps at Texas, the addition of any prospect would signal to Overshown that he must play well -- and stay healthy -- to receive a second contract from Jerry Jones and company.
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