The Dallas Cowboys are playing their best football since 2023, and a big reason why is due to their defense. While they allowed 28 points to the Chiefs, the defense did not allow a single point in the second or third quarter, and their ability to string together multiple stops is why they left Thanksgiving with a win.
But despite their surge on defense, they have a clear need that can’t be fixed this season. And that is right in the middle of their defense at the linebacker position. But the good news for Dallas is that the 2026 NFL Draft lines up with their biggest weakness.
Expect the Cowboys to take a linebacker early in 2026 NFL Draft
The Cowboys have made huge strides on defense over the last three games, but the linebacker position has not been up to par. DeMarvion Overshown has brought some youth to the position, but he is still getting his feet underneath him. Logan Wilson’s inability to run is an issue, and Kenneth Murray’s inconsistency makes him a frequent target of opposing offenses.
The good news is that Murray is on the final year of his deal and Wilson is likely to be released. Jack Sanborn won’t be back in 2026, which means the linebacker position will be completely overhauled. But how the Cowboys decide to revamp the unit will be fascinating to watch.
Free agency will have several intriguing options, but the draft is where the Cowboys will likely turn their attention. In a recent article by ESPN draft expert Jordan Reid, he was asked which position in the 2026 NFL Draft is the strongest. Reid mentioned the defensive line, but ultimately landed at linebacker, which should be music to the front office’s ears. Here is a snippet of what Reid had to say about the off-ball linebacker class for next April:
"I'm extremely high on this class. It not only has strong names at the top but also depth throughout. Arvell Reese (Ohio State) is my No. 1 prospect, but I have him ranked at edge rusher. So, Sonny Styles -- Reese's Ohio State teammate -- is my top-ranked player at the position, followed closely by CJ Allen (Georgia). Both project as mid-to-late first-round picks."
Reese won’t be an option for Dallas, but Styles and Allen are very likely targets in Round 1. Jake Golday (Cincinnati) is another name to watch, but the Cowboys seem destined to use one of their two first-round picks on a middle-of-the-field defender.
The Cowboys aren’t that far away from having a league-average defense, and adding a playmaking linebacker could be what takes this unit over the top. Drafting linebackers in Round 1 isn’t ideal from a positional value standpoint, but given the talent in this upcoming class and the need for the Cowboys, don’t be surprised if that’s where they go next April.