Cowboys 2026 NFL Draft tracker: Full list of picks, roster needs, targets, and more

Following another subdued free agency, the Dallas Cowboys have put themselves in an unenviable position for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Having said that, this roster didn't need a complete makeover this offseason, and Dallas has plenty of draft capital to launch itself into contention. It won’t be easy, but if the Cowboys come away with three or four immediate starters, it’s easy to envision them challenging for the NFC East crown next season.

The Cowboys have found themselves at the center of the draft’s biggest trade rumors, with multiple experts projecting a move up from No. 12. It sets the stage for one of Dallas’ more entertaining drafts in recent memory, so consider this your hub for everything Cowboys-related during the three-day showcase.

Cowboys free agency snapshot
Draft pick tracker
Best remaining draft targets
Updated Cowboys depth chart
NFC East rival draft picks

Cowboys free agency snapshot

Current draft capital: Picks No. 12, No. 23, No. 92, No. 112, No. 114, No. 137, No. 152, No. 218
Primary needs: Linebacker, edge rusher, cornerback, safety
Latest selection: Malachi Lawrence
Last updated: 12:30 am ET, April 24, 2026

Even without a second-round pick, the Cowboys have the requisite ammunition to dominate this draft. Saddled with picks No. 12 and 20 overall in Round 1, they should be able to add two impact players for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

This year’s class is deep enough at edge rusher and cornerback that Dallas shouldn’t feel pressured to force either position in the first round. This is a draft where positional value can take a backseat. The Cowboys trusted their board last year, and it landed them Tyler Booker, who already looks like a star in the making at right guard.

Draft pick tracker

Pick	Player
12	Caleb Downs
23	Malachi Lawrence
92	TBD
112	TBD
114	TBD
137	TBD
152	TBD
218	TBD

No. 12 pick: Caleb Downs

The Cowboys pulled off the steal of the NFL Draft. That's not hyperbole. The No. 5 player on the consensus board and the No. 1 player on many experts' big board, getting Downs all the way at No. 12 is highway robbery.

Say what you will about positional value. Downs is so much more than a safety. With the ability to impact the game at all three levels, he fits Christian Parker's defense like a glove. The centerpiece of excellent Alabama and Ohio State defenses, Downs is the alpha that Dallas desperately needed.

No. 23 pick: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, Central Florida

The Lawrence to Dallas buzz really heated up in recent weeks, with Cowboys reporter Jon Machota of The Athletic and ESPN insider Peter Schrager mocking the former UFC star to the Cowboys in their final predictive mock drafts.

While Lawrence has to grow as a run defender and might have limited snaps as a rookie as he transitions to the speed of the NFL, Christian Parker is likely already designing third-down packages for Lawrence to pin his ears back and rush the passer. He was a reach based on the consensus board, but he has one of the highest ceilings of any edge rusher in the class.

No. 92 pick: Stay tuned

Best remaining draft targets

CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

The No. 21 overall player on FanSided's Big Board, Allen called plays for a Georgia defense that smothered every offense it faced last season. He’s a rare player who consistently finds himself in position to make plays on the ball thanks to his IQ and anticipation.

Some experts question whether his size and athleticism could limit that effectiveness, particularly when it comes to shedding blocks at the next level, but he still projects as a long-term three-down starter.

The Cowboys just need warm bodies at linebacker at this point, but Allen would give them the three-dot field general they crave after striking out in free agency.

D'Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

Whereas Downs is so versatile that he shouldn't be pigeonholed into one position, Ponds' size (5-9, 170 pounds) will limit him to the nickel in the NFL. While Christian Parker wants multifaceted defenders, Ponds' size should no dissuade Dallas from drafting him.

The former Hoosier is an elite athlete, posting a 4.38 40-yard dash, a 43.5-inch vertical, and a 2.48 20-yard split. His size will catch up to him at times, but he's exactly the kind of player worth betting on. He's got the ball skills, awareness, and grit to be an impact player in the pros.

Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

Linebacker is, without question, the biggest hole on the roster after Day 1. It wouldn't come as a surprise if Dallas tries to trade for a veteran post-draft, but if they can somehow trade into Round 2 and grab Rodriguez, fans might be partying like it's 1995.

With natural playmaking ability (led the FBS with seven forced fumbles last season) and sneaky athleticism that stole the show at the combine, a lot of experts view Rodriguez as the second-best linebacker in the class behind Sonny Styles.

Updated Cowboys depth chart

Offense

QB: Dak Prescott, Joe Milton, Sam Howell,
RB: Javonte Williams, Malik Davis, Jaydon Blue Hunter Luepke
WR: CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, Jonathan Mingo, KaVontae Turpin
TE: Jake Ferguson, Brevyn Spann-Ford, Luke Schoonmaker
OL: Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Booker, Terence Steele, T.J. Bass, Nate Thomas, Ajani Cornelous

You're looking at one of the NFL's best offenses. The unit doesn't need much, though another running back certainly couldn't hurt. It was evident that Javonte Williams didn't break as many tackles in the final month of the season.

A lesser workload would help keep him fresh, making it easy to justify taking a running back early on Day 3, where the Cowboys have five selections.

Defense

IDL: Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Otito Ogbonnia, Jonathan Bullard, Jay Toia
EDGE: Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, James Houston, Malachi Lawrence, Sam Williams
LB: DeMarvion Overshown, Shemar James, Justin Barron
CB: DaRon Bland, Caleb Downs, Shavon Revel Jr., Cobie Durant, Caelen Carson
S: Jalen Thompson, Caleb Downs, Malik Hooker, P.J. Locke

Well, this looks a lot better than it did 24 hours ago.

It's hard to look at that linebacker room and not say "Oof." But the selection of Downs changes the outlook of the defense overnight. A savant in zone coverage and often the smartest player on the field in college, Downs could be a franchise-changing draft pick for the Cowboys.

Christian Parker is going to use Downs everywhere. He'll likely start in the nickel, which fortifies a cornerback position that isn't exactly flush with talent, while moonlighting as a box safety and other positions in the defensive backfield, depending on the play call.

Lawrence, meanwhile, brings much-needed pass-rushing juice off the edge. With Rashan Gary and Donovan Ezeiruaku ahead of him on the depth chart, he might be limited to a third-down package as a rookie while he improves as a run defender.

NFC East rival draft picks

New York Giants:

Round 1, Pick 5: Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
Round 1, Pick 10 (via CIN): Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Round 2, Pick 37:
Round 4, Pick 105:
Round 5, Pick 145:
Round 6, Pick 186:
Round 6, Pick 192 (via MIA):
Round 6, Pick 193 (via DAL):

Much like the Cowboys with Downs, the Giants got one of the draft's best players with Reese, who the Jets surprisingly passed on for David Bailet with the No. 2 pick. Not many expected John Harbaugh to pass on Downs twice, but Reese, Brian Burns, and Abdul Carter are going to be a problem in the NFC East for a long time.

Washington Commanders

Round 1, Pick 7: Sonnny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Round 3, Pick 71
Round 5, Pick 147:
Round 6, Pick 187:
Round 7, Pick 209:
Round 7, Pick 223:

Like Reese, it's not going to be fun facing Sonny Styles twice a year. That said, given all of the Commanders' needs, selecting an off-ball linebacker at No. 7 was an odd choice. In addition to Downs, Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson was also available.

Styles is a good player, but we'd be more wary of Washington had they taken Downs or landed one of the top receivers.

Philadelphia Eagles:

Round 1, Pick No. 20: Maki Lemon, WR, USC
Round 2, Pick No. 54
Round 3, Pick No. 68:
Round 3, Pick No. 98
Round 4, Pick No. 114
Round 4, Pick No. 137
Round 5, Pick No. 178

The Eagles and Cowboys once again made a trade on draft night. Hot after Makai Lemon, Philadelphia sent pick No. 23 and 2026 fourth-round picks to Dallas to draft the former Trojan, all but confirming that A.J. Brown will be traded after June 1.

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