There has been no shortage of things to talk about after the 2026 NFL Draft. In fact, I think we're just getting started with one specific area of drama when it comes to the Dallas Cowboys.
But, we're not here today to talk about wide receiver George Pickens and what to make of his whole saga. Instead, this is all about highlighting a few select Cowboys rookies who have a chance to come in and force change upon the depth chart.
When the depth chart ultimately shifts in the coming weeks and months, though, which Cowboys veterans are going to be most impacted? That's the human element of this, but it's also reality.
Some Cowboys draft picks are going to wind up putting a group of veterans on thin ice.
Dallas Cowboys veterans who will have a long shot at making the roster after 2026 NFL Draft
Jonathan Mingo, WR
Let's start with a polarizing name (at least, to Cowboys fans). Wide receiver Jonathan Mingo was acquired in Dallas by way of a 2025 fourth-round pick. Instead of being able to use that pick on a player who might have had more of an impact, the Cowboys have now gotten a whopping six receptions (on 21 targets) for 71 yards.
Dallas took a flier on seventh-round pick Anthony Smith out of East Carolina, and already, we've called him a "hidden gem" because of his blistering speed. Smith is younger and possesses excellent size at 6-foot-2, plus of course, the speed to boot.
Mingo looks more and more like a failed opportunity and, along with the addition of Marquez Valdes-Scantling, he's facing a tougher road ahead at making this team.
Corey Ballentine, CB
Next up, let's talk Devin Moore. The fourth-round pick out of Florida offers an intriguing profile as a towering 6-foot-3 cornerback. While Cobie Durant and DaRon Bland should have no problem locking down the two starting spots, Moore is a strong candidate to be one of the first reserves in line.
That knocks Corey Ballentine back to maybe the fifth or sixth cornerback on the roster. And, after playing only 23 defensive and 47 special teams snaps, in total last year, he's an easy one to identify as a player who is anything but safe going forward.
Markquese Bell, S
Finally, let's get to the pick everyone is talking about: safety Caleb Downs.
Downs will come in and be part of a likely 3-safety package often used by Christian Parker, alongside Malik Hooker and Jalen Thompson. But, that now means Markquese Bell gets slotted back a bit.
After the Cowboys also signed free agent P.J. Locke, it's hard to see them favoring Bell when they have put resources into fresher faces on this roster. Last season, Bell started three games for the Cowboys but played only 32 percent of possible defensive snaps.
Now looking like the fifth safety on the depth chart, he might want to start planning for life after Dallas.
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