The Dallas Cowboys added seven new players to their roster in the 2026 NFL Draft.
That does not include acquiring veteran linebacker Dee Winters from the San Francisco 49ers on Friday night. They also traded their original second and third-round picks for stars Quinnen Williams and George Pickens. That's an important tidbit to remember.
Between Caleb Downs, Malachi Lawrence, Jaishawn Barham, and Devin Moore, the Cowboys' draft choices certainly fill needs. They also put pressure on players who are already on the roster. That could mean someone losing their starting job or being cut from the roster in August.
With that in mind, let's have a look at some players who should be feeling the pressure after this weekend.
The Dallas Cowboys sent a strong message to these 3 players in the 2026 NFL Draft
1. Malik Hooker
With the Cowboys landing Caleb Downs after already acquiring Jalen Thompson, Malik Hooker's fate may be all but sealed. Hooker was already someone many thought would not fit Christian Parker's scheme. Now the team has two new safeties slated to start in 2026, which may put Hooker on the bench.
Hooker finally gave Dallas consistent play at safety when he first arrived. However, his recent production has dropped off, as he earned a PFF overall grade of 60.8 last season, putting him in the bottom tier of safeties (67th out of 98) in the league.
The only reason Hooker might remain on the team this season is his contract situation, as Dallas restructured his deal before free agency. The former first-round pick is set to make $6.5 million this season.
Cutting him would save around one $1 million, but there would be $5.5 million of dead money. Probably not worth it.
Drafting Downs clearly signals the end of Hooker's days as a full-time starter. It's not like the Cowboys are flush with safety depth behind him, so he'll still contribute. But one way or another, this looks to be Hooker's final season in Dallas.
2. Terence Steele
The Cowboys went heavy on defense in the draft, but might have found a late-round gem in Penn State tackle Drew Shelton. That could mean Terence Steele might have to worry about losing his job. Since his ACL injury and hefty new contract, Steele has not looked the same at right tackle.
Steele did take a pay cut this offseason to help free up roughly $13 million in cap space. That ensured he would not be a cap casualty, but it does not fully guarantee he will be here for the rest of his contract, especially after his up-and-down play the last two seasons.
Drafting Shelton clearly indicates the team is looking at the future of this offensive line. Steele is now the longest-tenured starter on the line, but his pass-blocking has been a clear weakness in recent years. Shelton's arrival certainly puts added pressure on Steele to improve in 2026.
3. Shavon Revel
Shavon Revel might have been looked at as a future starter once Trevon Diggs was released. In the draft, the Cowboys might have found another fourth-round steal in Florida cornerback Devin Moore.
Moore's arrival could be what motivates Revel to take the next step or prove the team might have found their second starter at corner on Day 3.
Revel came to Dallas recovering from a torn ACL, and that is definitely not the case for Moore. Revel has the physical tools to be a shutdown CB, but the signings of Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick had already started to crowd the room.
Moore might not start right away, but it would not be a surprise if he forces his way into the starting lineup in the middle of his rookie year.
Revel will have a full offseason to prove he deserves to start, but right now the side opposite DaRon Bland is anything but solidified. It should not come as a surprise if Revel and Moore end up battling it out for the CB2 job in training camp.
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