Cowboys' updated depth chart after NFL Draft should have league on high alert

With the 2026 NFL Draft now officially in the rearview, Dallas Cowboys fans around the world simply can't wait for the new season to arrive, as, on paper, Jerry Jones & Co. absolutely crushed the seven selections America's Team ultimately made this past week in Pittsburgh.

To kick off their night, of course, the Cowboys traded up one spot from No. 12 overall to No. 11 and effectively stole Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Improving the secondary was certainly a big need for Dallas, and Jones certainly did that with this selection, as Downs is considered by many to be not just the best defensive back in this 2026 draft class but the best player overall.

After a second trade to move back three spots, the Cowboys used their next pick at No. 23 overall to add more defensive help, taking UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, and then used their first and only selection on Day 2 to bring in more help on the edge, selecting Michigan's Jaishawn Barham in Round 3 at No. 92 overall.

The four picks on Day 3 were split evenly, with Dallas adding Florida cornerback Devin Moore (Round 4, No. 114 overall), and Alabama defensive end LT Overton (Round 4, No. 137 overall), while also adding a pair of offensive players in Penn State tackle Drew Shelton (Round 4, No. 112 overall) and East Carolina wide receiver Anthony Smith (Round 7, No. 218 overall).

In the aftermath of the draft, the Cowboys, as every team does, added a plethora of players as undrafted free agents. We haven't included all of them on our tables below, but we've thrown a few on there in the third and fourth slots who could make their way to the 53-man roster down the line.

Dallas Cowboys' projected depth chart after 2026 NFL Draft

Offense (1 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE)

The Cowboys obviously didn't make a ton of offensive additions in the draft, but they did make a very interesting signing on Monday, as they came to terms with veteran wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

Most of the names here were on the roster this past season, which is good news, seeing as Dallas had one of the top offenses in the league, but it's getting to a point where one has to wonder how long George Pickens' name will be here. That said, though, it's here for now, so here's a look at the offense.

Defense (3-4 Base)

You'll notice that we've got Downs listed at the nickel position, but that's just a starting point, as that guy is going to be everywhere once he gets rolling.

You'll obviously also notice the new 3-4 base that Christian Parker plans to implement, but unlike Matt Eberflus, the Cowboys' new DC plans to utilize players' strengths to switch things up during games instead of sticking to a rigid structure, even if it's not working.

The beauty is that Parker loves these outside linebacker/edge rusher types, so it's pretty easy to see that he had a hand in the Lawrence and Barham selections. We've got both of those guys starting in reserve roles, but they're going to get some meaningful snaps as rookies.

Special Teams

Thankfully for Cowboys fans, Brandon Aubrey came to terms on a new deal, so there's nothing new to see here.

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