The 2026 NFL Draft was always going to be a defensive-heavy class for the Dallas Cowboys. That’s just what happens after the 2025 team allowed the most points in franchise history (511) and finished dead last in points allowed per game (30.1 PPG). That’s why it was no surprise that their first three selections all came on defense.
The Cowboys waited until Day 3 of the NFL Draft to select their first offensive player, and many assumed that they would target a running back or a tight end when the front office decided to address that side of the ball. But that wasn’t the case on Saturday as Dallas used pick No. 112 on Drew Shelton, a developmental offensive tackle from Penn State. And they couldn’t be more excited about it.
In a recent article by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, he emptied his draft notebook and revealed several interesting nuggets from over the weekend. One such example was that several inside the Cowboys’ war room wanted Drew Shelton earlier than at pick No. 112.
"Some inside Dallas' building were stumping hard for fourth-round offensive lineman Drew Shelton -- as early as Day 2. The coaching staff is high on Shelton's ceiling. "Only so few humans can play tackle in the NFL, and he's one of them," a team source said. 'Super athletic.'"
The Dallas Cowboys reportedly almost drafted Drew Shelton In Round 3
The offensive line for the Cowboys was in good shape heading into the draft. The only position that needed some attention was offensive tackle, considering that Tyler Guyton and Nate Thomas both missed time with injuries last season. However, both players are extremely young, and Dallas is excited about their long-term outlook.
And yet, Shelton was the first offensive player selected by the Cowboys in the draft. A super athletic tackle from Penn State, Shelton was viewed as more of a fifth-round pick rather than a top-of-the-fourth selection by the consensus board. It’s clear Dallas didn’t feel that way, as they nearly selected him a full round earlier.
Shelton tested very well at the NFL Combine, scoring an 8.76 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) out of 10. He ran a 5.16 40-yard dash, but his explosion numbers were among the best at his position. There is no doubt that he has the feet and movement skills required to play offensive tackle in the NFL, but he has to get a lot stronger to be a viable tackle at the next level.
It’s clear that the Cowboys believe that he can gain strength over time, and the plan is for him to compete for the swing tackle job behind Nate Thomas. Ideally, Thomas would win the job, and that would provide Shelton a “redshirt” season to gain some muscle mass and improve his play strength.
But considering that several prominent voices in the war room wanted Shelton as early as Day 2 of the NFL Draft, it suggests they believe he is more pro-ready than we do. And if that’s the case, it’s possible that he finds his way onto the field at some point during his rookie season.
Keep an eye out for Shelton throughout the offseason and training camp, as his development could make for some tough conversations across the offensive line in the near future.
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