It's hard to find fault with how the Dallas Cowboys handled the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. After landing a possible superstar safety in Ohio State's Caleb Downs at No. 11 overall, Jerry Jones and Will McClay were able to trade down and land UCF pass rusher Malachi Lawrence at No. 23 overall.
The one position they did not address was linebacker. With Downs falling into their laps, and the cavernous gap between No. 7 pick Sonny Styles and the rest of the linebackers in this class, the Cowboys thought it would be better to wait until Day 2 to address that position.
The Cowboys may not have a ton of ammo, but if they end up being able to secure one of these five players. this great draft will veer into home run territory.
5 linebacker prospects Dallas Cowboys must target on Day 2 of 2026 NFL Draft
5. Jake Golday, Cincinnati
Golday is not only solid in coverage while flexing improved gap-filling as a run blocker, but his performance against some of the better offenses he faced off against suggests that the right defensive coordinator can easily make his ability to roam around the defensive backfield translate well to the NFL.
4. Josiah Trotter, Missouri
Trotter is an extreme case. He struggles in coverage, yet is going to impress GMs across the league by being able to set a tone as a run-stuffer between the tackles. If Dallas picks him, they are either entranced by the tackling or believe they can overcome his limitations in coverage. Or both.
3. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Rodriguez's size is going to be a red mark against him, but he is an incredibly instinctive player who generates turnovers and is fresh off helping turn the Red Raiders into one of the best defenses in the country. Rodriguez would instantly be a fan favorite if Jerry Jones keeps him in the state of Texas.
2. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
On the other side of the spectrum, Hill is a former top recruit who went from a locked-in first-rounder to a Day 2 pick after flatlining in his final season with the Longhorns. Where he stars is as an athlete and a tackler in the open field. Purely based on ceiling, he should be picked over Rodriguez.
1. CJ Allen, Georgia
Allen may be perhaps the best player not selected on Day 1. While the Cowboys assuredly would need to move up if they want to acquire him, a green-dot linebacker for a dominant defense who covers as well as any linebacker in this class is the type of player that Jones might be willing to move up to acquire.
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