The Dallas Cowboys aren't going to make the playoffs this year so fans are looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft and hoping it's the draft that changes things for the better for this franchise. By not making the postseason, the Cowboys have guaranteed that they'll have a pick in the top 18 but where exactly will they end up?
Here is the updated draft order after the Week 17 games on Sunday, per Tankathon:
Number | Team | Record | Strength of Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Las Vegas Raiders | 2-14 | .542 |
2 | New York Giants | 3-13 | .531 |
3 | New York Jets | 3-13 | .548 |
4 | Tennessee Titans | 3-13 | .576 |
5 | Arizona Cardinals | 3-13 | .580 |
6 | Cleveland Browns | 4-12 | .491 |
7 | Washington Commanders | 4-12 | .507 |
8 | New Orleans Saints | 6-10 | .491 |
9 | Kansas City Chiefs | 6-10 | .509 |
10 | Cincinnati Bengals | 6-10 | .517 |
11 | Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons) | 6-9* | .498 |
12 | Miami Dolphins | 7-9 | .483 |
13 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 7-9 | .532 |
14 | Dallas Cowboys | 7-8-1 | .436 |
15 | Detroit Lions | 8-8 | .493 |
16 | Baltimore Ravens | 8-8 | .504 |
17 | Minnesota Vikings | 8-8 | .515 |
18 | New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts) | 8-8 | .537 |
Cowboys stuck banking on draft magic again after disappointing season
If this was the draft order that was locked in for April, the Cowboys would hold the 14th pick in the first round. Last year, they held the 12th overall pick so drafting around this point in round one isn't new to Jerry Jones and the Cowboys brass. They're in familiar territory and hopefully can find someone that can help this team get back to playoff contention in 2026.
With the 12th pick in last year's draft, Dallas selected Tyler Booker, who's been solid on the offensive line. The Cowboys also held the 12th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and took Micah Parsons with that pick and while he's not on their roster anymore, no one can argue that the Parsons pick wasn't a brilliant one by Jones. The year before, they held the 17th pick and took CeeDee Lamb, who has been awesome.
This is the silver lining after a disappointing season. Teams who struggled get a better draft pick to help improve their roster for the following year and potentially help them turn things around. The Cowboys have a chance to add a game-changer to their lineup and hopefully, it'll be enough to help them compete with the Eagles in the NFC East and with the rest of the heavy hitters in the NFC.
As for what the Cowboys need to address in the draft, defense is the way to go for sure. They need help in the pass rushing department and also could use help at linebacker and in the secondary. Fans would not be upset to see them take the best available player on the defensive side of the ball when they're on the clock for the first time in April.
Let's hope Jones and company can take advantage of this draft positioning and build a better roster for 2026 and beyond.