FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys aren’t interested in draft-day desperation. After a 2025 campaign that saw the franchise scrap its way to seven wins under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the focus has shifted entirely to the stage in Pittsburgh. Dallas enters the 2026 NFL Draft with heavy ammunition: eight total picks, highlighted by the No. 12 and No. 20 overall selections.
That 20th pick, acquired via a previous swap with the Green Bay Packers, gives Dallas a rare opportunity to dictate the rhythm of the first round. While Dak Prescott silenced critics with a high-caliber 2025 performance, the roster still has cracks. Schottenheimer made it clear this week that the front office used free agency as a shield, ensuring they don’t have to hunt for specific positions when they are on the clock.
The Cowboys spent the last month plugging immediate gaps with veteran signings. It wasn’t about splashy headlines; it was about flexibility. By the time the bus pulls into Pittsburgh this April, Schottenheimer wants a board that reflects talent rather than panic. He knows the danger of falling in love with a need rather than a player.
The atmosphere at The Star feels different this spring. There is a calculated calm. The 7-10 record from last season hangs in the air, but the development of the roster under this staff suggests the foundation is finally hardening. With two picks in the top 20, Dallas can arguably grab two Day 1 starters who fit their system perfectly without jumping the gun on a project player.
“I think we did a really good job of setting ourselves up to be able to draft natural and draft pure, which is what you want to do. You don’t want to have to be forced to reach for a player, that’s when you make mistakes. There’s still a few positions that we need to address… we’re always open for business.”
— Brian Schottenheimer, Cowboys Head Coach
Owning the 12th and 20th picks puts Jerry Jones in a power position. Historically, Dallas has been most successful when the board falls to them—think CeeDee Lamb or Micah Parsons. By “drafting pure,” Schottenheimer is signaling that the Cowboys will take the best player available (BPA) at 12, likely a defensive disruptor or a premier offensive lineman to protect Prescott’s blind side.
The draft isn’t just about the first round, though. With eight picks in the holster, the Cowboys have the secondary capital to move back into the second round or package late-round flyers to move up if a high-graded prospect slides. This draft is the bridge between a rebuilding year and a playoff return. If Schottenheimer and the scouting department hit on both first-rounders, the “positives” from 2025 will look like the start of a genuine shift in the NFC East power structure.
