FRISCO, TX — The Dallas Cowboys are not done hunting for talent. Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer made that clear this week, confirming the front office remains “open for business” as the league moves toward the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. Armed with two first-round selections at No. 12 and No. 20, Dallas is looking to turn a heavy draft chest into a defensive resurgence.
Drafting Pure: The Schottenheimer Strategy
Dallas traditionally plays it close to the vest, but the 2026 offseason feels different. Schottenheimer and new defensive coordinator Christian Parker have spent the last month crisscrossing the country, from Austin to Miami, evaluating a deep class of prospects. By making calculated veteran moves early, the Cowboys believe they have earned the right to “draft natural and draft pure.”
The team currently holds eight total picks. Having two selections in the top 20 gives Dallas a rare opportunity to snag elite starters without the desperation that usually leads to draft-day reach. While the roster looks solid on paper with stars like CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott, the coaching staff knows the defense needs more teeth. The current focus is clear: find the next generation of playmakers to bolster a unit that is still very much under construction.
The energy at the Star is high. You can feel the shift in philosophy. Schottenheimer isn’t just looking for athletes; he’s looking for “firepower.” The goal is to let the board come to them rather than chasing a specific position and overpaying in draft capital.
Veteran Depth: The Jonathan Bullard Signing
While the draft is the primary focus, the Cowboys reinforced the trenches by signing veteran defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard to a one-year, $2.5 million deal. Bullard, entering his 11th professional season, brings a veteran presence to a room that lost several key contributors last winter. He spent the 2025 season with the New Orleans Saints, where he tallied 26 tackles across 15 games.
This move was about more than just a depth chart. Bullard signed the contract on the birthday of his late grandmother, a lifelong Cowboys fan. That emotional connection resonates in a locker room that Schottenheimer is trying to build on character and grit. Bullard provides a high-character bridge for whatever rookie talent arrives in April.
“We’ve got firepower going into the draft, and we’re not done. We’re always open for business. We want to be prepared to do what we need to do on defense, but certainly we’re not going to pass on a great offensive player if they’re there at one of those spots.”
— Brian Schottenheimer, Dallas Cowboys Head Coach
Linebacker Needs and Playoff Ambitions
The glaring hole remains the linebacker corps. While DeMarvion Overshown and Marist Liufau have shown flashes of brilliance, the depth behind them is thin. Schottenheimer admitted the team lacks the numbers they want at the second level. This makes the No. 12 and No. 20 picks even more vital. If a blue-chip linebacker falls to 12, expect Dallas to pull the trigger instantly.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys are positioning themselves for a deep run in a competitive NFC East. By avoiding “reaching” for players, they are building a roster that can withstand the attrition of a 17-game season. The strategy is patient, but the intent is aggressive. Pittsburgh is only weeks away, and the Cowboys are holding all the cards.
