Dallas Cowboys’ biggest question entering 2026 NFL Draft.
The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 NFL Draft with a major concern: whether their defense can improve after a poor 2025 season.
The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear and unresolved issue: whether their defense can be transformed from a weakness into a competitive unit.
According to reporting from Yardbarker, the team’s “biggest glaring question” is how to fix a defense that struggled significantly despite multiple offseason additions.
Defense remains the central concern
Dallas heads into the draft holding two first-round picks — No. 12 and No. 20 overall — giving them a strong opportunity to address roster needs.
However, the team’s defensive performance in 2025 has created urgency. Reports note that while the offense remained among the league’s stronger units, the defense was described as a “disaster,” raising concerns about competitiveness moving forward.
The central question, as highlighted in the report, is whether the defense can transition from a liability into a reliable unit.
Offseason moves have not fully solved the issue
The Cowboys have already attempted to rebuild the defensive side of the roster. According to reports, the team:
- Changed defensive leadership, appointing a new coordinator
- Added players in the secondary and defensive front
- Strengthened depth across multiple positions
Despite these efforts, analysts say key gaps remain—particularly at linebacker and overall defensive depth.
Separate reporting also suggests linebacker continues to be one of the most unresolved positions, even after multiple roster moves.
Draft strategy likely to focus on defense
With two first-round selections, analysts widely expect Dallas to prioritize defensive players early in the draft.
The logic is straightforward:
- The offense is already productive
- Defensive inefficiency cost the team games
- Immediate-impact players are needed
Some analysis suggests that failing to invest heavily in defense early in the draft could be considered a “worst-case scenario” for the franchise.
Broader context: Team under pressure
The Cowboys are coming off a 7–9–1 season and are aiming to return to the playoffs after a two-year absence.
Roster turnover during the offseason—including multiple defensive departures—has increased the importance of the draft as a tool for rebuilding depth and quality.
At the same time, expectations remain high due to the team’s offensive potential and overall market profile.
The Cowboys’ biggest draft question can be summarized as:
Can new additions and draft picks turn the defense into a strength, or will it remain a liability?
This question will likely define their draft strategy, roster construction, and overall outlook for the 2026 NFL season.
