As the Dallas Cowboys turn the page and move forward to the 2026 NFL Draft, the front office faces a glaring reality – the second level of their defense has become a liability that can no longer be ignored.
Last season, the Cowboys’ linebacker corps struggled with consistency, as they were undersized and overwhelmed against physical rushing attacks. While the team upgraded the interior defensive line by trading for Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark, their linebacker group still lacked the bite to match, frequently blowing assignments and surrendering chunk plays during critical stretches of the year.
The need for an overhaul in the middle of the field is paramount, and the Cowboys are expected to be aggressive in scouting the next crop of defensive players to help restore some degree of respectability. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker will be looking for prospects who offer more than just raw athleticism. They need playmakers capable of diagnosing complex NFL schemes while providing the physical presence to fight through lead blockers.
One name to asterisk is Utah’s Lander Barton, whose strong performance at the recent 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl suggests he could be the right type of player the Cowboys need to take the first step in turning a defensive weakness into a potential strength.
Barton entered the Shrine Bowl as one of the most productive defensive anchors in the Pac-12. Over his collegiate career, he amassed over 200 total tackles and earned Freshman All-American honors before becoming a consistent All-Conference selection. Known for his elite 6’4″, 240-pound frame, Barton complemented his physical stature with high-level production, including a standout junior campaign where he led the Utes in solo tackles and demonstrated a knack for the big play with multiple interceptions and forced fumbles.
During Shrine Bowl week, Barton solidified his status as a versatile defensive chess piece. Throughout the week, he demonstrated the ability to play both the middle and strong-side linebacker roles, showcasing positional flexibility highly desired at the next level. He matched up against tight ends in coverage and occasionally rushed from the edge, proving he is more than just a traditional downhill thumper. Barton has a rare combination of size and fluidity, which makes him an effective defender in space during practice drills. He validated his reputation as a high-volume tackler, navigating through traffic easily and finding the ball carrier. And his massive 79 3/4-inch wingspan was on display, disrupting passing lanes and shrinking the field for opposing quarterbacks.
For the Cowboys, Barton represents a much-needed injection of size and stability for a linebacker room that often looked like it was playing a different sport than the rest of the league in 2025. Last season, the Cowboys’ run defense was so porous that opposing backs weren’t just hitting holes; they were practically signing leases in the secondary, as evidenced by the defense ranking in the bottom 10, allowing 4.7 yards per rushing attempt. While the current unit seemed to treat tackling as a polite suggestion rather than a requirement, Barton’s “tackling merchant” reputation and his ability to navigate traffic could provide an immediate boost.
The Cowboys currently don’t have any picks on Day 2, but they have five on Day 3, so having some good finds after the top 100 picks will be crucial for them. Barton could be one of those sneaky-good picks who can help add linebacker depth and be a piece on special teams.
