It’s been over a month since we last ranked the Cowboys’ roster needs, and a lot’s happened since then. How are things looking after the 2026 NFL Draft, undrafted free agent signings, and other player acquisition moves?
Back in mid-March, after the first wave of free agency, we took stock of Dallas’ needs. Here was the list at that time, from the greatest need to the least:
- Inside Linebacker
- Edge Rusher
- Offensive Tackle
- Cornerback
- Wide Receiver
- Defensive Line
- Running Back
- Tight End
- Safety
- Guard/Center
- Quarterback
Given how the 2026 draft shook out, it would seem the team mostly agreed with our list. Six of our seven drafted rookies fell
into those top-six spots. And really, when you consider that S Caleb Downs will be playing nickel CB, he partially does as well.
If LB Sonny Styles had fallen to the 11th pick instead of Downs, it’s a pretty safe bet that he would’ve been Dallas’ selection. Early Friday night, the Cowboys addressed ILB another way by trading for the 49ers’ Dee Winters. Between that pickup and the declaration that Jaishawn Barham will also be playing inside to start his career, Dallas clearly saw ILB as a top priority.
After these moves, the question now is if it’s still their biggest need? What about the other positions: how much did the draft and other activity since mid-March change the rankings? Let’s get into it.
- Inside Linebacker (-)
- Edge Rusher (-)
- Offensive Tackle (-)
- Wide Receiver (+1)
- Cornerback (-1)
- Running Back (+1)
- Tight End (+1)
- Defensive Line (-2)
- Guard/Center (+1)
- Quarterback (+1)
- Safety (-2)
Not as much movement as you might have expected? While the Cowboys did invest their draft capital in those top spots, this was a very “haves and have nots” situation going into April. So even with the recent additions, there’s still a lot that has to be proven before we could definitively start calling weaknesses strengths.
Let’s discuss the specifics at each position.
Inside Linebacker – Even with Winters and Barham, there are still plenty of concerns. Winters’ 27 starts over the last two years have mostly come as Fred Warner’s wingman, so how will he perform if asked to be the primary? After spending most of the draft cycle advertising himself as an edge rusher, Barham now has to focus on playing inside. That may be a lot for a rookie to process in his first year. Throw in DeMarvion Overshown’s evergreen health issues and there’s still plenty of reason to worry about who will patrol the middle of the field.
Edge Rusher – Malachi Lawrence has fantastic potential, but he may need some time to realize it. The rotation is deeper with him in it, but the group of him, Donovan Ezeiruaku, and Rashan Gary still leaves you concerned that we’re lacking a true catalyst in 2026. There will be a lot put on Christian Parker to scheme up QB pressure, because right now it’s hard to say one of our current edges will be able to do it single-handedly.
Offensive Tackle – Like many fourth-round picks, Drew Shelton is a raw athlete who has to work on his play strength to get NFL good. He may be an upgrade over Nathan Thomas as a left tackle backup, but he’ll need a very strong summer to earn that confidence. Ultimately, the problems at this position are with the two starters and nothing about them has changed yet.
Wide Receiver – Seventh-rounder Anthony Smith probably isn’t going to move the needle much. Adding him and UDFA Jordan Hudson makes things more interesting at the bottom of the depth chart, but we still have big questions from WR4 on down. Signing veterans Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Tyler Johnson will bring competition for the likes of Jonathan Mingo and KaVontae Turpin, but offer no insurance if this George Pickens situation doesn’t improve.
Cornerback – Since the last rankings, Dallas signed veteran Derion Kendrick and drafted Devin Moore. They continue to add competition for depth and variables for who might best suit Parker’s scheme, but they’re still shaky up top with DaRon Bland’s foot issue and Shavon Revel’s inexperience. Adding Downs as a potential nickel CB, and a general leader in the secondary, will hopefully do a lot to boost the position.
Running Back – We’d still like to see a more well-rounded back in the rotation, especially if something bad happens to Javonte Williams. Neither Malik Davis or Jaydon Blue is ideal for the lead role. Dallas has had the tendency to add veterans right before camp, so they must just be waiting to let the draft dust settle before making a move.
Tight End – While there’s buzz around UDFA Michael Trigg, it’s far to early to say he’ll make an impact. This state of this position hasn’t really changed, and the Cowboys seem content with Jake Ferguson and the backup battle between Brevyn Spann-Ford and Luke Schoonmaker.
Defensive Line – Dallas has added more depth with veteran Jonathan Bullard and rookie L.T. Overton, and the group seems fairly rounded out for 2026. A true space-eating nose tackle would be nice, particularly as a potential upgrade over Jay Toia. But it’s not like the base 3-4 is going to be our busiest formation.
Guard/Center – There really wasn’t much to do here. The three starters are locks and their primary backups feel set: T.J. Bass, Matt Hennessy, and Trevor Keegan. These veterans may get pushed by younger prospects in camp, but the interior reserve spots are theirs to lose.
Quarterback – There are better backups out there than Sam Howell and Joe Milton, but that’s about all you can say here. Having not drafted another prospect or even signed a UDFA yet, Dallas seems content with the group. The Howell-Milton battle this summer will add a fun wrinkle to preseason games.
Safety – The group was already looking stronger with Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke, and now they get Downs. It’s essentially a renovated room now: Malik Hooker and Markquese Bell may be fighting for their jobs this August. They’ll still need a strong third guy for when Downs moves around, but the in-house candidates feel way better now than before.
