It’s a long time from now until next April, but even six months out it’s predictable as to which positions the Dallas Cowboys will target. With deficiencies across the board on defense, every position should be in play. Even the heavily invested interior defensive line could use upgrade, and that’s saying something.
Positional value has to play a part, but only modestly, because the Cowboys have had no problems in the past selecting lower value positions like safety, off-ball linebacker, and interior offensive line. Yet, because we know the Cowboys hold special love for playmakers (e.g. edge rushers and receivers), we consider positional value to, at very least, be a tie breaker.
Given the Cowboys' history of modest free agent spending, it’s best
to assume they won’t sign any more than one obvious starter in free agency. Given the issues plaguing the Cowboys here in 2026, we’ll go out on a limb and say Dallas signs a veteran edge rusher since pass rushers typically takes multi-season development time and the Cowboys are out of time and need results immediately.
Need No. 1: Plug-and-play CB
If the early stages of the 2026 season have exposed anything, it’s that cornerback is a massive weakness on the Cowboys and major changes are needed before anyone can feel good about it going forward. DaRon Bland only needs to perform like an average starter to justify his contract, but even that standard has been proved elusive. There’s a good chance he’s gone in the offseason.
After a stellar summer, Shavon Revel has struggled to get on the field, let alone look like a long-term answer as a starting cornerback. And both Cobie Durant and Joey Porter Jr. are free agents after the season putting their Cowboys future fully in doubt. Things are bleak at cornerback for Dallas.
Even if Dallas re-signs Porter over the offseason, cornerback is still arguably the biggest need for the Cowboys in Round 1 next spring.
Need No. 2: Off-ball linebacker
Dee Winters has been bad and DeMarvion Overshown has been injured. Both are scheduled for free agency and both are likely to leave. With Jaishawn Barham looking like the best long-term option at MIKE, there’s an immediate opening at WILL.
WILL is generally easier to find in the draft than the MIKE in the middle, so that should help Dallas find a suitable option. It would be surprising if a top 100 pick wasn’t used here next April.
Need No. 3: Right tackle
Any pick on defense makes sense for the Cowboys but the right tackle position is a dark horse to sneak onto the draft day wish list. Terence Steele is no longer playing starting quality football and the depth behind him has yet to show they’re even remotely up to the task. Protecting Dak Prescott, Dallas' most important investment, is Priority No. 1 and adding a low-cost rookie contract to the starting lineup makes sense given the Cowboys’ staggered contract situation across their line.
Offensive tackle is a position that typically requires early investment given the mid-round bust rate, so if Dallas really does want to replace Steele in 2027, they’ll need to use a top 50 pick if they want a plug-and-play solution.
Debrief
Much can change between now and the draft but an early look at the upcoming situation indicates these three positions could be taking top priority when the Cowboys address the 2027 NFL Draft.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Top 3 Cowboys draft needs for 2027
