RT “THE PICKS THAT COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING” — JERRY JONES DROPS A DRAFT BOMBSHELL AND THE NFL FREEZES
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For the Cowboys, the disappointment of the 7-9-1 record posted in 2025 can be offset, somewhat, by what appears to be something of a bright future for the team. Certainly, the offense was impressive last season, and the possibility of keeping the band together–with the re-signing of free-agent receiver George Pickens and running back Javonte Williams–means there could be more fireworks from Dak Prescott and Co. in 2026.
But the Cowboys are also in prime position to make key additions to a defense that saw its front get beefed up with the additions of Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams. The defensive checklist is a long one, and will start with a new coordinator. But the Cowboys will need a linebacker, pass-rushing help and a hoard of defensive backs to fill out this group.
Dallas has two first-round picks that, thanks to the collapse of the Packers in Chicago on Saturday in the NFC playoffs, will be in the Top 20. The Packers’ pick, coming from the Micah Parsons trade, will be No. 20 while the Cowboys’ own pick will be No. 12.
Cowboys Could ‘Take Advantage’ of 1st-Round Draft Picks
Now, that is if Dallas decides to keep those picks. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has already traded away one of the first-round picks he acquired in the Parsons deal, sending it to the Jets in the package for Williams.
And though there is defensive talent available in this year’s draft, Jones said he may very well deal away one or more picks in the coming months.
“We’re definitely going to take advantage of these two No. 1s, don’t think we couldn’t do some trading here with those two No. 1s,” Jones said last week. “All of the value that you get out of having these extra picks and having some flexibility, under the cap, we’re gonna take advantage of it.
“We obviously don’t have the mentality that we are dealing with a bad hand at all. I think we had some real success in free agency this year, so that’s a good one, that’s a good place to start.”https://www.youtube.com/embed/yk9uYPQcUno?showinfo=0
Maxx Crosby Trade Rumors Floated
The Cowboys have been linked to star Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby in a potential trade, if Las Vegas decides it’s finally time to collect assets on Crosby and begin their rebuild in earnest. Certainly, at least one of the 2026 Dallas first-rounders would have to go to the Raiders in such a deal, and probably the remaining 2027 pick.
But if they hold the picks, the Cowboys could get some foundational pieces. ESPN projects them to select Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles and Tennessee cornerback Jermond McCoy in the first round, two players who would fill big holes.
Pro Football Focus has the Cowboys also filling defensive holes, with Auburn edge rusher Keldrick Faulk and George linebacker CJ Allen.
A big trade might be a safer route to rebuilding the defense, but plucking talented, first-round defenders on cost-controlled contracts certainly has its appeal, too.
