Packers’ Playoff Loss Gives Cowboys Big Draft Boost in 2026

Even though the Dallas Cowboys missed the playoffs for the second straight season, they managed to score a significant offseason win thanks to the Green Bay Packers’ stunning NFC Wild Card exit.

After the Chicago Bears rallied from 15 points down in the fourth quarter to defeat Green Bay on Saturday, January 11, the Cowboys officially secured the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Combined with their own pick at No. 12, Dallas will now enter the draft with two first-round selections, a rare opportunity that hasn’t occurred since 2008.

Historical Context: Dual First-Round Picks

Having two picks in the first round is a luxury the Cowboys have only experienced six times in franchise history. The last time was 2008, when Dallas used its first-round selections on running back Felix Jones (No. 22 overall) and cornerback Mike Jenkins (No. 25 overall).

This year, the 12th and 20th picks provide Cowboys general manager Jerry Jones with the flexibility to address pressing roster needs and rebuild the team’s struggling defense.

From the Cowboys’ official website:

“After the Green Bay Packers’ loss to the Chicago Bears on Saturday, the Cowboys will get the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. It’s the second pick that Dallas will hold in the first round, with their own being at 12th overall and the Packers’ pick coming to Dallas as part of the Micah Parsons trade.”

The Packers finished the regular season 9-7-1, just ahead of the Carolina Panthers (8-9). Both teams were eliminated in the Wild Card round. Had Carolina advanced, the Cowboys’ compensatory pick would have moved to No. 19 instead of No. 20.

Cowboys’ Defensive Needs Drive Draft Strategy

Heading into the 2026 offseason, the Cowboys sit approximately $36 million over the salary cap, making strategic draft decisions even more critical. One thing is clear: Dallas’ most pressing need is defensive talent.

The team’s struggles in 2025 were glaring: Dallas fielded a top-three offense but a bottom-three defense, highlighting the imbalance that ultimately kept them out of the playoffs. Defensive woes prompted owner Jerry Jones to fire defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after just one season, signaling that significant changes are coming on that side of the ball.

NFL analysts widely predict that the Cowboys will prioritize linebackers and cornerbacks in the first round.

Projected First-Round Targets: Sonny Styles

Bleacher Report’s post-regular season mock draft projects that the Cowboys will use their 12th overall pick on Ohio State inside linebacker Sonny Styles.

From B/R:

“The Dallas Cowboys were the only squad in the NFL to field a top-three offense and bottom-three defense during the 2025 regular season … Dallas could add any defensive prospect in April’s first round and be better off than it was entering the process. But Sonny Styles may be the perfect addition, because he fits what the Cowboys like in their off-ball linebackers. He also gives the unit a Day 1 field general, who brings a complete skill set.”

Styles is regarded as a complete linebacker with a combination of instincts, coverage ability, and leadership that would make him an immediate on-field presence. He could also serve as the cornerstone of a Cowboys defense in transition under a new coaching staff, especially if Brian Flores is ultimately brought in to revamp the unit.

Doubling Up on Defensive Talent

With two first-round picks, the Cowboys have the rare chance to double down on defense. After selecting Styles at No. 12, Dallas could target the best available cornerback at No. 20 to address the team’s secondary struggles.

One potential target is LSU’s Mansoor Delane, widely regarded as the top-rated cornerback in the 2026 draft class.

ESPN’s Jordan Reid wrote:
“(Delane) is technically sound with a savvy skill set. He has the speed to turn and run with targets in man coverage, but his eyes in zone coverage are among the best of any corner in this year’s class. His 27.8% completion percentage allowed was the third-lowest rate in the FBS, and he had 11 pass breakups and two interceptions this season.”

Adding a player like Delane alongside Styles would immediately upgrade the Cowboys’ front seven and secondary, creating a foundation for a defense that can complement their explosive offense.

The Parsons Trade Payoff

The No. 20 pick is part of the Micah Parsons trade with the Packers, which at first seemed like a blow to Dallas’ defense. Parsons’ departure left a vacuum, but with Green Bay losing in the wild-card round, that trade now provides a silver lining.

Combined with the Cowboys’ own pick at No. 12, the team enters the draft in a position of unprecedented opportunity, giving them the ability to address multiple weaknesses while also keeping flexibility to maneuver for additional picks or trades.

Looking Ahead: A Defensive Rebuild

For Dallas, this draft marks the first step in a comprehensive defensive rebuild. With linebacker Sonny Styles and cornerback Mansoor Delane projected as potential selections, the Cowboys could finally balance a high-powered offense with a defense capable of keeping games in check.

Owner Jerry Jones has made it clear: the 2025 failures are not acceptable, and this offseason is about adding foundational talent and establishing a culture of accountability and discipline.

If executed well, the 2026 draft could mark the start of a turnaround for America’s Team, giving fans hope that the Cowboys can return to Super Bowl contention while building a defense designed for sustained success.