🚨 DALLAS COWBOYS OFFSEASON PLAN: Could These Draft Targets Help Turn the Tide in 2026? 👇

For the second consecutive year, the Dallas Cowboys are looking to bounce back after finishing with a losing record. With only seven wins over the past two seasons, the team has plenty of work to do in the offseason to get back to their winning ways. A major focus for the Cowboys seems to be revamping their defense, which was historically bad in 2025. As the team navigates free agency and prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft, speculation is rife about which players they might target to help turn the franchise around.

While it remains uncertain who will replace Matt Eberflus as the defensive coordinator, it doesn’t stop us from imagining what Dallas could do in the draft. Using Pro Football Focus’ draft simulator, here’s a prediction for who the Cowboys might target in April’s draft, addressing some key needs while making a push for a much-needed turnaround.

1.12 EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech

With the Cowboys in desperate need of a strong pass rusher, David Bailey could be the perfect addition to their defense. Standing at 6’3″, 250 pounds, Bailey is an explosive edge rusher who could form a dynamic duo with fellow edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku. While Bailey is expected to be taken within the Top 10, he was available when the Cowboys were on the clock in this draft simulation, and the team didn’t hesitate to grab him. His addition would bring an immediate boost to a defense that has struggled to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback. Bailey has the potential to become the cornerstone of Dallas’ pass rush for years to come.

TRADE: 1.20 for 1.28, 3.70

1.28 CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina

With Trevon Diggs out of the picture and DaRon Bland’s future uncertain due to ongoing foot issues, cornerback has become a pressing need for the Cowboys. Brandon Cisse, standing 6’0″ and weighing 190 pounds, offers the size and length Dallas prefers in their starting cornerbacks. Cisse is considered a fringe first-round prospect, and while his stock is likely to rise leading up to the draft, the Cowboys could have an opportunity to grab him here. He would provide immediate competition for the starting cornerback role and could help solidify a secondary that has had its ups and downs over the years.

3.70 LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati

Linebacker is another position the Cowboys have identified as an offseason need, and the 2026 draft class offers a wealth of talent at the position. At 6’4″, 240 pounds, Jake Golday possesses the size, athleticism, and playmaking ability to come in and make an impact from day one. He could immediately upgrade a linebacker corps that struggled in 2025. With his combination of physicality and coverage ability, Golday could become an early starter and a building block for the Cowboys’ defense, bringing leadership and stability to a critical area of need.

4.112 S Zakee Wheatley, Penn State

The safety position has been a consistent concern for the Cowboys, and with Donovan Wilson set to hit free agency and Malik Hooker potentially becoming a cap casualty, safety is once again on the radar. Zakee Wheatley is a versatile safety at 6’2″, 205 pounds, with the ability to play both in the box and deep in coverage. His versatility makes him a perfect fit for the Cowboys’ defensive scheme, and he could compete for a starting role as a rookie. Wheatley’s blend of size, speed, and football IQ would allow him to make an immediate impact in the Dallas secondary.

5.150 RB Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas

Even with talks of re-signing Javonte Williams to a multi-year deal, the Cowboys should continue to invest in their running back room. Mike Washington Jr. (6’2″, 225 pounds) is a powerful, downhill runner who can break tackles and gain tough yards in short-yardage situations. Despite his size, he has surprising agility and vision for a back of his stature. Adding Washington to the mix would provide the Cowboys with depth at the position and a big-bodied back who could contribute in both the running game and as a receiving threat out of the backfield.

5.177 OT Kage Casey, Boise State

With Tyler Guyton coming off an injury-plagued sophomore season and Terence Steele potentially becoming a cap casualty, offensive tackle depth is a priority for the Cowboys. Kage Casey, with three years of starting experience at left tackle for Boise State, is a technically sound player with the versatility to play either tackle position or even kick inside to guard. At 6’5″ and 315 pounds, Casey would bring size, strength, and solid technique to the offensive line, competing for a starting spot as a rookie and providing quality depth for years to come.

6.215 WR Josh Cameron, Baylor

While the Cowboys are in a good position at wide receiver with CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, and Kavontae Turpin, they could still look to add depth to the position. Josh Cameron (6’1″, 225 pounds) is an intriguing prospect who could come in and challenge for the WR3 job. His size, speed, and ability to stretch the field make him an appealing target for the Cowboys, who could use another big-bodied receiver to complement Lamb and Pickens. Cameron has the potential to make an impact as a rookie and add valuable depth to a talented receiving corps.

7.221 CB Jyaire Hill, Michigan

At this stage of the draft, the Cowboys are looking for developmental prospects who have high upside and special teams potential. Jyaire Hill, a 6’2″, 190-pound cornerback from Michigan, fits the bill. Hill possesses the length and athleticism that Dallas typically covets in their outside corners. While he may not be ready to start right away, Hill has the traits to develop into a contributor down the line. With some coaching and refinement, he could become an important depth piece and provide special teams value for the Cowboys.

7.225 EDGE Patrick Payton, LSU

At 6’5″, 250 pounds, Patrick Payton has the ideal physical profile of a starting-caliber pass rusher in the NFL. However, his frame needs to add more muscle and strength, and he must continue developing his pass-rushing techniques. Payton could add valuable depth to the Cowboys’ pass-rushing group and, with time, may develop into a core special teams player. His potential as a rotational pass rusher could provide an extra edge for Dallas’ defense, especially if they are able to refine his raw talent.

Conclusion: A Promising Offseason Ahead

The Cowboys have a long road ahead to rebuilding their defense and improving their overall roster, but this draft strategy could help them take significant strides toward reclaiming their place among the league’s elite. With a focus on addressing key needs at cornerback, linebacker, safety, and the pass rush, this draft could provide the foundation for future success. If the Cowboys can hit on these picks and make the most of their resources, they might just find themselves back in the playoff hunt in 2026