Dallas Cowboys Eye Key Defensive Additions in 2026 NFL Draft

The Dallas Cowboys have officially turned a new page on defense. With the hiring of Christian Parker as their defensive coordinator, the franchise hopes to shake off the struggles that plagued the team in 2025. Parker, who spent the last few seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, is known for his work developing defensive backs and linebackers, and his arrival signals a renewed focus on discipline, scheme versatility, and player development.

While Parker and his staff will spend the early offseason assembling their coaching team, the spotlight will inevitably shift to player personnel, particularly on defense, where Dallas has the most pressing holes. After finishing last in points allowed in 2025 and near the bottom in yardage allowed, it’s clear the Cowboys need talent upgrades at multiple positions. Fortunately, Dallas has two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, giving them a prime opportunity to address these needs head-on.

First-Round Targets: Filling Defensive Gaps

According to a recent mock draft by T.J. Randall of the Pro Football Sports Network, the Cowboys are poised to make strategic selections that could reshape their defense for years to come. Randall projects Dallas to use their first pick at No. 12 overall on Arvell Reese, a linebacker out of Ohio State, and their second first-round pick at No. 20 on Colton Hood, a cornerback from Tennessee.

Pick No. 12: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

Securing Reese at 12 would be a significant coup for Dallas, as many analysts had projected him to be a top-five pick. Randall explains, “It’s challenging to peruse mock drafts and not find Reese attached to one of the first five selections, though I can conceivably see a ‘fall’ if he’s still on the board when Tennessee is on the clock.” If Reese slips to Dallas, it could be the perfect opportunity to bolster the linebacker corps, particularly after the departure of Micah Parsons, whose presence as a versatile off-ball linebacker and edge rusher has left a noticeable void.

Reese is a hybrid linebacker with both off-ball coverage skills and edge-rushing capability, making him an ideal fit for Parker’s defensive scheme. In 2025, Reese demonstrated his ability to play in the box, cover tight ends and running backs, and contribute as a pass rusher, offering the Cowboys the kind of versatility that has been missing since Parsons’ exit. Randall noted that Reese can “give Dallas some of what they lost in trading Micah Parsons,” highlighting his ability to be an impact player immediately while still projecting as a long-term cornerstone.

Reese’s combination of football IQ, athleticism, and on-field toughness could also help anchor the Cowboys’ linebacker unit, providing leadership and consistency that was sorely lacking in 2025. Pairing him with younger players already on the roster could accelerate the development of a cohesive, disciplined linebacker group capable of controlling both the run and passing game.

Pick No. 20: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

The Cowboys’ secondary also demands attention, particularly after releasing Trevon Diggs. Randall suggests addressing this need with the selection of Colton Hood, a 6-foot, 190-pound cornerback out of Tennessee, at pick No. 20. Hood is described as a sticky coverage defender, capable of matching up with receivers in man coverage while maintaining the range and instincts to support zone schemes.

While Dallas could remain patient with Shavon Revel Jr., Hood’s selection would immediately provide reliable depth and versatility in the defensive backfield. Randall explains, “I am a big fan of the 6-foot, 190-pound Hood. I labeled Terrell as a sticky coverage defender, a classification worthy of assigning to Hood as well.” With Hood, Dallas can integrate a high-level cornerback who is ready to contribute right away while still developing complementary talent around him.

Hood’s addition would also help balance the defensive backfield, particularly in nickel and dime packages. Parker’s scheme emphasizes flexibility, and Hood’s ability to operate both inside and outside could give Dallas the freedom to deploy multiple looks against increasingly dynamic offenses in the NFL. Combined with Reese at linebacker, these two first-round selections could form the backbone of a revitalized Dallas defense.

The Bigger Picture

The Cowboys’ 2026 draft strategy reflects a deliberate, targeted approach, focusing on areas where immediate impact is needed while still considering long-term roster construction. Linebacker and cornerback were glaring weaknesses in 2025, contributing to Dallas finishing at or near the bottom of the league in points and yards allowed. By addressing these positions in the first round, the Cowboys hope to stabilize their defense while giving Christian Parker the personnel he needs to implement his system effectively.

This approach also allows Dallas to allocate later-round picks and free-agent resources to complementary positions, such as safety or rotational defensive linemen, without overextending financially or sacrificing draft capital. It’s a balanced strategy that mixes high-upside rookies with strategic veteran additions, ensuring the defense can improve quickly while still building toward sustained success.

Looking Ahead

The combination of Christian Parker’s leadership and the potential additions of Arvell Reese and Colton Hood represents a significant step forward for the Cowboys. Reese’s versatility as a linebacker and Hood’s coverage skills as a cornerback directly address the areas that failed in 2025, and both players could make an immediate difference in the team’s defensive performance.

While there are still challenges ahead, including developing rookies and integrating them into the scheme, Dallas appears poised to take a strategic, high-impact approach to rebuilding their defense. With Parker calling the shots and the draft positioned to fill critical gaps, the Cowboys may finally begin to reverse the defensive struggles that have plagued them in recent seasons.

In short, the 2026 offseason may well be the turning point that allows Dallas to return to competitiveness in the NFC, leveraging smart draft picks and effective coaching to stabilize a defense capable of keeping pace in a league defined by high-powered offenses.