In a move that quietly sent ripples through draft circles, the Cowboys selected Alabama defensive lineman LT Overton with the No. 137 overall pick (fourth round) on Saturday. The 6-foot-3, 274-pound edge rusher brings rare size, power, and positional versatility to a Dallas front that has invested heavily in rebuilding its pass rush.

Overton, a former five-star recruit who began his career at Texas A&M before transferring to the Crimson Tide, was once projected as a potential first-round pick heading into the 2025 college season. Pro Football Network even mocked him to the Buccaneers at No. 21 overall, praising his “rare flexibility” and ability to elevate a defensive line with unique body types. Yet a combination of modest production and scheme questions caused his stock to slide dramatically, allowing Dallas to pounce in the middle of Day 3.

A Versatile Force with SEC Pedigree

Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder described Overton pre-draft as “the most versatile defensive lineman in the 2026 NFL draft class.” His game film shows an impressive run defender with the tools to develop into an impactful pass-rusher. He earned immediate playing time as a true freshman at Texas A&M in 2022, recording 31 tackles, three tackles for loss, and one sack. Production dipped in 2023 (17 tackles), but he emerged as a starter at Alabama in 2024 with 42 tackles, three TFLs, and two sacks.

In his final college season (2025), Overton posted another 42 tackles, six TFLs, and four sacks while starting 12 games. He also added quarterback pressures and showed the ability to anchor against the run with strong leverage and long arms.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz confirmed the selection: “Pick is in: Cowboys have selected Alabama DT LT Overton, per sources.”

Cowboys Double Down on Defensive Line Talent

This pick caps a draft in which the Cowboys made defense a clear priority. They used the No. 23 overall pick (first round) on explosive UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence and the No. 91/92 overall pick (third round) on Michigan edge defender Jaishawn Barham. Adding Overton now gives Dallas three new pieces along the defensive front, creating competition and depth in a unit looking to regain its swagger.

At 274 pounds with a powerful, rugged playing style, Overton projects as a potential “tweener” who could thrive on the edge or kick inside to defensive tackle. NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein noted that Overton is a “slow-twitch end with impressive power and a consistently rugged demeanor.” He praised Overton’s long arms, anchor, and leverage but observed limited early positional advantage and range as a pure edge rusher.

Zierlein suggested that “adding mass and moving inside to 3-technique could be in his best interest,” especially given the Cowboys’ current interior depth challenges despite the presence of high-level talents like Pro Bowler Kenny Clark and All-Pro Quinnen Williams.

From First-Round Hype to Fourth-Round Steal

Overton’s fall from projected first-round status to the fourth round represents one of the steeper drops in the 2026 class. He never posted the gaudy sack numbers typically demanded of early-round edge prospects, despite flashing prototype traits: size, athleticism, and the rare combination of power and flexibility that coaches covet.

Edge rushers are often drafted heavily on upside precisely because that blend of traits is so uncommon. Overton fits the mold of a high-ceiling player whose best football may lie ahead in the NFL, particularly with refined coaching and a defined role.

The Cowboys have now infused their defensive line with youth, size, and schematic flexibility. Overton’s ability to play multiple techniques could prove valuable in sub-packages and against both the run and pass.

Whether he sticks on the edge as a power rusher or slides inside to bolster the tackle rotation, Dallas appears to have stolen a potential ALPHA at a bargain price. In a draft where the Cowboys prioritized defense from the opening round, this late addition feels like a calculated power move—one that could pay dividends as Overton develops into a versatile weapon in their revamped front