When I put together my early 2026 Dallas Cowboys draft board, I’m not trying to predict where we’ll pick or which prospect falls into our lap.
I’m grading players the way I believe the front office actually would. By talent, value, and by how they fit our roster.
For me, the identity of this board is simple; defense comes first.
Safety and linebacker are the biggest long-term needs on this team, and the 2026 class gives us a chance to rebuild both levels with difference makers.
Offensive tackle is next on my list, and I will only consider running back early if the value is special. Thankfully, this draft class only has one running back who fits that mold.
So here is my streamlined draft board based on round grades.
Round 1 Grades: The Core of My Board
Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State) is the top defensive prospect and possibly the top prospect in the entire draft. His instincts, range, and ball skills are exactly what this secondary needs.
Arvell Reese (LB/Edge, Ohio State) gives me Micah Parsons lite vibes. He’s a versatile and explosive defender who can rush the passer, cover, and play in space.
Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State) might be one of the most unique players in the country. Moving from safety to linebacker may give him the best coverage skills of any linebacker in this draft class.
Anthony Hill Jr. (LB, Texas) is a tone-setting linebacker with speed and power. He fits the aggressive style this defense needs in the middle.
On offense, I have three tackles with clear first-round value: Francis Mauigoa (Miami), Spencer Fano (Utah), and Kaleb Proctor (Alabama).
All three of these tackles have the athletic traits and long-term developmental upside to solidify our offensive line for the next decade.
At running back, Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame) is the only skill player I would consider in the first round. He’s the top RB in the class and one of the best overall prospects.
At tight end, Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon) is the lone first-round talent. He gives our offense a vertical and explosive mismatch we don’t have.
Round 2 Grades: Starters With Upside
C.J. Allen (LB, Georgia) brings instincts and leadership to the middle of the defense.
Caleb Lomu (OT, Utah) and Gennings Dunker (OT, Iowa) offer toughness and long-term starter ability on the edge.
I have these running backs as Day 2 players: Jadarian Price (Notre Dame), Jonah Coleman (Washington), Justice Haynes (Michigan), and Nicholas Singleton (Penn State).
They all have starter upside, but are a tier below Love.
The Day 2 tight ends I have are Max Klare (Ohio State), Oscar Delp (Georgia), Michael Trigg (Baylor) who are all athletic pass catchers who would add competition and depth.
Round 3-4 Grades: Building Defensive Depth
This is where I reload at safety if Downs isn’t available early.
Players like Bray Hubbard (Alabama), Keon Sabb (Alabama), Jalon Kilgore (South Carolina), Dillon Thieneman (Oregon), Emmanuel McNiel-Warren (Toledo), Peyton Bowen (Oklahoma), and Rod Moore (Michigan).
All these players project as future starters or high-end rotational pieces. These are the kind of players who strengthen a defense on the backend.
My Draft Philosophy
For me, it’s simple: build the roster through the defense, reinforce the trenches, and only go offense early if the value is too good to pass up.
I think this board reflects that approach, and if the Cowboys were to stick to it, they could begin reshaping the identity of this team on the defensive side of the ball in 2026.
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