The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up to bolster their defensive line, having already made significant moves by acquiring Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, while trading away Osa Odighizuwa. However, their work isn't finished just yet. With the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon, Jerry Jones and Will McClay are eyeing further enhancements to solidify their defense.
Holding the No. 92 pick, courtesy of the Odighizuwa trade, the Cowboys have their sights set on an edge rusher. Two intriguing prospects who might be available are Alabama's LT Overton and Texas Tech's Romello Height. Both players, once considered fringe first-rounders, now find themselves as solid Day 2 candidates.
The Cowboys have some key areas to address, particularly in the secondary and their thin linebacker corps. Once these gaps are filled, they'll have the freedom to pursue either Overton or Height, despite their contrasting styles on the field.
Romello Height, who shared the field with top prospects like David Bailey, Jacob Rodriguez, and Lee Hunter at Texas Tech, brings some concerns as he transitions to the pros. At around 240 pounds, Height isn't known for his run defense, and his ability to play with a hand in the dirt is questionable.
However, his quick first step and advanced pass-rushing moves make him a promising asset on the outside. His skill set could thrive in a scheme similar to Philadelphia's, which has successfully developed slender rushers in the past.
On the flip side, LT Overton's slower 40-yard dash and explosion metrics have earned him the "tweener" label. There's debate over whether he's quick enough for the NFL edge or big enough for an interior role.
Yet, Overton could be a strategic fit for the Cowboys, especially as they look to replace Marshawn Kneeland. In a 3-4 scheme, Overton's potential as a run defender on the edge, combined with his developing pass-rush ability, makes him an intriguing prospect.
Adding Overton could provide a stylistic contrast on the edge, especially after losing Jadeveon Clowney and with Ezeiruaku's presence. Conversely, pairing Ezeiruaku with Height could offer the Cowboys a dynamic, youthful speed duo off the edge that's hard to match.
It's clear that the Cowboys are likely to target an edge rusher in the Draft, and both Height and Overton present unique physical profiles that could elevate their defensive line. Whether they opt for Height's speed and finesse or Overton's potential versatility, Dallas is poised to make a strategic move that could pay dividends on the field.
