The Dallas Cowboys are heading into one of their most pivotal offseasons in recent memory, and it all starts with a major hire: finding a new defensive coordinator to replace Matt Eberflus. That move alone will shape the identity of the defense moving forward, but it’s only part of the equation. Whoever takes the reins will need more than a whiteboard and a whistle-they’ll need better personnel to work with.
And that’s where the 2026 NFL Draft comes into play.
For the first time since 2012, the Cowboys hold two first-round picks-No. 12 and No. 20 overall-thanks to the Packers’ early playoff exit. That kind of draft capital can be a game-changer if used wisely. But in a twist that could complicate things, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore has decided to return to school, shaking up the top of the draft board and potentially altering Dallas' draft-day options.
Why does that matter for the Cowboys? Well, Moore was widely projected to go No. 2 overall to the Jets.
In a quarterback class that’s already thin, his return to Oregon leaves the Jets-and any other QB-needy team-scrambling. That opens the door for New York to pivot to the best available defender, which could start a chain reaction that impacts who’s left on the board when Dallas picks at No.
Case in point: Draft analyst Dane Brugler’s latest mock draft reflects this exact ripple effect. With Moore out of the picture, Brugler has the Jets selecting Ohio State linebacker/edge Arvell Reese at No.
- While Reese isn’t expected to fall into Dallas’ range, his early selection kicks off a defensive run that could shrink the pool of elite defenders available to the Cowboys.
That run includes Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey to the Commanders at No. 7, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs to the Chiefs at No.
9, Miami edge Rueben Bain to the Bengals at No. 10, and Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy to the Dolphins at No. 11.
Suddenly, that No. 12 pick for Dallas isn’t looking quite as rich in defensive talent as it might’ve been.
Still, Brugler’s mock has the Cowboys landing Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at 12-a pick that would be hard to complain about. Styles brings versatility, athleticism, and a high football IQ, all traits that would fit perfectly in a revamped Cowboys defense. But let’s not forget: there’s no guarantee he’ll still be on the board.
Brugler also has the Saints taking Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 7, which raises eyebrows. If New Orleans opts for defense instead, that’s one more name off the board before Dallas gets a chance to pick. In short, Moore staying in school has created a domino effect that could push key defenders higher up the draft board-and potentially out of Dallas’ reach.
The silver lining? There’s still a long road between now and the draft.
The Combine hasn’t even happened yet, and boards are going to shift-dramatically. Prospects will rise and fall, teams will re-evaluate needs, and mocks will change weekly.
But for now, Moore’s decision has put the Cowboys in a more complicated spot than they might’ve hoped for.
Bottom line: Dallas has draft capital, but the board may not fall in their favor unless they get a little help. Whether that means trading up, staying patient, or pivoting to a different position group, they’ll need to be sharp. With a new defensive coordinator coming in and a defense that needs retooling, this draft could be the turning point.