The Dallas Cowboys are heading into the 2026 NFL Draft with a rare advantage: two first-round picks. That kind of draft capital is a luxury in today’s NFL, and for a team that already has its franchise quarterback and much of its offensive core in place, it opens the door for a focused, defense-first approach.
And let’s be honest - the Cowboys’ defense could use the help.
This isn’t a case of plugging one or two holes. Dallas has needs across all three levels of the defense, and with a deep class on that side of the ball, they’re in a strong position to reload.
The big question is how they’ll prioritize those needs. Do they go after high-impact edge rushers and shutdown corners, or do they address some of the more overlooked - but currently problematic - spots like linebacker and safety?
Right now, linebacker and defensive end stand out as the most pressing concerns. While there have been some bright spots - the emergence of Donovan Ezeiruaku as a young edge presence is definitely one of them - the Cowboys need more firepower up front. Pairing Ezeiruaku with another athletic, disruptive pass rusher could give Dallas the kind of defensive front that sets the tone week in and week out.
But linebacker might be the position that demands immediate attention. The group has underperformed this season, with Kenneth Murray, Logan Wilson, Jack Sanborn, and Marist Liufau all struggling to make a consistent impact. DeMarvion Overshown, who flashed potential early in his career, is entering the final year of his rookie deal in 2026, but his injury history makes it tough to count on him as a long-term piece.
That’s why linebacker could be the Cowboys' first move on draft night - and one name already generating buzz is Sonny Styles.
Styles, a converted safety out of Ohio State, is the kind of hybrid defender today’s NFL defenses covet. He’s got the frame, athleticism, and coverage instincts to make plays all over the field.
He’s also shown he can get after the quarterback, racking up six sacks during Ohio State’s national title run last season. His versatility would give the Cowboys a dynamic presence in the middle of the defense - someone who can cover tight ends, fill run gaps, and bring pressure when needed.
In a recent mock draft, ESPN’s Field Yates projected Styles to Dallas in the first round, highlighting his range and ability to thrive in multiple roles. If the Cowboys are sitting in the middle of Round 1 with Styles still on the board, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them pull the trigger. He’s not a perfect prospect - few are - but his upside is enormous, and his skill set fits exactly what Dallas needs at the second level.
As for that second first-rounder, which is expected to come via Green Bay and land in the 20s, the Cowboys could use it to double down on defense - this time on the edge.
Enter Damon Wilson, a long, explosive pass rusher out of Missouri. Wilson brings the kind of first-step quickness and bend that makes offensive tackles sweat. He’s also shown up in big moments, recording four sacks against top-10 opponents this past season - a sign that he’s not just a stat-padder, but a gamer who brings it when it matters most.
With Quinnen Williams already anchoring the interior after a recent trade, adding Wilson to the edge could give Dallas a front four with serious teeth. In Yates’ mock, Wilson was the pick late in the first round, and it’s easy to see why. He’s got the tools to be a difference-maker from Day 1, and in a rotation with Ezeiruaku and others, he wouldn’t have to carry the load right away.
The bottom line? The Cowboys need to come out of this draft with two defensive starters - not just future contributors, but guys who can step in and make an immediate impact.
Styles and Wilson both fit that bill. They’re athletic, versatile, and come from big-time programs where they’ve faced top-tier competition.
There’s still a long way to go in the draft process, but if these are the names being linked to Dallas early on, fans should be paying attention. Because if the Cowboys can hit on both picks, they’ll be a lot closer to fielding the kind of defense that can match the firepower of their offense - and that’s the kind of balance that wins in January.