3 lingering questions that will shape the Dallas Cowboys’ strategy in the 2026 NFL Draft
There are endless ways the Dallas Cowboys’ draft could turn out. But these are three questions that will go a long way in shaping their decision-making in the first round, including the possibility of trading up.
You and I have something in common. We don’t know what the Dallas Cowboys will do in the 2026 NFL Draft.
It’s the beauty of this time of the year. But what we do know is that there are many factors that will play into their decision-making come April 23. Below are three lingering questions that will shape their draft day strategy.
1. What do the Cowboys make out of CB Jermod McCoy’s knee?
Contrary to the likes of LB Sonny Styles and others, there’s a very decent chance Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy is on the board when the Cowboys go on the clock at No. 12 overall.
The question is are they comfortable picking him? McCoy’s film shows a player with true CB1 potential. The problem is the date on the film is 2024 due to a torn ACL that kept him out of the 2025 season. Multiple insiders had suggested McCoy won’t be considered by the Cowboys.
And yet, McCoy is visiting the Cowboys next week, which will give the team a closer look at his knee status. How that goes will go a long way in determining if they would pick him or not.
2. How much does it cost to trade up?
The Cowboys know they need to take a big swing if they want to fix one of the worst defenses in franchise history. But will there be a premium defensive prospect at No. 12? Not likely.
That’s why the buzz surrounding a potential trade up is getting louder and louder. But if there’s one thing we know about the Cowboys is they’re unlikely to overpay.
Specifically, here are two things I don’t expect the Cowboys to be able to do: Give up No. 20 overall (unless it’s a double swap with the Cleveland Browns for No. 6 and No. 39 or something similar) and/or give up a 2027 pick for the first or seven round.
If the Cowboys can use their third-round pick this year to move up, which they got from the San Francisco 49ers in return for DT Osa Odighizuwa, I expect them to.
3. What does the NFL think of safety Caleb Downs?
Downs is the kind of player that can take the Cowboys defense to another level right away. His IQ is off the charts and he’s a menace on the field, especially when he plays near the box.
But he is a safety, and that raises questions about whether or not teams picking in front of Dallas will draft him. If not, him falling to No. 12 would probably make the Cowboys run to the podium to make the pick.
The league’s perception on his positional value is one of the biggest stories of the Cowboys’ draft going into Day 1.