The Dallas Cowboys finished the 2026 NFL Draft with seven picks, six of which were made in the first four rounds. Naturally, that kind of roster movement leads to winners and losers across the team.

In this post, that’s exactly who we’re looking at. Let’s dive in.

Winner: DC Christian Parker

I hate to start off the list with such an obvious pick, but how can I not? Defensive coordinator Christian Parker had the Cowboys pick defensive players in five of seven draft picks over the weekend.

One of those was used on none other than Caleb Downs, one of the best players in the class and one that is tailor-made for Parker’s defense. Parker wants smart players who can communicate on the field and be versatile. Downs is all that and a little more.

Additionally, he got a first-round pass rusher in Malachi Lawrence and a versatile LB/ED in Jaishawn Barham. Add in a couple of solid Round 4 picks and a linebacker with 27 starts over the last two years in Dee Winters. His defense is taking shape.

Winner: WR Ryan Flournoy

This one is a wildcard but when rumors emerged on the Cowboys potentially looking at wide receiver in the first round, Flournoy’s starting gig at WR3 appeared to be in danger. Most of the conversation centered around George Pickens’ future, but there is a high chance Flournoy would have been pushed down the depth chart.

Now that the Cowboys went defense twice in the first round, Flournoy’s path to starting is clear. He should build on a promising Year 2 that saw him rack up 475 yards in 40 catches, including four touchdowns.

Winner: CB DaRon Bland

The Cowboys were very clear about their preference to keep Bland at outside cornerback. The addition of Downs, who is expected to start out at nickel, all but guarantees Bland will remain on the boundary.

As of right now, only Bland at Downs can be penciled in the starting lineup. The opposite cornerback position will likely end up being manned by either Cobie Durant or Shavon Revel Jr. if the latter takes a second-year leap.

Loser: EDGE Sam Williams

Prior to draft weekend, Williams was probably EDGE3 on the Cowboys’ depth chart. The addition of Malachi Lawrence in the first round will likely drop him from that spot. And it may not stop there for Williams.

The Cowboys also added Jaishawn Barham in the third round. Despite the Cowboys intending to play Barham at inside linebacker first, he’s got upside as an edge rusher and will likely have a hybrid role in the position.

Additionally, fourth-round pick LT Overton should see playing time at EDGE, particularly on early downs as his run defense is where he’s at his best as of today. Overton is likely to play inside as well.

Loser(s): OTs Tyler Guyton & Terence Steele

If the Cowboys played a game today, both Guyton and Steele would start at offensive tackle. But Dallas hasn’t been shy about their situations. Steele had to take a pay cut to stick around and head coach Brian Schottenheimer admitted Guyton needs to improve in 2026.

Enter Drew Shelton: A fourth-round offensive tackle with upside. I doubt Shelton could be a starter today due to his current power and play strength. He needs to improve in those two areas to compete for a starting job. But if he has a good offseason and shows up stronger to training camp, expect him to give both starters a run for their money.

Winner: S Jalen Thompson

The Cowboys signed Thompson to a $33 million deal in large part because of his do-it-all skillset. But based on needs, Thompson appeared to be in line for a lot of snaps at nickel ahead of the season, which could have potentially harmed the defense’s unpredictability.

Adding Downs will help both he and Thompson move around more freely, keeping opposing offenses on their toes. Expect these two to be a crucial part of Parker’s defense.