It’s tough to predict what the Dallas Cowboys will do in the 2026 regular season because it’s tough to know what the defense will look like.

Some expect small improvements. Some are hyping it up as a potential Top 10 defense. The latter sounds exciting, but I’m not buying into it just yet. Below, I list my three biggest concerns that are keeping me from getting too optimistic just yet.

Yes, their overhaul on that side of the ball should be applauded. The Cowboys hired one of the best candidates in the defensive coordinator cycle in Christian Parker. And now, they’ve given him a revamped group of players to work with, including three defensive picks in the Top 100 of the draft.

But the question is, is it enough to go from one of the worst units in the game to one of the best? I’m not so sure. Let’s dive into why.

1. Lack of a stellar pass rush

The Cowboys have done a fantastic job rebuilding the depth of the roster at edge rusher. Going into OTAs, Dallas counts with a rotation headlined by Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, and first-round pick Malachi Lawrence.

That’s a good group, but it’s a long way from being elite. Specifically, the Cowboys need to prove they have a genuine game-wrecker. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams could be the secret key here, as he’s one of the best pass rushers among interior linemen.

The best defenses affect quarterbacks on passing downs. Can the Cowboys do it consistently? I’m not ruling it out, but I’m also not putting all my money on them achieving so.

2. Play at middle linebacker

As of today, the Cowboys don’t even know who will rock the green dot on their defense. The reason is clear: No player on the roster has experience with it entering OTAs.

The Cowboys’ biggest additions at linebacker this offseason were Dee Winters and third-round pick Jaishawn Barham. Though Barham played some middle linebacker at Michigan, he played multiple spots before moving to edge rusher in 2025. Meanwhile, Winters was a weakside linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers.

Either Dallas will start an unexperienced MIKE in Week 1 or they’ll have to add someone else to the team. Until then, there is uncertainty at the position.

3. Outside cornerback spot(s)

On paper, the Cowboys are fine here. One side is manned by an All-Pro cornerback in DaRon Bland. The other should come down to either Cobie Durant (one of the Cowboys’ top free agency signings) and Shavon Revel Jr. (considered a first-round talent that fell to the third in 2025 due to a knee injury).

But each of those names comes with question marks. What will Bland look like after foot surgeries in consecutive years? Durant was solid in L.A., but was he a high-end starter? And is Revel Jr. a different player with a full offseason under his belt or will the same struggles from his rookie season show up?

Your pass defense is only as good as your worst cornerback. This position group needs to earn its respect in 2026.

The good news…

The Cowboys don’t have to have a Top 10 defense to make a playoff run. As long as their offense remains elite, Parker needs to lead an above average defense to allow Dallas to win more games. Top 10 would be nice, but as long as the Cowboys get on the same page quickly, things should be okay.