Three underrated Dallas Cowboys needs that could take the team to the next level if filled ahead of 2026 NFL season
You know all about the Dallas Cowboys’ biggest needs ahead of the 2026 regular season. But these are some overlooked ones that would majorly help out the squad.
The Dallas Cowboys have many needs going into the 2026 NFL season. And we’ve been talking about them for months.
Linebacker remains a concern even after trading for Dee Winters and drafting Jaishawn Barham. Nickel cornerback will be manned by first-round pick Caleb Downs but ideally, the rookie is able to move around (for which Dallas could still use a nickel corner). And though the edge rusher group is solid, questions exist about if there is a star pass rusher on the team.
However, now it’s time to talk about some underrated needs that would significantly help the Cowboys’ chances of being a contender. These aren’t starting lineup needs but rather depth ones. Let’s dive in.
Backup running back
This is a fascinating one. On one hand, the Cowboys have young talent to bank on. They drafted Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah last year, and both showed flashes of what they can be with strong preseasons. However, in the regular season, they barely saw playing time.
Unexpectedly, Blue’s RB2 hopes quickly turned into a rookie season mostly spent as a healthy scratch. Brian Schottenheimer cited “consistency” as why he didn’t see the playing field much.
Blue finished the season with 129 yards in 38 attempts, the bulk of which came in a “meaningless” season finale against a mediocre New York Giants rush defense. It was also the only game Mafah played.
So while the Cowboys have some players who could become standout backups behind workhorse Javonte Williams, they have yet to “do the damn thing.”
Standout true nose tackle
Spoiler alert: I’m getting greedy the rest of this article. These are underrated needs, after all. Yes, the Cowboys have Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams at defensive tackle, and that is massive. Both can play three-technique and nose tackle alike. However, the Dallas defense could use a big, gap-plugging player at nose.
The Cowboys’ biggest defensive tackles on the roster are Jay Toia (6-2, 340) and Otito Ogbonnia (6-4, 320) but their combined experience is limited. It would be nice to have a standout nose.
Backup three-technique
I know, I know. I just mentioned Clark and Williams. But truthfully? Having Odighizuwa be a part of the rotation would have been truly nasty. More than anything, depth at the position is a huge question mark.
Luckily for the Cowboys, there already may be an answer. Since Dallas picked EDGE LT Overton in April, they have suggested he could play on the interior as well. As long as he can play the run and pass alike, he will be a solid depth piece.