The Cowboys are sending a message ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft that has potential All-Pro implications
Could the Dallas Cowboys draft yet another first-round offensive lineman come the 2026 NFL Draft? Their list of pre-draft visitors sends a very clear message. At least as of today.
After fielding one of the worst defenses in franchise history, not a lot of people expect the Dallas Cowboys to use their two first-round draft picks on offense.
And while the NFL Draft is the epitome of the “you never know” expression, so far, the Cowboys are strongly suggesting expectations are correct. A quick glance at their pre-draft visitors makes it very clear they’re focused on defense.
Specifically, they seem to be ruling out one key position before the draft: Offensive tackle.
No OTs in their pre-draft visits yet
Keyword here is “yet.” Things could always change but we now know of 21 of their Top 30 visits (give or take a few that may have been Dallas Day visits, which don’t count toward the 30-player limit).
The Cowboys have mostly met with cornerbacks and edge rushers ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, with eight corners on the list so far. These are needs we know exist on the team.
But another position that could have been improved after a year of mediocre pass protection was offensive tackle. Notably, there are no offensive linemen on the Cowboys’ Top 30 visits yet. Again, that could change with two weeks to go before the draft.
But the message appears to be clear: They’re betting on their offensive linemen. And that has major implications.
Cowboys’ seeming gamble at OL has All-Pro implications
The right tackle situation is clear. The Cowboys and Terence Steele agreed to a reworked deal that featured a pay cut in exchange of guaranteed money. But the left tackle spot is muddier—and it could even lead to an All-Pro changing positions.
If you ask me, there’s clearly a plan A and a plan B in place to protect Dak Prescott’s blindside.
Plan A starts with Tyler Guyton, who needs to take a big leap in Year 3 of his career. And the coaching staff isn’t being shy about it.
“It’s a big year for Tyler,” head coach Brian Schottenheimer said last month. “Guyton’s got a chance to be an elite player, but he’s got to take that next step, and we have to help him get that next step.”
Schottenheimer added there’s an action plan for Guyton to improve, including working on his footwork and hand usage.
“The biggest thing for him will be having a great, healthy offseason,” Schottenheimer added.
While the Cowboys head coach sees the upside on Guyton, that doesn’t sound like a player who is guaranteed to start at left tackle.
Enter the All-Pro implications: Surely, Plan B is all about All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith sliding outside to play tackle.
Reading the tea leaves here, that would also explain the Cowboys’ decision to use the second-round tender on backup lineman T.J. Bass, who has shown starting-caliber play at guard. If Smith leaves his post at guard, Bass would take over.
All this uncertainty at the position should make offensive tackle a concern for the Cowboys. But right now, the message sent through their pre-draft visitors is clear. Defense is the only first-round concern they have.
Surprises happen, but I’m not expecting Dallas to draft a tackle, regardless of who is on the board when they go on the clock.