FRISCO (SILVER STAR NATION) — The 2026 NFL Draft is just over the horizon, bringing the promise of new talent to all 32 franchises in the National Football League, including America’s Team.
The Cowboys failed to reach the postseason for a second consecutive season in 2025. While Dallas finished second in the NFC East, the Cowboys ended the 2025 season with a record of 7-9-1.
In 2025, Dallas was one of the league’s top offensive teams, ranking second in total yards, second in passing yards, and seventh in points per game in the National Football League. The issue for the Cowboys in 2025 was the defense. They surrendered the most passing yards in the entire league, allowing 511 total points, the most in franchise history.
2026 NFL DRAFT: These teams could be very active on Draft Day
With head coach Brian Schottenheimer returning to lead the team and Christian Parker, former defensive backs coach for the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, taking over as defensive coordinator, the Cowboys are hopeful that their offseason additions, including their soon-to-be draft picks, can help return Dallas to playoff football in 2026.
The 2026 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the first time the NFL Draft has been held in the Steel City in almost 80 years. The NFL Draft begins with the first round on Thursday, April 23, and concludes on Saturday, April 25.
Thursday, April 23 — Round 1 — 7:00 p.m. Central
Friday, April 24 — Rounds 2-3 — 6:00 p.m. Central
Saturday, April 25 — Rounds 4-7 — 11:00 a.m. Central
The Cowboys have 8 total picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, with three selections in the top 100 picks. This includes two picks in the first round, but only one pick on Day 2 of the NFL Draft, in the third round. They’ll have five picks on Day 3.
A complete list of the Cowboys’ draft picks can be found below:
WATCH: NFL content on Between the 20s, exclusiely on KFDX+
KFDX Sports Journalist Parker Hollendoner and Multimedia Journalist Josh Hoggard teamed up for a mock draft of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on the KFDX+ podcast, Between the 20s, on Monday, April 20, 2026.
Hollendoner and Hoggard’s full mock draft can be viewed in the video player below:
READ MORE: Cowboys face tough offseason with 15 free agents
Many current players for Dallas that project to play a key role in the 2026 season came via trades during the season, such as defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. However, the Cowboys added a few key pieces in free agency.
In addition, the Cowboys will be returning several key contributors to 2025’s offensive success to extensions, including wide receiver George Pickens (franchise tag) and running back Javonte Willaims (re-signed in the offseason).
A review of the Cowboys’ offseason activity can be found below:
DT Osa Odighizuwa — One of the more consistent players for Dallas, the additions of Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams made Odighizuwa’s contract a salary cap issue for the Cowboys, opting to trade him to San Francisco for a third round pick
WR Jalen Tolbert — After a career year in 2024, Tolbert’s role with Dallas diminished following the acquisition of George Pickens, leading the receiver to sign with Miami in the offesason