With the 2026 NFL Draft less than a month away, Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer delivered a candid message that suggests the franchise may not take the most predictable route with its two first-round selections.
Facing glaring roster needs, particularly on defense, many draft observers have pegged Dallas to focus early on linebackers, edge rushers or cornerbacks. Yet Schottenheimer made it clear that the Cowboys won’t be slaves to a single strategy.
“You want to be prepared to do what we need to do on defense, but certainly we’re not going to pass on a great offensive player if they’re there at one of those spots,” he said.
“Last year was more of, yea, I saw the highlight film, the POAs, now I’ve seen game film. I’ve seen these guys compete. It makes it a little easier to help make that selection.”
Dallas holds the No. 12 and No. 20 overall picks, a rare luxury that gives the team flexibility to address multiple roster holes. The Cowboys own eight total picks this year after trading defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to the San Francisco 49ers, restoring their presence on Day 2 of the draft.
But the conversation in Dallas isn’t limited to filling obvious needs. Schottenheimer‘s remarks at recent Pro Day visits, including stops at the University of Miami and the University of Texas, highlight how thoroughly the Cowboys‘ scouting staff is evaluating prospects.
According to reporting, those trips and evaluations are central to how Dallas plans to approach draft day.
Defense, offense, and the Cowboys‘ balancing act
Despite Schottenheimer‘s openness to offensive talent, the Cowboys‘ most pressing needs remain on the defensive side of the ball. Dallas allowed the most points per game in the league last season, and ESPN‘s draft needs analysis lists edge rusher, linebacker, cornerback, and defensive line as priorities.
Speaking with reporters at the NFL owners’ meetings in Phoenix, Schottenheimer acknowledged that while defense is a priority, Dallas isn’t locked into selecting only defenders with its two first-round selections.
“We’re aware that we need to fill some holes,” Schottenheimer said, emphasizing the Cowboys‘ need at linebacker and the competitive battle for a backup quarterback job behind Dak Prescott.
With picks at No. 12 and No. 20 overall, Dallas is widely expected, by analysts and fans alike, to focus on bolstering a defense that struggled at times last season. But Schottenheimer made it clear that the team’s draft board will ultimately dictate decisions.
“If the best player on the board is clearly an offensive player, then we’ll certainly discuss that. And more than likely, knowing Jerry Jones, pull the trigger,” he said, referencing Jones, the team’s owner and general manager.
The hint that offensive talent could be considered early suggests a willingness to remain flexible, a strategy that could pay dividends if a high-impact offensive prospect unexpectedly falls into Dallas‘ lap.
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