The Dallas Cowboys ended the season with a loss to the New York Giants, but the result immediately improved the franchise’s position heading into the NFL offseason.
Dallas finished with a losing record and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year, a frustrating outcome for a team that entered the season with higher ambitions.
Yet the defeat itself quietly reshaped the Cowboys‘ draft outlook.
By dropping the finale, Dallas moved its own first-round selection from No. 14 to No. 12, giving the front office a slightly higher spot on the board before Sunday’s late games even began.
The situation improved further as results came in from around the league. When the Green Bay Packers fell to the Minnesota Vikings later in the afternoon, their first-round pick slid to No. 20 overall.
That selection now belongs to Dallas, leaving the Cowboys with two picks inside the top 20.
For a franchise that often drafts in the middle or back end of the first round, the shift is notable.
After back-to-back seasons without a playoff appearance, Dallas suddenly has a level of draft leverage that could accelerate a roster reset.
Two first-round picks reshape Dallas’ offseason options
Holding picks No. 12 and No. 20 places the Cowboys in a rare position. They can remain patient and add two young contributors on cost-controlled contracts, or they can package the selections to make a bold move up the board.
With the right trade partner, a jump into the top five is at least plausible, opening the door to a truly elite prospect.
That decision will rest heavily with Jerry Jones and the Cowboys‘ leadership group. The roster showed flashes this season, but recurring issues on defense often undermined otherwise strong performances.
Because of that, there is a strong argument for keeping both picks and investing heavily on the defensive side of the ball.
Adding speed, youth, and physicality could address weaknesses that persisted throughout the year and help stabilize the unit without relying on short-term fixes in free agency.
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