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Cowboys' Draft Arsenal: Analyzing Pick Holdings

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  Published in Business and Finance on Saturday, February 7th 2026 at 5:00 GMT by Sports Illustrated
      Locales: Texas, Ohio, UNITED STATES

A Deep Dive into the Cowboys' Draft Arsenal

The Cowboys' draft holdings are as follows:

• Round 1, Pick 15: Acquired from the Los Angeles Rams. This pick is the key to their flexibility, providing them with the ability to target a premium player or facilitate a trade.
• Round 1, Pick 19: Originally owned by Dallas, reinforcing their early-round presence.
• Round 3, Pick 78: Obtained from the New York Giants, offering a valuable asset in the middle rounds.
• Round 4, Pick 119: A standard pick for adding depth and potential contributors.
• Round 5, Pick 153: Provides another opportunity to address needs in the later rounds.
• Round 6, Pick 186: A chance to uncover a hidden gem.
• Round 7, Pick 233: Late-round flier for special teams or developmental prospects.
• Round 7, Pick 248: Acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars, adding further depth to their selection pool.
• Round 7, Pick 255: The final pick, often used for a project player or a strategic need.

These nine picks, particularly the two first-rounders, give the Cowboys considerable leverage in negotiations and the ability to address multiple roster gaps.

Identifying the Critical Needs: Beyond the Obvious

While the Cowboys have a generally solid foundation, several key areas demand attention in the draft. The most pressing needs are:

• Linebacker: The aging linebacker corps is a major concern. Veterans are showing their age, and the Cowboys need to inject youthful energy and tackling ability into the position. A top-tier linebacker prospect could anchor the defense for years to come.
• Offensive Tackle: The anticipated retirement of long-time stalwart Tyron Smith creates a significant void at left tackle. Protecting Dak Prescott is paramount, and finding a capable successor is a top priority. This could mean using one of the first-round picks on a high-potential offensive tackle.
• Safety: The safety position lacks consistent playmaking ability. While improvements have been made, the Cowboys need a dynamic safety who can excel in coverage and contribute as a run defender.
• Cornerback: Although the starting cornerbacks are currently reliable, depth is a concern. Injuries are inevitable in the NFL, and adding a young, promising cornerback is crucial to maintain defensive stability.

However, the Cowboys also need to consider the long-term implications of their selections. With key players on both sides of the ball nearing the end of their contracts, identifying potential replacements is equally important.

Strategic Options: Trade Winds and Best Player Available

The Cowboys have several viable draft strategies:

• Best Player Available: This traditional approach prioritizes selecting the highest-rated players on their board, regardless of position. This strategy relies on the Cowboys' scouting department accurately assessing talent and trusting their evaluations.
• Trade Down: With two first-round picks, the Cowboys could package them to move down in the draft, acquiring additional picks in return. This would allow them to address more needs and accumulate valuable assets for future drafts. The 15th pick obtained from the Rams is the more likely candidate for a trade down scenario.
• Trade Up: If there's a specific player the Cowboys covet, they might consider trading up to secure their target. This is a risky strategy, as it requires giving up valuable draft capital, but it could be worthwhile if the player is a potential franchise cornerstone.

The Rams Trade's Impact: The acquisition of the 15th overall pick from the Rams wasn't just about adding a pick; it's about optionality. It allows the Cowboys to dictate the narrative of the draft, either securing two top-20 talents or maneuvering for further advantages. Some analysts speculate the Rams were seeking to position themselves for a quarterback, and the Cowboys could use this knowledge to their advantage.

Looking Ahead: The Cowboys' Path to Super Bowl Contention

The 2026 NFL Draft is a pivotal moment for the Dallas Cowboys. With nine picks and the flexibility afforded by their two first-round selections, they have the opportunity to address their immediate needs and build a sustainable contender. Success in this draft won't just be about filling holes; it will be about strategically investing in the future and positioning the Cowboys for long-term success. The decisions made in the coming months will undoubtedly shape the franchise for years to come.