The 2026 NFL draft begins on April 23 in Pittsburgh, when the Dallas Cowboys are set to pick 12th and 20th in Round 1. The draft continues with Rounds 2-3 on April 24 and Rounds 4-7 on April 25 (ESPN, ABC and ESPN the app).
The Cowboys have eight total picks: Nos. 12, 20, 92, 112, 152, 177, 180 and 218. But how will they use them? Which positions need to be addressed? Which prospects are coming in for visits and getting buzz with the Dallas front office and coaching staff?
Cowboys reporter Todd Archer has the latest intel on the team's draft plans, potential targets and more in the lead-up to the 2026 draft. We will update this page right up until Round 1 begins.
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Cowboys prospect visits include seven CBs
Friday, April 10: Let's read into some of the national visitors to The Star, particularly at cornerback. The position is a known need for the Cowboys and seven corners are among their 30 visitors. LSU's Mansoor Delane, Tennessee's Jermod McCoy and perhaps Clemson's Avieon Terrell would be among the considerations at No. 12 overall. South Carolina's Brandon Cisse and Tennessee's Colton Hood could be among those at No. 20. Arizona's Treydan Stukes and Indiana's D'Angelo Ponds are the other visitors.
McCoy's visit is interesting because of concerns teams have regarding his surgically-repaired knee. He missed last year with a torn ACL, and owner and GM Jerry Jones said the Cowboys won't have time for "redshirt" years on their defense. By bringing in McCoy, the Cowboys are doing their due diligence on the long-term state of the prospect's knee.
Cowboys talk edge rushers
Tuesday, April 7: The Cowboys opened up their draft meetings on Monday with the scouts, coaches, owner and general manager Jerry Jones, co-owner Stephen Jones, vice president of player personnel Will McClay and coach Brian Schottenheimer.
The first position discussed was edge players. Maybe this means nothing, maybe it means a little, but it seems fitting for a team in need of pass-rush help.
The Cowboys made a trade last month for Rashan Gary and have Donovan Ezeiruaku, last year's second-round pick, but they need more. Ezeiruaku will be limited in the offseason because of hip surgery, although Schottenheimer said he expects him to be 100% for training camp.
The Cowboys have had meetings with Texas Tech's David Bailey and Ohio State's Arvell Reese. They were also at Miami's pro day with Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor.