Cowboys’ 2026 Draft Blueprint: How Green Bay’s Pick Could Transform Dallas Defense

The Dallas Cowboys have been officially eliminated from the 2025 NFL playoffs. Their season will end after Week 17. This failure shifts immediate focus to the 2026 NFL Draft. Dallas currently holds two valuable first-round selections.

One pick is their own, sitting at No. 13 overall. The other comes from the Green Bay Packers via the Micah Parsons trade. This dual first-round capital offers a major opportunity for roster repair. According to league standings tracking, the Packers’ pick currently sits at No. 21.

Analyzing the Updated 2026 NFL Draft Order

The official draft order is still fluid. Only the first 18 picks are set by final regular-season records. Playoff results determine picks 19 through 32. Teams that lose earlier in the playoffs get better draft positions.

The Cowboys’ own pick is projected at No. 13. The pick from Green Bay is much more variable. The Packers hold a 9-5-1 record and are poised for a playoff berth. Their final draft slot will depend on how deep they go in the postseason.

A quick Green Bay exit would improve that pick’s number. A long playoff run would push it toward the end of the first round. For Dallas, the ideal scenario is a Packers Wild Card round loss. This would likely secure a pick in the late teens or very early twenties.

Strategic Implications for the Cowboys’ Offseason

This dual first-round haul comes at a critical time. The Cowboys’ defense has struggled significantly this season. The team ranks near the bottom of the league in several key defensive categories. Investing both top picks on that side of the ball seems a logical path.

The specific needs are vast. Dallas could target a dominant interior defensive lineman. A playmaking safety or a shutdown cornerback are also major priorities. The two picks allow them to address multiple glaring weaknesses in one offseason.

The front office must balance selecting the best available athlete with filling specific roster holes. Having two selections provides flexibility to do both. It takes pressure off any single decision. This is a chance to inject young, cost-controlled talent into a struggling unit.

The Dallas Cowboys’ disappointing season has a clear silver lining. Their two 2026 first-round picks, especially the acquired Green Bay pick, are foundational assets. They represent the fastest route back to contention for America’s Team.

A quick knowledge drop for you:

What record do the Cowboys have?

The Dallas Cowboys currently have a 6-8-1 record. They were eliminated from playoff contention in Week 16. Their final game is against the Washington Commanders.

How did Dallas get Green Bay’s first-round pick?

The pick was acquired as part of the trade that sent linebacker Micah Parsons to the Packers. It was a pre-arranged condition of that high-profile player transaction.

What is the current spot of the Packers’ pick?

Based on Green Bay’s 9-5-1 record, their selection is currently projected at No. 21 overall. This position will change based on the team’s playoff performance.

What are the Cowboys’ biggest draft needs?

The team’s most pressing needs are on defense. This includes interior defensive line, safety, and cornerback. The offense also requires help along the offensive line.

Can the Packers’ pick still improve?

Yes. If the Packers lose in the first round of the playoffs, their draft pick will move higher, potentially into the late teens. A deeper playoff run pushes it lower.

When is the 2026 NFL Draft?

The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026. The exact dates and location are typically announced by the league a full year in advance.

Trusted Sources: NFL league standings and draft order projections were compiled from official league data and reflected in reporting by ESPN and NFL Network.