The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books for the Dallas Cowboys, and, as expected, the franchise had a clear vision for addressing the defense.
After last year's horror show, and given how settled the offense is, it made sense for the Cowboys to focus on giving new defensive coordinator Christian Parker a good foundation to build from.
In total, five of Dallas' seven draft picks were on defense.
Caleb Downs (S) Malachi Lawrence (DE), Jaishawn Barham (OLB), Devin Moore (CB), and LT Overton (DE), all come to The Star looking to play their role on defense.
So, when we add in the free agency moves of Jalen Thompson, PJ Locke, Cobie Bryant, and Rashan Gary, and then this weekend's trade for Dee Winters?
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Or, as owner Jerry Jones says, with the addition of Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark last season, dramatic change.
“We have five first-round draft picks that we didn’t have this time last year on defense,” Jerry said. “Quinnen [Williams], [Kenny] Clark, [Rashan] Gary, [Caleb] Downs, [Malachi] Lawrence. So right there, we’ve added five first-round picks that weren’t apart of the team this time last year.
“We added nine new players on defense this offseason, between trades and free agency, we’ve added nine new coaches on defense out of 10. We have changed the concept of what we’re doing defensively.
So, we can see how the Cowboys viewed the defense, both on and off the field.
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Players were signed/drafted, a handful are expected to be starters in Downs, Lawrence, and Winters (trade via the 49ers), while Overton, Moore, and Barham provide much-needed depth.
Others in Otito Ogbonnia, Jonathan Bullard, Tyrus Wheat, and Derion Kendrick also provide the defense with more fresh faces, and hopefully, better production in 2026.
Jerry seems bullish on what the franchise has done this offseason defensively, and it is easy to see why, with Downs as the centerpiece of it all.
He could be the difference-maker the defense has been crying out for, and will be seen as the leader of Parker's defense in the coming months.
It has been an offseason of "dramatic" change for the Cowboys on defense, and no, that doesn't mean it will automatically translate to on-field success.
But given how poor the defense was last season, the only way is up, and I wouldn't mind betting that Downs will lead the charge in 2026.