Thu Jan 01 10:50:00 UTC 2026: Summary:
With the Cowboys out of the playoffs, draft expert Dane Brugler of The Athletic provides insights into the upcoming NFL Draft. This year’s class is deep but lacks elite top-tier talent. Strengths include linebackers, tight ends, wide receivers, and edge rushers. Brugler suggests the Cowboys, holding two first-round picks but none in the second or third, consider trading back with one of their picks to acquire more selections, although it may be difficult this year due to the lack of surefire top prospects. He identifies potential targets for the Cowboys at key positions of need, including edge rusher (T.J. Parker, Zion Young), cornerback (Jermod McCoy, Mansoor Delane), linebacker (C.J. Allen, Sonny Styles), and offensive tackle (Spencer Fano).
News Article:
Cowboys Eye Draft Fixes After Playoff Exit, Expert Says Depth a Key Factor
FRISCO, TX – Following a disappointing playoff exit, the Dallas Cowboys are already turning their attention to the 2026 NFL Draft, where they possess two valuable first-round picks but lack selections in the second and third rounds. According to draft expert Dane Brugler of The Athletic, this year’s draft class presents a unique challenge: while not boasting elite, top-tier talent, it offers significant depth through the first three rounds.
Brugler highlights linebacker, tight end, wide receiver, and edge rusher as particularly strong positions in this year’s class. When asked about the Cowboys’ strategy with their two first-rounders, he suggested the team consider trading back with one pick to acquire additional selections. However, he cautioned that finding a trade partner might be difficult due to the absence of clear-cut, must-have prospects at the very top.
Addressing specific areas of need for the Cowboys, Brugler mentioned several potential draft targets. For edge rusher, he pointed to T.J. Parker (Clemson) and Zion Young (Missouri) as prospects who offer size, while Cashius Howell (Texas A&M) and R Mason Thomas (Oklahoma) offer more of a speed rush. At cornerback, Brugler highlighted Jermod McCoy (Tennessee), a Texas native recovering from a knee injury, and Mansoor Delane (LSU). Linebacker C.J. Allen (Georgia) and Sonny Styles (Ohio State) were mentioned as potential solutions to the Cowboys’ struggles at the position. Finally, Brugler suggested offensive tackle Spencer Fano (Utah) as a name to watch if Dallas looks to bolster their offensive line.
The Cowboys, known for taking calculated risks on injured players, will have to carefully evaluate the risk/reward of players like McCoy. With needs on both sides of the ball, the Cowboys face critical decisions as they look to retool and make another run at the Super Bowl.
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