Two First-Round Picks, One Vision
The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 PML Draft in a position of quiet confidence — armed with two first-round picks (1:13 and 1:26) and a clear objective: rebuild and reinforce the defense that has long been the heart of Coach Cody Hirsch’s identity.
After finishing the 2025 campaign at 11-6 and reaching the divisional round, the Cowboys proved they belong among the NFC elite. But if the postseason taught them anything, it’s that elite quarterbacks and playoff-caliber offenses expose even the smallest cracks in defensive depth. The Cowboys’ front office has made it no secret — this draft will be about replenishing the trenches, bolstering the pass rush, and finding cornerstone defenders who fit the aggressive, fast, and disciplined brand of football Hirsch demands.
The Defensive Blueprint
Hirsch’s Cowboys are known for their versatility: linebackers who can run sideline to sideline, defensive ends who play with violent hands, and defensive backs who thrive in press coverage.
With the departures of veterans like Kenny Clark and the growing leadership role of young studs like Shemar James, Damone Clark, and Donovan Ezeiruaku, Dallas now finds itself looking to inject youth and depth at all three levels of the defense.
Potential first-round defensive targets include:
- DT Peter Woods (Alabama) – A relentless interior presence with elite leverage and first-step quickness. His ability to collapse pockets would make him a natural heir to Clark’s role.
- DT Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati) – “The Godfather” of the trenches brings raw strength and balance against the run. He could be a tone-setter for the next decade.
- EDGE Anthony Hill Jr. (Texas) – A hybrid linebacker-edge who could become a matchup nightmare in Hirsch’s blitz schemes.
- CB prospects – Even with Trevon Diggs, Daron Bland, and Shavon Revel Jr. holding down the secondary, Hirsch knows the modern NFL is about having four starting-caliber corners. Expect the Cowboys to explore athletic press corners with length late in the first round.
The emphasis is on creating a defense that doesn’t just react — it dictates.
The Wildcards: O-Line and RB Temptations
While the plan is defense-first, don’t rule out a surprise on offense. The Cowboys have kept their eyes on a few blue-chip offensive linemen who could reshape the future of their trenches.
If one of these names slides to 1:13 or 1:26, Hirsch could pivot:
- RT Kaydn Proctor (Alabama) – A massive, athletic tackle who could bookend the line opposite Tyler Smith, giving Dallas one of the league’s most imposing fronts.
- RT Trevor Goosby (Texas) – A fluid, technically sound blocker who fits the Cowboys’ power-zone hybrid scheme.
At running back, even with Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah proving productive, a true star back could still be in play. If an elite talent unexpectedly falls, Dallas won’t hesitate. The front office understands how crucial balance is — especially with Joe Milton entering his second full season as the unquestioned starter.
A young workhorse with home-run ability could turn a good offense into a great one.
Coach Hirsch’s Philosophy: Build Through Leadership and Identity
In interviews leading up to the draft, Coach Hirsch has been consistent:
“We want players who love football, who prepare the right way, and who fit what we do culturally. Talent gets you noticed — work ethic keeps you here.”
This Cowboys roster already has a young leadership nucleus forming — Milton, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Shemar James, Damone Clark, and Tyler Smith have become the core. These two first-rounders will be expected not just to produce, but to fit that locker room standard.
Expect the Cowboys to heavily weigh intangibles, film study habits, and toughness when making their selections.
War Room Scenarios
- Scenario 1: Defense-Defense Double Down
- Pick 13: Peter Woods (DT)
- Pick 26: Anthony Hill Jr. (EDGE/LB)
- Result: The Cowboys immediately strengthen their front seven and set a physical tone for years to come.
- Scenario 2: Best Player Available with Offensive Twist
- Pick 13: Kaydn Proctor (RT)
- Pick 26: Dontay Corleone (DT)
- Result: A perfect blend of protection and power. The offense gets stronger, and the defense still gets a foundational piece.
- Scenario 3: Trade Down, Add Capital
- Hirsch has shown patience before. If the top defensive targets are gone, Dallas could move down, stockpile picks, and target depth players in the second round — particularly in the secondary or at linebacker.
A Draft That Defines the Next Era
Every franchise has a pivot point — a draft class that defines the next five seasons. For Dallas, this could be that class.
The Cowboys already have a playoff core and the culture to match. What they need now are difference-makers — defenders who can close out games and offensive linemen who can keep their stars healthy deep into January.
With two first-round picks and a clear blueprint, the Cowboys have flexibility, leverage, and vision — three things every successful organization needs when the clock starts ticking on draft night.
If Hirsch and his scouting department hit on these selections, the Cowboys won’t just be reloading — they’ll be redefining the standard for defensive football in PML.
