The Dallas Cowboys are no strangers to criticism, so when the occasional compliment surfaces, it’s important to acknowledge it with open arms. One particular post-draft compliment comes on the heels of Dallas’ handling of the linebacker position.
After striking out in free agency, the natural instinct for the Cowboys would have been to panic. The linebacker position was in desperate need of starting talent, and the 2026 NFL draft offered a decent amount of inside linebacker depth. But Dallas didn’t panic, they adjusted to the dynamic circumstances of the draft and pivoted accordingly, ultimately landing praise from a podcast duo who are normally critical.
On the Check the Mic podcast with Steve Palazzolo and Sam Monson (both formerly of PFF), they pointed out the Cowboys needs at linebacker and complimented Dallas’ way of not forcing the issue in the first round.
As everyone now knows, instead of trading up early for Sonny Styles, the Cowboys waited patiently for star safety Caleb Downs to fall within striking distance. Later in the first, instead of reaching on players like C.J. Allen, Jacob Rodriguez or Anthony Hill, Dallas resisted the urge and stuck to their board, selecting edge rusher Malachi Lawrence at pick No. 23. Without another pick until late in the third round, it would have natural and even understandable if they forced the issue at linebacker but instead, they pivoted to Plan B and based on Check the Mic reviews, they showed “good process.”
The Cowboys’ handling of the linebacker position wasn’t praised just because they stuck to their board, but also because they worked other channels in the background. They had a flow of conversation open with the San Francisco 49ers ever since the Osa Odighizuwa trade. Previously, they expressed their interest in veteran linebacker Dee Winters, so when they reengaged conversation during the draft, things were able to move quickly.
Adding Winters in exchange for a fifth-round pick allowed the Cowboys to get a plug-and-play starter without burning top draft capital to get it. It gave the Cowboys the power to stick to their board and fill and important need in the process. It was basically a master class in draft day discipline and offseason contingency plans.
As luck would have it, Jaishawn Barham would fall to the Cowboys in the third round. The Michigan edge rusher was a projected inside linebacker by the Cowboys coaching staff and offered exceptional value to Dallas at pick No. 92.
Under normal circumstances Barham might have been a gamble given his questionable experience inside. But with a veteran like Winters plugged in ahead of him, the Cowboys can bring the rookie along slowly, keeping the big picture in mind. Again, Winters allowed the Cowboys to stick to their board and not draft solely on who can help the most on Day 1.
Cowboys fans will tell you the inside linebacker spot is far from perfect and could still use additional personnel. But as far as how the Cowboys handled linebacker during the offseason, the Cowboys showed “good process” in their restraint, discipline and adaptability.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys praised for ‘good process’ in trade-and-draft LB strategy
Reporting by Reid D Hanson, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
