The Dallas Cowboys had a great Day 1 in the 2026 NFL draft, but the job isn’t done. With Day 2 beginning at 7pm Eastern, the team currently only has one pick, and several positions that still need to be addressed.
Not every hole can be plugged across Round 2 and Round 3, so the front office in Dallas must find an answer for at least one of these positions. Here are the biggest remaining needs for the Cowboys as Day 2 of the 2026 draft arrives.
Offensive line (OT)
This wouldn’t be the biggest need for the Cowboys, but the team has to prepare themselves for injuries and ineffectiveness at the offensive tackle spots. Jerry Jones employs the highest paid player in the league in quarterback Dak Prescott and then asks him to deliver more than most signal callers, it’s a priority to protect him.
Despite drafting offensive lineman early and often, Dallas still might need help. Left tackle Tyler Guyton improved off his rookie season, but couldn’t stay on the field enough, missing seven games last year. Guyton also still needs a lot of work to become a top LT.
His backup, Nathan Thomas, did his best, but was noticeably the weak link on the unit. The Cowboys need a better answer if injuries strike, or if Guyton doesn’t take the next step up.
Right tackle Terence Steele also struggled to play well consistently last season, and saw his salary cut this offseason in a reworked deal.
Even though they continue to draft offensive linemen at a high rate, the Cowboys need to think about getting better at the tackle positions on offense.
The problem is that there was a ridiculous run on OTs in the first round, and there just might not be any prospects that make sense by the time the Cowboys are back on the clock.
Linebacker
This is a position where the defense just doesn’t have many options, or good enough players.
Christian Parker’s scheme is versatile enough that Rashan Gary and Donovan Ezeiruaku will play some outside LB, but the bigger issue is in the middle, where the Cowboys have one viable option in DeMarvion Overshown.
Second-year man Shemar James is in the mix as well, but he feels better suited as a backup LB, and the same for Justin Barron, who signed as an undrafted free agent last year. There isn’t much more help, or depth, at the position.
As good as Overshown has played when healthy, his injury history leaves questions and the draft needs to bring answers. The team is desperate for help at LB and finding someone to pair with Overshown would be ideal.
Cornerback
This is a place where the Cowboys have thrown resources at this offseason, but none are long-term answers. The projected starters are DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel, with Cobie Durant in the mix there as well, and Caelen Carson and Reddy Steward fighting to be the nickel corners.
Others in consideration are Derion Kendrick, Josh Butler and Corey Ballentine. Of the CB group, only Bland, Revel and Carson are signed past this season.
For the 2026 season, it’s a position that has promise, but injuries make it a question mark. The two penciled in starters have health concerns. Bland had his second foot surgery in two years this offseason, while Revel is further away from his torn ACL and should be healthier.
Durant brings depth and stability, only missing three games in the last three seasons.
There’s also the question of skill. Bland is considered the top CB in Dallas but struggled last season under disposed-of DC Matt Eberflus, and Revel didn’t get enough experience as a rookie and still has a bit of a learning curve. No one else on the depth chart feels like a top player at the position.
Parker may need to find a high-quality prospect to help the defense at CB.
Tight end
One of the positions not talked about enough as a need for the Cowboys is TE. The team has a capable starter in Jake Ferguson, who is coming off a career year.
However, Ferguson doesn’t have the athletic ability or the dynamic run after the catch skills the offense could use. He’s a good end zone target and can move the chains, but a game breaker at TE could unlock this Dallas offense even further. Two TE sets with Ferguson and a better athletic option is an ideal way for the offense to improve in year two with Brian Schottenheimer and Klayton Adams.
They didn’t draft one early, but there are still some quality TE options for the Cowboys to pair with Ferguson.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys remaining needs entering Day 2 of 2026 NFL draft expands to O
Reporting by Ben Grimaldi, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
