Pass defense remains Cowboys' primary focus in 2026 NFL draft
The Cowboys head into the 2026 NFL draft but focusing on their passing defense this season is a major priority.
The Dallas Cowboys need a run stopping linebacker; that much is undebatable. With DeMarvion Overshown as the only proven linebacker option on the roster, the Cowboys probably need more than one. But for as important as a run-stopping linebacker might be, the most important area of the team the Cowboys have to address is their defense on obvious passing downs.
With needs at edge rusher, nickel cornerback, and nickel linebacker, the 2026 NFL draft offers a variety of defensive options for Dallas. Even though the running game has made a resurgence in recent seasons, the passing game is still king in the NFL. On average, passing delivers higher success rates, expected points added and yardage totals than rushing.
It’s why defenses predominantly live in nickel personnel and why pay structures favor skillsets focused on passing and stopping the pass. Under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, the Cowboys are moving to a base 3-4 look, but it’s nickel personnel they’re expected to field most frequently. Nickel, which swaps out a linebacker for an extra defensive back, is understandably better equipped to stop the pass.
On obvious passing downs when offenses typically shift to 11 personnel (three receivers), nickel matches defensive backs with receivers in a tit-for-tat sort of way. Even against different offensive packages, defenses have found that matching defensive personnel with down-and-distance is a winning formula since down-and-distance often dictates offensive intensions. Even if a team is in 12 personnel (two tight ends), if it’s 3 rd -and-7, they’re probably passing.