The Cowboys could use the 2026 NFL Draft to add starters, then chase veteran help at linebacker or edge rusher to complete the roster.

The Dallas Cowboys may not be done reshaping their roster once the 2026 NFL Draft ends. In fact, the bigger story might come after the picks are made.

Dallas enters Thursday with first-round selections at No. 12 and No. 20, giving the front office a real chance to land two immediate contributors. But there’s also a gap in draft capital after that, with the Cowboys not scheduled to pick again until late in the third round. That reality could make it difficult to patch every hole through the draft alone, especially on defense.

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That’s why the team is already keeping the trade market warm. Executive vice president Stephen Jones made it clear this week that Dallas is still discussing veteran options and won’t view the draft as the end of roster building. It’s a practical approach for a team trying to accelerate a defensive rebuild without forcing bad value on draft night.

Two areas stand out as logical targets: linebacker and edge rusher. Dallas could certainly address one or both spots in Round 1, but if the board falls in a way that favors the best player available, the Cowboys appear willing to circle back later through a trade.

One intriguing name is Jordyn Brooks of the Miami Dolphins. Brooks piled up 183 tackles in 2025, leading the league, and would instantly strengthen the middle of Dallas’ defense. On the pass-rush side, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig are both interesting possibilities if Pittsburgh decides it can move one of its edge defenders.

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The Cowboys have reason to trust this strategy. Last year, they waited until after the draft to make a major splash and landed George Pickens from the Steelers. That move paid off in a huge way, as Pickens posted 93 catches, 1,429 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns in Dallas.

That kind of home run isn’t guaranteed every year. Still, the Cowboys have shown they’re willing to stay aggressive if the draft doesn’t solve everything. And with two premium first-round picks in hand, they’ll have options both during and after the draft.