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Selecting defensive players in the 2026 NFL draft seems like a forgone conclusion for the Dallas Cowboys. Owners of the worst defense in the NFL, the Cowboys have made it no secret their efforts over the offseason are focused primarily on fixing their historically poor unit.
Eight of their 10 free-agency signings were on the defensive side of the ball. Trade rumors have focused on defensive players as have 30 visits and mock drafts. So when Brian Schottenheimer goes out of way to mention offensive plans may be a possibility this April in the draft, some were understandably caught off guard.
Schottenheimer’s statements, combined with the Stephen Jones’ mention of being openminded like they were when they drafted CeeDee Lamb, are enough to make offense feel like a distinct possibility.
The pivot the Cowboys made back in 2020 with Lamb was a franchise-changing decision. Lamb has gone on to be a cornerstone of the Dallas offense while K’Lavon Chaisson, the player they were originally targeting that year, struggled to make his mark in the NFL. While it seems preposterous to strengthen a strength when the weaknesses are so glaring, drafting the best player available has proven to be the best for the long-term, time and time again.
What changes the math is the Cowboys' window of opportunity appears to be closing by the day. Dak Prescott, the key master of said open window, is 32 years old. Since the Cowboys go as Prescott goes, the window is probably right around three years. Long-term wellness may demand a best player available strategy but for anyone interested in seizing the opportunity at hand, focusing all efforts on defense is a must.
Looking specifically at pick No. 12, it’s likely only two players qualify as too good to pass up: Jeremiyah Love and Carnell Tate. Love, a running back, brings questionable positional value but could be the best RB prospect in 20 years. Tate, a receiver, is a big play machine who could be a seamless replacement to George Pickens on the outside. Neither player would fill an immediate need, but both would qualify as long-term upgrades.
There’s a good chance Schottenheimer wasn’t thinking of pick No. 12 when he made his statements but rather pick No. 20. Any number of offensive players could be there at 20 but aside from receivers Jordyn Tyson, Makai Lemon or possibly Omar Cooper Jr, there isn’t anyone who’s too good to pass up.
It’s possible Schottenheimer and Jones are just saying the things they need to say to keep other teams guessing. The Cowboys are always looking for chances to trade back and being a threat to draft offense might help them in this endeavor. Cowboys' fans probably don't need to read too much into any of these statements.
You can follow Reid on X @ReidDHanson and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys Schottenheimer pre-warns of shocking draft disruption
Continue reading...
Eight of their 10 free-agency signings were on the defensive side of the ball. Trade rumors have focused on defensive players as have 30 visits and mock drafts. So when Brian Schottenheimer goes out of way to mention offensive plans may be a possibility this April in the draft, some were understandably caught off guard.
Schottenheimer’s statements, combined with the Stephen Jones’ mention of being openminded like they were when they drafted CeeDee Lamb, are enough to make offense feel like a distinct possibility.
The pivot the Cowboys made back in 2020 with Lamb was a franchise-changing decision. Lamb has gone on to be a cornerstone of the Dallas offense while K’Lavon Chaisson, the player they were originally targeting that year, struggled to make his mark in the NFL. While it seems preposterous to strengthen a strength when the weaknesses are so glaring, drafting the best player available has proven to be the best for the long-term, time and time again.
What changes the math is the Cowboys' window of opportunity appears to be closing by the day. Dak Prescott, the key master of said open window, is 32 years old. Since the Cowboys go as Prescott goes, the window is probably right around three years. Long-term wellness may demand a best player available strategy but for anyone interested in seizing the opportunity at hand, focusing all efforts on defense is a must.
Looking specifically at pick No. 12, it’s likely only two players qualify as too good to pass up: Jeremiyah Love and Carnell Tate. Love, a running back, brings questionable positional value but could be the best RB prospect in 20 years. Tate, a receiver, is a big play machine who could be a seamless replacement to George Pickens on the outside. Neither player would fill an immediate need, but both would qualify as long-term upgrades.
There’s a good chance Schottenheimer wasn’t thinking of pick No. 12 when he made his statements but rather pick No. 20. Any number of offensive players could be there at 20 but aside from receivers Jordyn Tyson, Makai Lemon or possibly Omar Cooper Jr, there isn’t anyone who’s too good to pass up.
It’s possible Schottenheimer and Jones are just saying the things they need to say to keep other teams guessing. The Cowboys are always looking for chances to trade back and being a threat to draft offense might help them in this endeavor. Cowboys' fans probably don't need to read too much into any of these statements.
You can follow Reid on X @ReidDHanson and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys Schottenheimer pre-warns of shocking draft disruption
Continue reading...
