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2026 Dallas Cowboys Draft Guide

2026 Dallas Cowboys Draft Guide

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Draft Central

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2026 NFL Draft Defensive End Prospects

One of the biggest stories in the NFL last year involved the pass rusher the Cowboys traded to the Packers. This time around, Dallas began the offseason by getting an edge rusher back from Green Bay. Whether they’re technically going to be listed as defensive ends or outside linebackers, this group got better with Rashan Gary, who has recorded at least 7.5 sacks in each of the last three seasons. But make no mistake, while the Cowboys are also moving Marist Liufau to edge rusher, have already re-signed Sam Williams and brought on board Jonathan Bullard and Tyrus Wheat, this position will continue to be addressed throughout the offseason and draft as the team desperately tries to replace the sack totals of Micah Parsons, who had at least 12 during each of his four years in Dallas. Last season, Jadeveon Clowney led the Cowboys with 8.5, and he’s another free agent in the mix who might be a factor despite being 33. In addition, Donovan Ezeiruaku had some flashes during his rookie year, but hip surgery in February is going to limit him most of the offseason, although the hope is he’ll be ready for training camp. Regardless, the Cowboys should still be thinking pass rush with one of their two first-round picks because the cupboard is far from full at defensive end. – Nick Eatman

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2026 Defensive End Draft Rankings

Prospect Rankings School
1. Rueben Bain Jr. Miami
2. David Bailey Texas Tech
3. Cashius Howell Texas A&M
4. T.J. Parker Clemson
5. Keldric Faulk Auburn
6. Dani Dennis-Sutton Penn State
7. Akheem Mesidor Miami
8. R. Mason Thomas Oklahoma
9. LT Overton Alabama
10. Romello Height Texas Tech
11. Joshua Josephs Tennessee
12. Zion Young Missouri
13. Anthony Lucas USC
14. Gabe Jacas Illinois
15. Tyreak Sapp Florida
16. Max Llewellyn Iowa
17. Mason Reiger Wisconsin
18. Caden Curry Ohio State
19. Keyron Crawford Auburn
20. Jaishawn Barham Michigan
21. Jack Pyburn LSU
22. Derrick Moore Michigan
23. Vincent Anthony Jr. Duke
24. Trey Moore Texas
25. Wesley Williams Duke
26. Nadame Tucker Western Michigan
27. Aidan Hubbard Northwestern
28. Marvin Jones Jr. Oklahoma
29. Logan Fano Utah
30. Quintayvious Hutchins Boston College
31. Mikail Kamara Indiana
32. George Gumbs Jr. Florida
33. Eric O’Neill Rutgers
34. Cian Slone NC State
35. Nyjalik Kelly UCF
36. Keaten Wade Colorado
37. Malachi Lawrence UCF
38. Mitchell Melton Virginia
39. Patrick Payton LSU
40. Ethan Burke Texas
41. K. James-Newby New Mexico
42. Korey Foreman Fresno State
43. Clayton Smith Arizona State
44. Demon Clowney South Carolina
45. Reggie Grimes II Memphis
46. Khordae Sydnor Vanderbilt
47. Cade Denhoff Clemson
48. Bryce Carter Texas State
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