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
2026 Dallas Cowboys Draft Guide
2026 Dallas Cowboys Draft Guide
2026 NFL Draft Defensive End Prospects
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 |












