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2026 Dallas Cowboys Draft Guide

2026 Dallas Cowboys Draft Guide

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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 RankingsSchool
1. Rueben Bain Jr.Miami
2. David BaileyTexas Tech
3. Cashius HowellTexas A&M
4. T.J. ParkerClemson
5. Keldric FaulkAuburn
6. Dani Dennis-SuttonPenn State
7. Akheem MesidorMiami
8. R. Mason ThomasOklahoma
9. LT OvertonAlabama
10. Romello HeightTexas Tech
11. Joshua JosephsTennessee
12. Zion YoungMissouri
13. Anthony LucasUSC
14. Gabe JacasIllinois
15. Tyreak SappFlorida
16. Max LlewellynIowa
17. Mason ReigerWisconsin
18. Caden CurryOhio State
19. Keyron CrawfordAuburn
20. Jaishawn BarhamMichigan
21. Jack PyburnLSU
22. Derrick MooreMichigan
23. Vincent Anthony Jr.Duke
24. Trey MooreTexas
25. Wesley WilliamsDuke
26. Nadame TuckerWestern Michigan
27. Aidan HubbardNorthwestern
28. Marvin Jones Jr.Oklahoma
29. Logan FanoUtah
30. Quintayvious HutchinsBoston College
31. Mikail KamaraIndiana
32. George Gumbs Jr.Florida
33. Eric O’NeillRutgers
34. Cian SloneNC State
35. Nyjalik KellyUCF
36. Keaten WadeColorado
37. Malachi LawrenceUCF
38. Mitchell MeltonVirginia
39. Patrick PaytonLSU
40. Ethan BurkeTexas
41. K. James-NewbyNew Mexico
42. Korey ForemanFresno State
43. Clayton SmithArizona State
44. Demon ClowneySouth Carolina
45. Reggie Grimes IIMemphis
46. Khordae SydnorVanderbilt
47. Cade DenhoffClemson
48. Bryce CarterTexas State
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