Cowboys Look to Reset After 2025 Season as Draft Strategy Takes Shape

The Dallas Cowboys are heading into the 2026 offseason with a sense of measured optimism following a 2025 season that delivered both progress and lingering questions. Under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the team secured seven wins and saw strong production from quarterback Dak Prescott, offering a foundation to build upon.

While the record fell short of championship expectations, the season provided a clearer view of the roster’s strengths and weaknesses. The Cowboys now shift their attention to the offseason, where roster construction will take center stage.

A key focus will be the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled in Pittsburgh, where Dallas is positioned to be one of the more active teams. With eight total selections and two first-round picks, the franchise holds significant flexibility heading into draft weekend.

As preparation begins, the organization is emphasizing discipline in roster building, aiming to avoid forced decisions and maximize value with each selection.

1. Draft Capital Sets the Tone for Dallas

The Cowboys enter the draft with notable capital, giving them multiple avenues to address roster needs. Their two first-round picks—12th overall and another at 20th acquired from the Green Bay Packers—position them to either target top-tier talent or maneuver strategically. This level of draft flexibility is viewed internally as a critical advantage. It allows Dallas to approach each round without immediate pressure to fill every roster gap at once. The front office believes that having multiple early selections reduces the need to reach for prospects. That approach, they argue, helps avoid costly mistakes that can arise from drafting based on urgency rather than evaluation. With eight total picks, the Cowboys are expected to be active participants throughout the draft, potentially using their capital to move up or down depending on how the board develops.

2. Schottenheimer Emphasizes Patience and Process

Schottenheimer has stressed a measured approach as the team prepares for the draft. He highlighted the importance of building flexibility during free agency to avoid being locked into specific draft outcomes. According to the head coach, Dallas positioned itself to “draft natural and draft pure,” meaning the team can prioritize value rather than immediate positional need. This philosophy is intended to maximize long-term roster quality. Schottenheimer noted that forcing selections out of necessity can lead to poor decision-making. Instead, the Cowboys aim to remain patient and trust their evaluations as the draft unfolds. That mindset reflects a broader organizational goal of improving consistency in roster building, particularly in high-pressure draft environments where decisions must be made quickly.

3. Roster Gaps Still Remain

Despite the optimism surrounding their draft position, the Cowboys acknowledge that their roster is not complete. Schottenheimer has been open about the fact that several positions still require attention heading into the offseason. Those needs will likely influence how Dallas approaches both free agency and the draft. The coaching staff and front office are expected to continue evaluating available talent throughout the offseason process. Schottenheimer emphasized that roster construction is ongoing year-round, echoing the organization’s belief that player acquisition does not pause between major league calendar events. While the Cowboys are encouraged by their current direction, they remain aware that sustained success will require continued upgrades across multiple areas of the roster.