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Dallas Cowboys 2026 Defense: Unit Rankings & Outlook
Jul 1, 2026Raymond SummerlinSharp Football Analysis
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The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview . In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps, as well as defensive analysis from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2026 Football Preview . With the 2026 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the Dallas Cowboys and preview how it might perform this season. Dallas Cowboys 2026 Defense Preview: A Unit-by-Unit Breakdown Dallas did not stop the run well last season, finishing 26th in yards per carry allowed to running backs (4.7) and 31st in explosive run rate allowed to the position. They were better after acquiring Quinnen Williams, though, ranking 19th in yards per carry allowed to running backs (4.4) from Week 11 on and fourth in yards before contact allowed on those runs. In addition to having Williams the entire season, the Cowboys will have a scheme shift under new coordinator Christian Parker, who plans to run a 3-4 base. Despite trading Micah Parsons ahead of last season, the Cowboys ranked seventh in pressure rate (39.7%) last year, though they lagged behind with just 35 sacks (22nd). Jadeveon Clowney and Dante Fowler are gone, but Dallas made big moves along the edge this offseason. They traded for Rashan Gary while drafting both Malachi Lawrence (first round) and Jaishawn Barham (third round). A second-round pick last year, Donovan Ezeiruaku played a big role as a rookie. Recovering from a serious knee injury, DeMarvion Overshown was able to make it back on the field late in the 2025 season, and he gives Dallas at least one starting option at linebacker. They got a second when they traded for Dee Winters during the draft. Those two should start with 2025 fifth-round pick Shemar James playing a depth role. Dallas was awful against the pass in 2025, allowing 8.1 yards per pass attempt (31st) and ranking near the bottom of the league in every meaningful category. DaRon Bland has struggled to build on his All-Pro 2023 season that featured 9 interceptions. A third-round pick last year, Shavon Revel had the start of his NFL career delayed by a knee injury suffered in college that also hurt his overall draft stock. Cobie Durant was added in free agency after four years with the Rams. He allowed a solid 7.1 yards per target and a 74.3 quarterback rating in his coverage over those four seasons. With Donovan Wilson hitting free agency, the Cowboys added Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke to the safety room this offseason before landing elite prospect Caleb Downs in the first round. Thompson played the first seven years of his NFL career with the Cardinals, starting 87 games and being a reliable option in that time. Locke spent his first six seasons in Denver primarily playing more of a rotational and depth role, but he was a full-time starter for the Broncos in 2024. With Malik Hooker back, the Cowboys should have a strong safety rotation in 2026. This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview Order Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview to Get Penalty Analysis for All 32 NFL Teams Warren Sharp’s 600+ page full-color PDF, the 2026 Football Preview , is unlike anything you have read. Stunning visualizations, including new heat maps and stat pages, are built with the reader in mind. Innovative, next-level thought processes abound in every team chapter and article. Get Warren's Book Order Book Warren Sharp's book shares i…