One Coach Driving Cowboys' Draft Strategy - And It's Not Brian Schottenheimer

With two picks in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft -No. 12 and 20 overall - the Dallas Cowboys are primed to add two impact rookies to their playoff-ready roster.

The Cowboys have been linked to a big trade up into the top 10 for Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles by three of the top NFL draft experts - ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., The Ringer's Todd McShay, and The Athletic's Dane Brugler.

There's a good chance Dallas does move up for a player it falls in love with - especially if he plays on the defensive side of the ball. The desire to revamp the 30th-ranked defense in the league last year is why NFL insider Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports believes the team will save offense for later in the draft.

Jones also revealed who will have the most influence over the Cowboys' two first-round picks - and it's not head coach Brian Schottenheimer or owner Jerry Jones.

"It would be a surprise if the Cowboys don’t go defense-defense with the two first-round picks, and of course they could do something to trade up in the draft as well," Jones stated. "The influence new defensive coordinator Christian Parker will have on what the Cowboys do is significant, I’m told.

"Jerry Jones believes Parker’s hire is a coup for the team, and they are listening closely to what the first-time DC has to say about these prospects. Parker is just 34 years old and hardly a household name, but he will have a major say in what the most popular NFL team does next week at picks No. 12 and 20.

"And by the way, I do think the Cowboys pick twice in the first round next week. I know they are rumored to trade up from 12, and if they do go up, I don’t see them sending away 20. This team is ready to add on defense, and Dallas doesn’t select again until No. 92."

Parker, who Dallas poached from division rival Philadelphia, has his work cut out for him. The Cowboys allowed the most passing yards per game (251.5), the most points per game (30.1), and the third-most yards per game (377) in the NFL last season.

Dallas has been linked to several of the top defensive players in the 2026 draft class including Styles, Ohio State edge-rusher Arvell Reese, Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr., LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, and Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy.

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This story was originally published April 18, 2026 at 5:45 PM.