The Dallas Cowboys are trying to maximize the window they have with a prime Dak Prescott, which could be as few as the final three seasons on his current deal. They may not add big impact free agents like other teams, but the pursuit dictates how they approach trades and the upcoming NFL draft.
The front office is looking to add immediate impact with their picks in the top 100. Dallas needs contributions at edge rusher, linebacker, and defensive back, which is why Jerry Jones has said they are changing their philosophy on players with injury concerns, or redshirt prospects.
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They were hurt by putting too much hope in Shavon Revel Jr.’s recovery last season, only for that not to work out. it was the latest in a long string of disappointing return timelines that includes names like Michael Gallup, Trevon Diggs, and DeMarvion Overshown. Dallas can’t risk a similar rookie-year stall with so many holes on the team.
Most believe the statement about red shirt players focuses solely on injured guys, but the team has also hurt itself with developmental picks like Tyler Guyton. Here’s an expanded look at how this edict might play out in the 2026 draft.
Injury concerns
Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) before a college football game between Tennessee and UAB at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Sept. 20, 2025.
This is the Revel Jr. scenario. If someone in the top-100 picks is at risk of missing the 2026 season or at least an injury affecting their availability through the offseason, then the Cowboys are likely out.
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Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy, coming off an ACL injury over a year ago and not being completely available, is almost certainly eliminated for Dallas. They did bring him in for a 30 visit to get their own direct assessment. CB Aveion Terrell might not be an option either, though, after a hamstring tweak during his pro day. Those injuries tend to linger, so the team could decide to avoid him in a draft full of top 50 corner prospects.
Developmental prospects not going early
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) reacts during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.
If a prospect has a ton of talent but is developmental, could Dallas skip on the prospect?
Could they be out on trading up for one of the best prospects in the draft, Arvell Reese, because he has work to do as an edge in the NFL? Auburn edge Keldric Faulk is a good run defender, but needs significant development as a pass rusher. Might the Cowboys skip on drafting him because his impact might not be felt until halfway through the 2027 season? Allowing a player to develop for 2026 could count as a redshirt season in the mind of the front office.
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Needs that are a year away
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dallas knows they have possible needs a year away, and the best teams draft with that in mind. Offensive tackle, receiver, and tight end all could be big holes next offseason. In most seasons, the Cowboys would be wise to draft Carnell Tate, Francis Mauigoa, or Kenyon Sadiq and prepare for the future, but Dallas can’t select them early and let them marinate until 2027.
Yes, all of those players help in 2026, but improving a position that isn’t a giant need this upcoming season, when the team needs edge rushers, linebackers, and defensive backs who make an impact day one, isn’t plausible for this team. Having a prospect have a red shirt year and become the top guy in 2027 is a no this offseason.
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You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or on YouTube at Across the Cowboys podcast
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: ‘No red shirt prospects’ actually has several levels for Cowboys draft