The Dallas Cowboys had the offensive firepower to compete this season, but an elite year from quarterback Dak Prescott was undone by a defense that could not hold up. The Philadelphia Eagles secured the NFC East with just 11 wins. While Dallas has offensive questions to address this offseason, the primary focus is expected to be on rebuilding the defense through the draft and free agency. One former NFL executive believes the most immediate answers lie in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Cowboys Urged to Rebuild Defense at “All Three Levels” in First Round
During a discussion about Dallas’ draft strategy on ESPN’s “NFL Draft Daily,” former NFL executive Louis Riddick outlined a direct path for the Cowboys to improve their defense. When asked whether Dallas should consider using both first-round picks on defensive prospects, Riddick shot it straight.
“You saw them all last year. They struggled at all three levels. They lacked physicality at all three levels,” Riddick said. “They need pass rushers in particular on the first level. They need speed at linebacker. They need cover guys in the secondary.”
Dallas finished dead last in PFSN’s NFL Defense Impact Metric. The Cowboys allowed 30 or more points nine times during the season and failed to generate meaningful quarterback pressures after the Micah Parsons trade. The unit lacked takeaways and did not force enough negative plays.
Riddick’s prescription is aggressive investment across the front, middle, and back end. That philosophy aligns with PFSN’s own recent seven-round mock draft, which used both first-round selections to upgrade the defense.
At No. 12 overall, Dallas was projected to select Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. The 6-foot-4″, 243-pound defender brings size and athletic range to the second level, with coverage ability stemming from his background as a former safety. Styles’ instincts against the run and versatility in space address the speed and playmaking concerns Riddick referenced.
Later in the first round at No. 20, PFSN projected Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood to Dallas. Hood, a second-team All-SEC selection in 2025, recorded 8 passes defended and showed comfort in press-man coverage. At just 20 years old, his athletic profile and run-support ability fit a defense seeking greater physicality and flexibility in the secondary.
Christian Parker Hire Signals Defensive Overhaul in Dallas
The defensive reset has already begun. After the defense’s last-place finish in PFSN’s DEFi Metric, the Cowboys dismissed Matt Eberflus and hired Christian Parker as defensive coordinator.
Parker arrives from Philadelphia, where he served as passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach under Vic Fangio. The Eagles ranked seventh in PFSN’s DEFi Metric and recorded 12 interceptions, the ninth-most in the league.
Dallas is counting on Parker’s background in secondary development to stabilize a unit that struggled with communication and consistency on the back end. With two first-round picks and a new defensive architect in place, Dallas has the draft capital and leadership structure to address deficiencies at all three levels.
Whether it follows that aggressive blueprint could define their offseason.
