The Dallas Cowboys are entering Year 2 under head coach Brian Schottenheimer, having finished his first season with a record of 7-9-1.
The Cowboys had one of the best offenses in the league, largely thanks to Schottenheimer’s effective play-calling. However, the team’s defense encountered significant challenges, ranking 30th in total yards allowed (377.0), 23rd in rushing yards allowed (125.5), and last in both passing yards allowed (251.5) and points allowed (30.1).
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After the season, the team parted ways with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and hired Christian Parker, the passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach from the Philadelphia Eagles.
They also decided to trade Osa Odighizuwa to the San Francisco 49ers, despite having signed him to a four-year, $80 million contract in 2025. According to USA Today’s Nate Davis and Ayrton Ostly, the Cowboys are expected to select All-American defensive tackle Peter Woods from Clemson.
Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods (11).Syndication: The Greenville News
(Syndication: The Greenville News)
“A gifted lineman who has yet to approach his maximum potential, the All-ACC performer might be an ideal fit in Dallas, where the Cowboys are switching to a three-man front but just traded Osa Odighizuwa,” Davis and Ostlywrote. “Woods could settle in alongside Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark, and his short arms might not be such an issue while matched up more often against interior blockers.”
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If the Cowboys select Woods in the first round, it would represent a major step toward rebuilding a defense that struggled throughout the 2025 season. Dallas allowed more than 30 points per game and ranked near the bottom of the league in several key categories, highlighting the urgent need for improvement on that side of the ball. With the team transitioning to a new defensive system, adding a talented interior lineman could help stabilize the front and create more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The move would also come during a period of significant change for the defense. Trading Odighizuwa further emphasized the team’s willingness to rework the defensive line. Woods’ combination of strength and athleticism could make him a strong fit in a new three-man front alongside established veterans like Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark.
Dallas will aim to find the right balance between its high-powered offense and an improved defense as it enters the second season under Schottenheimer. The 2026 NFL Draft begins April 23 in Pittsburgh, where the Cowboys could take an important step toward addressing one of the biggest weaknesses on their roster.
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Related: Cowboys Predicted to Draft All-American Safety After Mock Draft Trade
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.