The Dallas Cowboys are getting closer to the 2026 NFL Draft… but here’s the reality — this draft might be dictated more by OTHER teams than Dallas itself.

On this episode of the Landry Hat Podcast, Zac and Foots are back together and breaking down exactly how the board could fall before pick #12… and why Cowboys fans may need to adjust expectations.

Using the Pro Football Focus simulator, the guys walk through a scenario where many of the top targets are already gone — leaving Dallas in a spot where they HAVE to be prepared.

They also highlight 7 key prospects the Cowboys should be building their draft strategy around, including:

• Reuben Bain
• Sonny Styles
• Arvell Reese
• David Bailey
• Caleb Downs
• Mansoor Delane
• Jeremiyah Love

Plus:

• Why Jermod McCoy is one of the more interesting pro day risers
• What the Myles Garrett contract restructure could mean for potential trades and the overall market
• And how Dallas should approach a board that may not fall their way

If the draft doesn’t go how fans expect… what’s Plan B?

The Dallas Cowboys might have a real shot at a DREAM scenario falling into their lap at pick No. 12… and it centers around Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr..

In this episode of the Landry Hat , Zac breaka down why Bain slipping to Dallas is starting to feel more realistic than people think. With how the top of the draft is shaping up, there’s a clear path for elite defensive talent to fall—and if Bain is there, he could immediately transform this Cowboys defensive front.

We dive into:

• How recent draft trends could push him down the board
• The teams ahead of Dallas and why they may pass on him
• Why this pick could completely change the identity of the Cowboys defense

The Dallas Cowboys are operating with a noticeably different approach this offseason… and it might actually be the smartest path forward.

In this episode of The Landry Hat Podcast, we break down how Dallas is reshaping the roster philosophy—from prioritizing depth and floor-raising moves to building a more complete, technically sound defense under Christian Parker. Instead of chasing splashy headlines, the Cowboys are focusing on creating a more balanced, reliable team from top to bottom.

We dive into the key additions like Rashan Gary, Jalen Thompson, and Cobie Durant, what they bring to the defense, and how these moves reflect a larger shift in team-building strategy. Plus, we discuss how recent trades, free agency decisions, and draft positioning all connect—and what it means for the Cowboys heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.

Is this finally a sustainable blueprint for Dallas?

Topics covered:

• Cowboys’ new roster-building philosophy
• Why “raising the floor” matters more than ever
• Defensive identity under Christian Parker
• Key additions and what they fix
• How free agency connects to the draft
• What this means for the Cowboys in 2026