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

The Dallas Cowboys’ offseason is starting to take shape — and their early free agency moves are giving us a clearer picture of the plan.

In this episode of The Landry Hat Podcast, we break down everything the Cowboys have done so far in free agency and what it means for the roster moving forward. From key additions like safety Jalen Thompson, to depth pieces in P.J. Locke, to the team moving on from Osa Odighizuwa.

We also talk about the Cowboys’ defensive direction under Christian Parker, how the new scheme could influence personnel decisions, and which available players could still make sense as Dallas continues to reshape the roster.

Plus, we dive into the bigger picture:

• What the Cowboys’ free agency strategy tells us about their priorities

• Whether Dallas is being aggressive enough early in free agency

• The positions the Cowboys still need to address before the 2026 NFL Draft

• Potential targets that could still be on the Cowboys’ radar

If you’re looking for a full breakdown of the Cowboys’ free agency moves and what comes next, this episode covers it all.

Subscribe to The Landry Hat Podcast for weekly Dallas Cowboys analysis, roster breakdowns, and NFL Draft coverage.

The Dallas Cowboys were heavily linked to a potential blockbuster move for Maxx Crosby, but in the end, the deal never materialized. And honestly? That might be the best possible outcome for Dallas.

In this episode of The Landry Hat Podcast, we break down the trade package the Baltimore Ravens were willing to give up, why the cost for Crosby would have been extremely steep for the Cowboys, and why avoiding that move may actually benefit Dallas in the long run.

We also discuss the bigger picture of the Cowboys’ offseason strategy, what it says about the front office’s approach to roster building, and which defensive players Dallas could realistically target next as they reshape the defense.

If you’re a Cowboys fan wondering whether Dallas missed out on a superstar — or dodged a massive risk — we break down both sides and what it means moving forward.

On this episode of The Landry Hat Podcast, we dive into Brian Schottenheimer’s vision for the Cowboys and what his philosophy means for the direction of the franchise moving forward. What kind of identity is he trying to build? And how does it impact the roster construction heading into 2026?

We also unpack Christian Parker’s detailed defensive plan and how this structural shift could change the way Dallas plays on that side of the ball. One name that keeps coming up: Marist Liufau. Where does he fit in this new defense, and could his role expand more than people expect?

Plus, we discuss the early NFL Combine standouts who could realistically be on the Cowboys’ radar — and why it’s important not to overreact. Every year fans fall in love (or panic) over testing numbers. We talk about which performances actually matter for Dallas, and why smart evaluation requires balance.

If you’re looking for Cowboys coaching insight, defensive scheme breakdowns, and measured NFL Draft analysis — this episode covers it.

Subscribe, rate, and review The Landry Hat Podcast for more Dallas Cowboys coverage all offseason long.

On this episode of the The Landry Hat Podcast, we break down the first press conference from new Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker and give our full thoughts on what stood out.

Parker spoke in detail about moving toward a structural 3-4, building flexibility into the scheme, and designing the defense around the strengths of the roster rather than forcing a rigid system. We dive into what that actually means for the Dallas Cowboys, how it could impact key defenders, and whether this signals a philosophical shift from what we’ve seen in recent years.

We also discuss:

• His emphasis on stopping the run and affecting the quarterback
• The teaching and communication themes he kept repeating
• What a “multiple” defense might look like on Sundays
• Whether youth and energy at DC is an advantage or a risk
• Why Cowboys fans seem cautiously optimistic… but still skeptical

Is this just offseason coach-speak? Or are we seeing the foundation of a real defensive reset in Dallas?

Let’s talk about it.

In this week’s episode, we break down the latest ESPN trade talk about Trade offers for Raiders' Maxx Crosby: Four potential new teams — including the out-there proposal of the Dallas Cowboys sending George Pickens to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for star edge rusher Maxx Crosby. We talk through why that idea misses the mark, why Pickens is worth more to Dallas than just a hypothetical swap, and how the Cowboys should actually approach their roster this offseason.

We’ll also walk through the other trade packages floated around the league for Crosby, explain what the Raiders could realistically get back, and offer our take on where both sides should go from here. Whether you’re into trade strategy or just tired of wild trade proposals that make no sense, this one’s for you. ­