Dallas loaded up on linebacker interviews at the NFL Combine, signaling urgency to rebuild a thin 2026 depth chart.
The Dallas Cowboys didn’t fly to Indianapolis to window shop. They showed up with a mission: fix the linebacker problem.
With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, Dallas is doing serious homework at the NFL Scouting Combine, especially at linebacker — a position that looks dangerously thin heading into next season.
By league rule, teams get 45 formal interviews during combine week. The Cowboys are spending plenty of those precious slots on second-level defenders.
Ohio State’s Sonny Styles is one of the headline names. Widely viewed as one of the top linebackers in this class, Styles has the range and physicality that could make him a plug-and-play option at No. 12 overall.
His blend of size and versatility has made him a popular projection to Dallas in early mock drafts.
LSU star Harold Perkins is another name drawing heavy attention. Dallas isn’t just meeting with him at the combine - they’re planning additional face time before his pro day.
That kind of investment signals real interest in a player known for explosive speed and game-wrecking potential.
Then there’s Texas A&M’s Scooby Williams, a 6-2, 230-pound defender who posted an 87.3 pass-rush grade in 2024 despite battling injuries. He’s considered more of a Day 3 prospect, but teams covet upside - and Williams flashes it.
Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez has pitched himself as a three-position linebacker capable of thriving in a 3-4 front, something that could matter as Dallas continues adjusting under defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
Georgia’s CJ Allen, Missouri’s Josiah Trotter, Arkansas transfer Xavian Sorey, and Oklahoma safety-linebacker hybrid Kendal Daniels have also spent time in the Cowboys’ interview suite.
Why the urgency? DeMarvion Overshown remains the most dynamic linebacker on the roster, but injuries have limited him to 19 career games since being drafted in 2023. Marist Liufau is still developing. Shemar James flashed as a rookie. Beyond that, depth is more question than answer.
Veterans Kenneth Murray Jr. and Jack Sanborn are headed toward free agency. Logan Wilson is gone. The cupboard needs restocking.
The Cowboys aren’t tipping their hand just yet, but their combine strategy says plenty. Whether it’s a first-round splash like Styles or a mid-round gamble like Williams, Dallas appears ready to invest heavily at linebacker.
Because if they don’t, 2026 could get uncomfortable fast.