When the Dallas Cowboys traded Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, it created a massive hole in their pass rush. The thinking, of course, is that the Cowboys can use some of the draft capital they received in the trade to replace Parsons in the aggregate with players on cheaper rookie deals. 

After one week, Dallas better hope that’s the case. In their season opening game, they were able to produce only one sack. So, with pass rush already being proven as a clear and prominent need, let’s take a look at whom the Cowboys could add in the 2026 NFL Draft to fill the hole.

Before we start, it is important to note that we’ll be looking at who Dallas could be targeting with the Packers' 2026 first round pick, not their own. With Green Bay only picking lower than No. 22 one time since 2020, we’ll be looking at players projected to go in that range.

Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon

The younger brother of current Los Angeles Chargers quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, Matayo has been a productive pass rusher for the Oregon Ducks. His 6-foot-5, 272-pound build allows him to win with power consistently, registering 10.5 sacks in 2024. 

Similar to Parsons, he is not married to one or two spots in the formation, regularly moving up and down the line as the matchups dictate. That type of positional versatility is especially attractive to a Cowboys team that is more than one piece away from fleshing out their pass rush.

Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State

The irony of replacing Parsons with another Penn State pass rusher aside, Dennis-Sutton might be one of the best fits for the Cowboys in the first round. While he has a similar build to Uiagalelei at 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, he’s more of a true 4i/5 technique player. 

While slightly more positionally limited, he shows up as a better run defender on tape than Uiagalelei. As we all know by now, run defense is a strong point of emphasis for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys, leaving Dennis-Sutton as an interesting option.

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

While pass rush is likely to be the main focus of Dallas during the off-season, there’s no guarantee that they address it in the first round next year. In that case, running back is another potential positional target. 

Running back isn’t the strongest group in next year’s class but, if one prospect could find his way into the first round, it’s Jeremiyah Love.

His quick burst, fluidity with the ball, and ability to change direction without losing speed set him apart and make him the clear cut top option at the position in the draft. Additionally, he’s a strong pass catcher for the position, setting him up to be a true three-down player.

Pass rusher is the clear cut top need for the Cowboys. Luckily, they have multiple first round picks to address it in what is shaping up to be a solid class for the position. And, if they choose to use their own likely earlier pick on the position, there is a fantastic option later in the round to help them fill another projected position of need.