Cowboys mailbag: Biggest reasons to be optimistic in 2026, ideal draft trade partners

With the NFL Draft less than two weeks away and league meetings taking place last week in Arizona, it seemed like a good time for a Dallas Cowboys mailbag.We asked for questions earlier this week. Here are the responses:Note: Some questions edited for claritySam C.: What is (Cowboys defensive coordinator) Christian Parker looking for in DL profile?Each position is a little different, but versatility seems to be a big factor. Of course, every coach wants linemen who have great ability to get to the quarterback. As of right now, Dallas doesn’t have any elite edge rushers. The Cowboys should be improved up front against the run, but getting to the quarterback remains a bit of a question. That could come from the addition of a notable edge rusher early in the draft, or Parker will have to get it done schematically. With Parker never having called a defense before, it’s difficult to know exactly how things will look up front in Year 1.Advertisement