With the 2026 NFL Draft just two weeks away, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones' recent message to “look at all machinations” has left many fans uneasy. His approach clashes with the team's pressing defensive needs.

Even ESPN’s Todd Archer is fed up with Jones' antics, noting that with him, “Nothing is definite”.

Per Todd Archer, “The Cowboys know they must address the defense, and the best way to do that is with their two first-round picks. They must find a linebacker, a cornerback and pass rusher in this draft."

The Cowboys desperately need defensive help after ranking near the bottom in 2025. They finished 30th in total yards allowed (377 per game) and 32nd in points allowed (30.1 per game) and scored last in passing defense as well. 

The team currently holds eight picks in the upcoming draft, including two first-round selections (No. 12 & No. 20). And with the disaster they had last year, the wise move would be to focus on their defense. 

Archer further warned them against doing anything similar to the 2020 NFL draft, saying, “The Cowboys had similar defensive needs in 2020 and ended up with receiver CeeDee Lamb in Round 1.”

Getting a wide receiver over prioritising their defensive lineup is something Archer fears Jones might do. 

With that in mind, Mike Moraitis of SI.com floated a possible but less likely scenario. He feels that the Dallas Cowboys might select Jeremiyah Love from the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

But, knowing Jones' preference for RB's, nothing is impossible.

Jeremiyah Love in Dallas? A Classic Jerry Jones Move

Multiple 2026 NFL mock drafts link Jeremiyah Love to the Dallas Cowboys. This is either at their current spots or via a trade-up.

CBS Sports projects him at No. 12, while Heavy.com, citing the NFL Mock Draft Database, has him going around No. 15.

Meanwhile, outlets like Pro Football Focus and Blogging The Boys outline scenarios where Dallas packages picks No. 12 and No. 20 to move up as high as No. 3 to land him.

According to Booger McFarland on the April 8 episode of Get Up, Love is the premier talent in the 2026 draft.

“He should go No. 1 because by all accounts, he’s the best football player in this draft.”

In 41 games at Notre Dame, he established himself as a formidable running back, rushing for 2,882 yards. He made 36 rushing touchdowns along with 63 receptions while holding an average of 6.7 yards per rush.

With upside like that, it’s no surprise that Jerry Jones could look to flip the script to land Love. This could mean trading up, moving down, or making the kind of “aggressive move” he has hinted at.

Who do you think the Cowboys should choose for their draft picks?

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi