The Dallas Cowboys have a lot of salary cap resources devoted to the defensive tackle position, maybe too much. Before trading Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, Osa Odighizuwa was on the field and the team had three DTs making over $20 million per year. Dallas decided to pass on the option that was the least suitable for their new defensive scheme, sending Odigizwa to the San Francisco 49ers with the No. 92 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The team needs Day 2 draft capital, and now they must find incredible value in the top 100 picks of the third round. The Cowboys front office must find someone who fits the new defensive scheme, can make an immediate impact, or is the ultimate offensive weapon to push this unit over the top.
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Here are some of Dallas’ picks to end up in the top 100.
LB Harold Perkins Jr., Louisiana State University
February 25, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; LSU linebacker Harold Perkins (LB19) speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Harold Perkins Jr. had 10 sacks as a freshman in 2022. In 2023, he had a 74.5 pass-rushing grade and an 81.2 coverage grade in Pro Football Focus (PFF), which included six sacks and three forced fumbles. A torn ACL derailed his trajectory in 2024, but now that he’s a year out, Dallas can see the potential in Perkins Jr. as a defensively capable linebacker and pass rusher.
He took nearly 600 snaps on the defensive line, over 900 snaps in the box as a linebacker, and over 650 snaps in the box. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker wants versatility; Perkins Jr. is that guy.
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CB Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina
February 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina defensive back Jalon Kilgore (DB39) participates in the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Cowboys are looking for a corner in Will McClay: 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, with over 32 inches of arms and a 4.4 40-yard dash. However, he likely won’t be an outside cornerback under Parker. He had a “star” role in college, playing inside corner, running the ball well and covering slot pass catchers. Dallas could replicate that role in 2026 after Nick Emmanwori’s success with the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
TE Michael Trigg, Baylor
November 22, 2025; Tucson, AZ, USA; Baylor Bears tight end Michael Trigg (1) against the Arizona Wildcats at Casino Del Sol Stadium. Mandatory photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Fans don’t want to see an offensive player taken away, but tight end Michael Trigg may change their minds. He brings an athletic element to a position the team hasn’t seen in a long time. The athletic frame of 6-foot-4, 240 pounds and Prescott’s pitching ability are a natural fit.
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According to PFF, Trigg ranks in the top five among tight ends in deep receptions, deep yards and average yards per target. Adding a significant weapon at tight end to the receiving trio of CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens and Ryan Flournoy could take a great offense to the next level.
You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or the Across the Cowboys podcast on YouTube
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Top Cowboys option in newly acquired No. 92 pick could change entire draft
