What Cowboys’ Week 17 win means for Dallas’ own 2026 first-round draft pick

The Dallas Cowboys have had an up and down season in 2026, but after beating the Washington Commanders on Christmas Day in Week 17, they have secured a spot in the upcoming NFL draft. As the regular season comes to a close, the focus now shifts to where the Cowboys’ own first-round pick sits in the 2026 NFL draft order.

The Cowboys had high expectations coming into the season, with hopes of making a deep playoff run and potentially competing for a Super Bowl title. However, injuries and inconsistent play have plagued the team throughout the year, leading to a rollercoaster of a season. Despite the challenges they have faced, the Cowboys have managed to stay in the playoff hunt, thanks in large part to the leadership of their star quarterback and a resilient defense.

The win against the Commanders on Christmas Day was a crucial one for the Cowboys, as it not only kept their playoff hopes alive but also improved their draft position. With the victory, the Cowboys now sit at X-X on the draft order, giving them a solid position to add talent to their roster in the upcoming draft.

As the Cowboys look ahead to the draft, they will have to carefully evaluate their needs and determine which players will best fit their system. With a strong core of players already in place, the Cowboys will be looking to add depth and talent to key positions in order to take the next step towards championship contention.

One area of need for the Cowboys is along the offensive line, where injuries have taken a toll on the unit throughout the season. Adding a young, talented lineman in the first round of the draft could help solidify the group and provide much-needed protection for their quarterback. Additionally, the Cowboys could look to add playmakers on the defensive side of the ball, where they have struggled at times this season.

In addition to their own first-round pick, the Cowboys also hold additional picks in the later rounds of the draft, giving them plenty of opportunities to add depth and talent to their roster. With a talented scouting department and a proven track record of drafting impact players, the Cowboys will be looking to make the most of their draft picks in order to continue building a championship-caliber team.

The 2026 NFL draft is shaping up to be a deep and talented class, with a number of impact players at key positions. The Cowboys will have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to their first-round pick, and they will need to do their due diligence in order to make the right selection.

As the draft approaches, the Cowboys will be conducting interviews, attending pro days, and analyzing game film in order to get a better sense of which players will be the best fit for their team. With so much talent available in this year’s draft class, the Cowboys will have to carefully consider their options and make the best choice for the future of the franchise.

In addition to the draft, the Cowboys will also be focusing on free agency, where they will have the opportunity to add veteran talent to their roster. With a number of key players set to hit the open market, the Cowboys will need to be strategic in their approach in order to address their needs and fill any gaps on their roster.

Overall, the win against the Commanders on Christmas Day was a significant one for the Cowboys, not only in terms of their playoff hopes but also in terms of their draft position. As they look ahead to the 2026 NFL draft, the Cowboys will be focused on adding talent and depth to their roster in order to continue building towards a championship-caliber team.

With the right moves in the draft and free agency, the Cowboys have the potential to bounce back from a challenging season and position themselves as contenders in the NFC. The win on Christmas Day was just the beginning of what could be a bright future for the Dallas Cowboys, and fans will be eagerly anticipating the upcoming draft in hopes of seeing their team take the next step towards Super Bowl glory.

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Source: Sporting News