FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys were thrilled at the end of Day 1 of Thursday’s NFL Draft, coming away with standout Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 11 and UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence at No. 23.

There’s plenty of work still needed to fix an awful 2025 defense, but they are off to a good start. The Cowboys have six picks remaining, but only one on Day 2: third round selection, No. 92 overall. On the final day they have 112, 114 and 137 in the fourth round, 152 in the fifth round and 218 in the seventh round.

Here are some of the best players remaining who could fit Dallas’ biggest needs.

Day 2CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

The Cowboys are not expected to trade into the second-round, but if they did, inside linebacker would be a likely target. Allen is the type of player and leader who could immediately step in to direct the defense before the snap as the green dot player.

Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Trading Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas means another interior defensive lineman could be a first-round option. Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark are two starters, but adding a young, talented option up front wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Cornerback is a position that still needs help. The Cowboys had interest in his brother, A.J. Terrell, in the 2020 draft, but he went the pick before Dallas selected CeeDee Lamb.

Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

New Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s specialty is the defensive backfield. If he really wanted a player like Hood, maybe it would be worth parting with a future pick to get back into the second round.

D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

He’s been a productive player the last three seasons, but his size (5-8, 180 pounds) could cause him to fall a bit.

Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

He would fill the Cowboys’ current biggest roster hole and be the ideal fit to step into the green dot spot Day 1.

Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

An outside corner with good speed and athleticism.

Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati

He might not step in immediately and make a huge impact, but he has the traits to become a quality starter.

Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

He’s the type of player who could immediately help improve the inside linebacker position, teaming up with former Longhorn DeMarvion Overshown.

Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona

A versatile corner who could help at nickel or on the outside.

Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

An outside corner with ideal size at 6-2, 190 pounds and 33-inch arms.

Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri

He has experience wearing the green dot and calling the defense as a quality run-stopping middle linebacker.

Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

An outside corner who experts believe can become an NFL starter.

Day 3Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU

He had three games of 15-plus tackles last season.

Albert Regis, DT, Texas A&M

Not much of a pass rusher, but a solid player who rarely misses games.

Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin

He has good height, weight and length to help on special teams and develop into a regular contributor on the outside.

Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana

Not the best size, but has been a proven playmaker the last three seasons.

Anthony Lucas, edge, USC

He wasn’t super productive in college, only three sacks in four seasons, but he has NFL size and the ability to improve as a pass rusher.

Rene Konga, DT, Louisville

An experienced six-year college player who could bring good value in the late rounds.

Wade Woodaz, LB, Clemson

The Cowboys need more than one inside linebacker added to the group. Woodaz could immediately help on special teams and develop into a regular contributor on defense.