March 17, 2026, 10:51 p.m. CT
The Dallas Cowboys had a lot of cap resources going to the defensive tackle position, perhaps too many. With Osa Odighizuwa on hand before trading for Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, the team had three DTs getting more than $20 million a year. Dallas decided to move on from the option that fit their new defensive scheme the least, sending Odighizuwa to the San Francisco 49ers for the No. 92 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The team needed Day 2 draft capital, and now they have to find incredible value in a third-round, top-100 selection. The Cowboys front office has to find a fit in the new defensive scheme who can make an immediate impact, or a final offensive weapon to take that unit over the top.
Here are a few options who could be a steal for Dallas with their final top 100 selection.
LB Harold Perkins Jr., LSU
Harold Perkins Jr. had 10 sacks as a freshman in 2022. In 2023, he received a 74.5 pass rush & 81.2 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF) with six sacks & three forced fumbles. A torn ACL in 2024 set back his trajectory, but he is now a year removed from the injury, and Dallas could see potential in Perkins Jr. as a linebacker with coverage ability and as a pass rusher.
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He played nearly 600 snaps on the defensive line, over 900 as a linebacker in the box, and over 650 snaps in the slot. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker wants versatility; Perkins Jr. is that guy.
CB Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina
A corner prospect with the frame the Cowboys have looked for under Will McClay: 6-foot-1, 210 pounds with an arm length over 32 inches and a 4.4 time in the 40-yard dash. He might not be an outside cornerback under Parker, though. He played the “star” role in college as an inside corner who plays the run well and covers slot pass catchers. After Nick Emmanwori’s success in that role for the Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks, Dallas could look to replicate it in 2026.
TE Michael Trigg, Baylor
The fanbase doesn’t want to see an offensive player taken, but tight end Michael Trigg could change their minds. He brings an athletic element to the position the team hasn’t seen in a long time. Pairing his 6-foot-4, 240-pound athletic frame with Prescott’s ability to throw the ball in the seam could be a match made in heaven.
Trigg is in the top five amongst tight ends in deep catches, deep yards, and average yards per target according to PFF. Adding a big play 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 on YouTube at Across the Cowboys podcast