The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis is off and running, and the Dallas Cowboys have a clear goal in mind: get an up-close and personal look at some of the top defensive prospects in this year's draft class.
Dallas has been open about its desire to rebuild its defense during the offseason, adding talent in free agency and the draft, where the team holds two first-round picks.
With the Combine underway, the Cowboys have begun conducting formal meetings with this year's combine participants, with a heavy focus on linebacker to get things rolling.
Linebacker is undeniably among the team's biggest weaknesses on the No. 30-ranked defense, and the team lacks depth, especially following the release of veteran linebacker Logan Wilson, who the team acquired ahead of last season's trade deadline.
Jacob Rodriguez lifts the trophy after Texas Tech defeated BYU in the Big 12 Conference championship game
Jacob Rodriguez lifts the trophy after Texas Tech defeated BYU in the Big 12 Conference championship game | Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Who do the Cowboys have in their sights this week in Indy?
A closer look at the Cowboys' formal meetings at the 2026 Combine can be seen below.
2026 Dallas Cowboys NFL Combine Meeting Tracker
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen walks into Mercedes-Benz Stadium before the 2025 SEC Championship game
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen walks into Mercedes-Benz Stadium before the 2025 SEC Championship game | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
CJ Allen, linebacker, Georgia Bulldogs
Kendal Daniels, linebacker, Oklahoma Sooners
Kaleb Elarms-Orr, linebacker, TCU Horned Frogs
Harold Perkins Jr, linebacker, LSU Tigers
Arvell Reese, linebacker, Ohio State Buckeyes
Jacob Rodriguez, linebacker, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Sonny Styles, linebacker, Ohio State Buckeyes
This is a developing story. Post will be updated as more meetings are revealed throughout the week.
On-field workouts at the NFL Combine begin on Thursday, February 26, with kickers, defensive linemen, and linebackers, and will run through Sunday, March 1, with the offensive linemen.
2026 NFL Scouting Combine Schedule
The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine logo in the end zone at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine logo in the end zone at Lucas Oil Stadium. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Thursday, Feb. 26: kickers, defensive linemen, and linebackers
Friday, Feb. 27: tight ends, cornerbacks, and safeties
Saturday, Feb. 28: quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs
Sunday, March 1: offensive linemen
* Biggest team needs in bold
Media Availability
Wednesday, Feb. 25: kickers, defensive linemen, and linebackers
Thursday, Feb. 26: tight ends, cornerbacks, and safeties
Friday, Feb. 27: quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs
Saturday, Feb. 28: offensive linemen
The 2026 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from Thursday, April 23, through Saturday, April 25.
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