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Cowboys Lock In Two Top-20 Picks After PackersWild Card Collapse

Carolina’s defeat set Green Bay’s traded pick at No. 20, giving Dallas added leverage to address defensive needs in April.

Overview

  • Dallas will draft at No. 12 with its own pick and at No. 20 via Green Bay in the 2026 NFL Draft, now officially set after Wild Card results.
  • Playoff draft-order rules placed the Packers’ pick at 20 because their 9-7-1 record was second-worst among postseason teams and the 8-9 Panthers also lost, fixing Carolina at No. 19.
  • Green Bay’s season ended with a 31-27 loss to Chicago after leading 21-6, finalizing the slot of the pick conveyed to Dallas.
  • The No. 20 selection stems from the Micah Parsons trade, which sent Parsons to Green Bay for 2026 and 2027 first-rounders plus Kenny Clark, with Dallas later using the 2027 asset to acquire Quinnen Williams.
  • Parsons missed the Wild Card game after a Week 15 ACL tear, Green Bay has no 2026 first-rounder, and analysts view Dallas’ two top-20 picks as potential fuel for defensive upgrades or trade maneuvers ahead of the April 23–25 draft in Pittsburgh.