The Dallas Cowboys address one of the team's biggest needs with their first pick in a new 2026 NFL mock draft, before taking an unexpected Round 1 pick.

After 8 primetime or holiday TV appearances, the '25 Cowboys will quietly end their season in the early-afternoon window of games on the final Sunday.

The NFL season continues Week 17 when the Washington Commanders host the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Day. Start time, how to watch, stream and TV schedule.

On Sunday night, following the primetime matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Chicago Bears, the NFL announced the final schedule for Week 18. The Cowboys and the Giants will play on Sunday, Jan. 4, with kickoff scheduled at 1:00 p.m. ET.

The NFL has officially finalized the Week 18 slate of games, including the season finale between the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys.

The regular season hasn’t concluded yet, but that isn’t stopping us from looking ahead to the upcoming draft order. With the Cowboys owning a 7-8-1 record, they would likely be drafting in the 13th-15th pick range in the first round.

The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Washington Commanders on the first of three games played on Christmas Day. During the game, the offense managed to score 30 points, but the defense allowed Josh Johnson and the Commanders' offense to put up 23 in a tight contest.

Local Dallas native and Jesuit College Prep alum, EJ Smith, son of former Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith, has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Over those 12 games, Clowney has put up 35 tackles, seven quarterback hits and 5.5 sacks. He is tied for the team lead in sacks with James Houston. Furthermore, Clowney's 76.6 grade from Pro Football Focus ranks 20/113 edge rushers. He ranks 22nd in run defense (71.3) and 16th in pass rush (79.2).