The Dallas Cowboys added several new players following the NFL draft as the prospects will compete for limited roster spots. Dallas leaned on improving the team’s defense in the NFL draft.
Now, the Cowboys are taking some chances on a few offensive players as well. One of these rookies is sizable 6-foot-8, 310-pound offensive tackle Shiyazh Pete.
The Kentucky offensive lineman is one of several undrafted free agents who the Cowboys signed following the NFL draft.
“Pete is a huge left tackle that started in 12 games for the Wildcats in 2025 after spending the previous four seasons at New Mexico State,” DallasCowboys.com’s Tommy Yarrish detailed in an April 25, 2026, story titled, “UDFA Tracker: Cowboys continuing to add to roster following 2026 NFL draft.” “Cowboys OL coach Conor Riley was in attendance for Kentucky’s Pro Day where Pete worked out in front of NFL personnel.”
Here’s what you need to know about the latest Cowboys news.
New Cowboys OT Shiyazh Pete Is 6-Foot-8, 310 Pounds
Pete offers intriguing size, but the rookie faces a long road to potentially making the final 53-man roster. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler rated Pete as the No. 54 rated offensive tackle in the 2026 NFL draft.
Dallas also selected Penn State offensive tackle Drew Shelton in the fourth round. The Athletic’s Jon Machota outlined Pete’s outlook on making the Cowboys roster.
“The size is notable,” Machota explained in an April 28, story titled, “Cowboys undrafted rookie free agents: Who is most likely to find a roster spot?” “He’s 6-8, 310 pounds. Pete is experienced, having played three seasons at New Mexico State before transferring to Kentucky last year.
“Combined, he played in 45 college games, primarily at left tackle. The Cowboys drafted Penn State left tackle Drew Shelton in the fourth round. They also have tackles Nate Thomas and Ajani Cornelius on the roster. Pete would have to at least beat out one of them.”
The Cowboys Signed at Least 11 New Players as UDFA Following the NFL Draft
Pete may be a rookie, but he brings plenty of experience to Big D. The offensive lineman played 12 games for Kentucky in 2025 and a total of 45 contests during his college football career.
Pete played his first three seasons at New Mexico State before transferring to Kentucky.
Here’s a rundown of the additional undrafted players who Dallas signed as well, per DallasCowboys.com: SMU receiver Jordan Hudson, TCU tight end DJ Rogers, Georgia Southern wideout Camden Brown, Baylor tight end Michael Trigg, Virginia Tech defensive tackle Kelvin Gilliam, Tulsa running back Dominic Richardson, Baylor offensive tackle Sidney Fugar, Kansas defensive tackle D.J. Withers, Vanderbilt linebacker Langston Patterson and Kansas defensive tackle Tommy Dunn Jr.
Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones on Defense: ‘It’s Going To Be Different’
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones left the draft bullish on the team’s revamped defense. Dallas also added new defensive coordinator Christian Parker this offseason in hopes to help transform the struggling unit.
“We’ve changed this defense,” Jones noted following the NFL draft, per Fox Sports. “And if it were just last year, the way we played on defense, then that might not have called for this.
“But … what you’re seeing going on right now is a product of three or four or five years or maybe more that we just haven’t been able to ultimately get where we’re trying to go and be a contender. It’s going to be different, it’s going to be fresh.”
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