The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23 with eight picks over the three-day draft.
That changed before the Cowboys made their first pick. They traded up to No. 11 with the Miami Dolphins and selected Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, who was expected to be gone by the time Dallas was on the clock. Dallas also sent the No. 177 and No. 180 picks to the Dolphins.
Then, instead of making their second pick at No. 20, they traded back to No. 23 with the Eagles and also added picks 114 and 137. The Cowboys added edge rusher Malachi Lawrence out of UCF with the pick.
Keep coming back here throughout the draft for grades and analysis of each Cowboys pick.
Round 1No. 11: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio StateHow he fits
Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker has to be over the moon that Caleb Downs dropped out of the top 10. Coaches from the Vic Fangio tree value the nickel position as much as outside corners. Look at the impact that Cooper DeJean has on the Eagles offense. Downs will move around but I’d imagine he’ll get plenty of reps in the slot. — Ted Nguyen
Dane Brugler’s analysis
A human missile, Downs jumps off the tape because of his fast, competitive play style. Despite having average size, he is an elite tackler who fills with impressive body control and strength at contact. He was most productive downhill and near the line of scrimmage but showed the same high-level reaction skills in coverage. His pattern recognition and situational awareness are above average, although you’d wish there was more ball production on his resume.
Jon Machota’s analysis
Dallas Cowboys select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with No. 11 pick in 2026 NFL Draft
Scott Dochterman’s grade: A+
Pound for pound, Downs is the best player in the draft. Now he’s the best value in the draft. For Dallas, Downs marries need with best player available. Not just a win-win, but a win-win-win. He can cover most receivers, he’s a sure tackler and he returns punts when needed (see 92-yard touchdown return against Indiana in 2024).
Downs (5-11 3/4, 206) was a two-time unanimous first-team All-American as one of the top college safeties over the last decade. Downs did everything for the Buckeyes’ defense the last two seasons, both of which were the nation’s top ranked unit. With so much attrition from the 2024 season, the primary common element was Downs.
No. 23 (from Eagles): Malachi Lawrence, edge, UCFHow he fits
Edge rusher was arguably Dallas’ second-biggest need (behind inside linebacker) entering the draft. Lawrence provides much-needed young help for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who is transitioning the team from a 4-3 to a 3-4 base scheme. He has good length and quickness for the position. He also has experience lining up with his hand on the ground or standing up. — Machota
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Lawrence is a linear mover and lacks ideal bend, but he offers skill as a pass rusher, stack-shed toughness versus the run and the demeanor that will help him carve out a starting role at the next level. Despite being an older player, he still has upside.
Jon Machota’s analysis
Dallas Cowboys select Malachi Lawrence, edge from UCF, with the No. 23 pick in 2026 NFL Draft
Scott Dochterman’s grade: C+
Dallas gave up the most passing yards in the NFL last year, so it makes sense the Cowboys will allocate its resources in the draft to make improvements. There’s no problem with Dallas taking an edge rusher; it had only 35 sacks last year. But is Lawrence a reach or the right pick? The Athletic draft analyst Dane Brugler rated Lawrence the No. 37 overall selection. It seems like a reach right now.
But Lawrence (6-4 1/2, 253) has every physical quality required to become a high-level pass rusher. He boasts long arms (81 5/8 inches) and produced a 4.52 40 times and a 40-inch vertical at the combine. As a first-team All-Big 12 performer, Lawrence had seven sacks last year and finished 20 career sacks.
Round 2
No picks
Round 3
No. 92 (from 49ers)
Round 4
No. 112
No. 114 (from Eagles)
No. 137 (from Eagles)
Round 5
No. 152
Round 6
No picks
Round 7
No. 218