The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23 with eight picks over the three-day draft.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Keep coming back here throughout the draft for grades and analysis of each Cowboys pick.<\/p>\n
Round 1No. 11: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio StateHow he fits<\/p>\n
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\u2019d imagine he\u2019ll get plenty of reps in the slot. \u2014\u00a0Ted Nguyen<\/p>\n
Dane Brugler\u2019s analysis<\/p>\n
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\u2019d wish there was more ball production on his resume.<\/p>\n
Jon Machota\u2019s analysis<\/p>\n