Cowboys first round trades: Results from deals, Caleb Downs, and Malachi Lawrence picks

TL;DR

The Dallas Cowboys made significant moves in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, trading up to select Caleb Downs and acquiring Malachi Lawrence. They traded away several picks but gained valuable fourth-round selections in the process.

Key points

Dallas Cowboys traded up to select Caleb Downs at 11 overall
Cowboys also selected Malachi Lawrence at 23 overall
They gained two fourth-round picks in the process
Dallas traded away the 12th and 20th overall picks
The trades reflect a strategic enhancement of their draft position

Caleb DownsMalachi LawrenceKadyn ProctorMakai Lemon

FRISCO, TEXAS - APRIL 24: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, COO Stephen Jones, Chief Brand Officer Charlotte Jones, Vice President of Player Personnel Will McClay, Vice President of Football Operations Todd Williams, head coach Brian Schottenheimer visit in the team's war room during the opening pick of the NFL Draft at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on April 24, 2025. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News via Getty Images) The Dallas Cowboys had a very busy first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Fireworks began when the team moved up one spot from number 12 overall, shout out Miami Dolphins, to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. It is still surreal that this is a real sentence. While the excitement from that will take a while to fade, it had to be contained for a little bit as the Cowboys were up again at 20 overall… until they weren’t. Dallas traded again and this time moved down, amazingly with the Philadelphia Eagles. As the dust from the first round is now settled we wanted to put in perspective everything that Dallas lost and everything that they received.

Dallas Cowboys Received:

Q&A

What picks did the Dallas Cowboys acquire in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Cowboys acquired the 11th overall pick (Caleb Downs), 23rd overall pick (Malachi Lawrence), and two fourth-round picks (114th and 137th overall).

Who did the Dallas Cowboys trade away in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Cowboys traded away the 12th overall pick (Kadyn Proctor to the Dolphins), the 20th overall pick (Makai Lemon to the Eagles), and two fifth-round picks, along with a seventh-round pick in 2027.

How did the Cowboys' trades impact their draft strategy in 2026?

The trades allowed the Cowboys to move up for key players while also gaining additional fourth-round picks, enhancing their overall draft strategy.