Cowboys survey: Draft grades for the 1st round of 2026

TL;DR

The Dallas Cowboys traded up to select Caleb Downs with the 11th pick and later chose Malachi Lawrence at 23 in the 2026 NFL Draft. They made these moves to address key roster needs while acquiring additional picks.

Key points

Dallas Cowboys traded up to 11th pick for Caleb Downs
Cowboys traded down from 20th to 23rd pick for Malachi Lawrence
Team acquired additional picks in trades

Caleb DownsMalachi LawrenceDallas CowboysMiami Dolphins

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Caleb Downs of Ohio State celebrates after being selected eleventh overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Dallas Cowboys made two picks in the first round of the 2026 draft, but neither was at their original spot. The Cowboys traded up one spot with the Miami Dolphins for the rights to Caleb Downs. They gave up a couple of fifth-round picks in that exchange. Later they traded back from pick number 20, down three spots to 23 after swinging a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. The team was able to get back a pair of fourth-round picks that will help fill out the roster this year. They chose EDGE Malachi Lawrence at pick 23. Downs was a player the team had coveted for a while. Lawrence fills a big need at pass rush. Now, we need you to grade the picks and hit the comments with your thoughts. *Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cowboys fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.*

Q&A

Who did the Dallas Cowboys select in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Dallas Cowboys selected Caleb Downs with the 11th overall pick and Malachi Lawrence at the 23rd pick.

What trades did the Cowboys make during the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Cowboys traded up one spot with the Miami Dolphins to select Caleb Downs and traded down three spots with the Philadelphia Eagles to pick Malachi Lawrence.

What positions do Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence play?

Caleb Downs is a safety, while Malachi Lawrence plays as an EDGE rusher.