The Dallas Cowboys received high initial grades for their 2026 NFL draft picks, starting with an impressive first-round selection. Each of the seven picks was evaluated based on fit, value, and potential.
Key points
Dallas Cowboys had a successful 2026 NFL draft
Initial grades for the draft picks are high
Seven individual picks were evaluated
Caleb Downs was the first-round pick
Evaluation based on fit, value, and potential
Caleb DownsDallas Cowboys2026 NFL Draft
Grading each Cowboys 2026 draft pick based on fit, value, potential
The 2026 NFL draft has come to an end, and the Dallas Cowboys eased most fans’ fears with what most believe is an impressive haul. It began with an amazing duo in the first round, and the team continued their heater with a great final two days.
Conventional wisdom says one must wait three years to evaluate a draft, but the initial grades for the Cowboys in this draft are high. Instead of drafting the class, this exercise assign a grade to each of the individual seven picks. Here’s how the Cowboys made out in the 2026 draft.
If he wasn’t the consensus top player on most teams’ draft boards, he was surely near the top. Only positional value stopped Downs from being selected higher, which became the Cowboys’ gain.
Getting one of the best prospects in the draft outside the top 10 is a home run and the team got what they desperately needed, a nickelback to help an ailing pass defense. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker gets his chess piece in Downs.
There was no better pick the for the Cowboys in this draft than Downs.
First round (23 overall), Malachi Lawrence: A-
The Cowboys needed another pass rusher to help a group that struggled to get to the quarterback last season and Lawrence was a fast riser in the draft process. Lawrence’s athleticism, speed and power saw him turn into one of the best edge rushers in the draft, with room to grow.
He’s also one of the most polished edge prospects, employing an array of pass-rushing moves, it should allow him to make an immediate impact on a Dallas defense that was unable to bring the QB down last year.
Dallas continued to address their defense when they selected Barham, a versatile defender who continues to ascend as an edge rusher. Barham also brings skills as a linebacker, far more developed than his pass rush talent currently is. That's the position where he will begin his career with the Cowboys, according to Brian Schottenheimer.
The incredible closing speed and athleticism of Barham are obvious, and his run-stopping grade is just as impressive.
Once his pass rushing skills catch up with the rest of his game, the Cowboys could have unearthed a gem in the third round.
Fourth round (112 overall), Drew Shelton: B-
The Cowboys have two starting tackles and a decent swing tackle, but Shelton’s selection makes it clear they could be looking for an upgrade for all three players. Shelton started 34 games while at Penn State, and gave up just one sack last season.
Needs at other positions knocks the pick down a bit, but if Shelton takes the swing tackle gig from Nathan Thomas as a rookie, it will make this pick useful. If he shocks and competes for a starting gig, like former UDFA right tackle Terence Steele did years ago, it would be a shocking upside.
Fourth round (114 overall), Devin Moore: A-
It has been an offseason where the team has collected veteran cornerbacks like candy, so the team needed to draft a young option. Moore has experience in all schemes and was a dominant force for the Florida Gators, excelling against the pass as well as the run.
The size and coverage skills are there for Moore, but he does have health concerns, missing 20 games over the course of his college career. However, he did start all 11 games last season, even though he had some minor issues this offseason.
If he stays healthy, the Cowboys have a player many considered to be a top-tier prospect based on talent alone. Grabbing this type of player in the fourth round is a much better look than their normal second-round excursions.
The Cowboys craved versatility with their draft picks and Overton fits that bill as well. He was a defensive end at Alabama, finishing with seven sacks and 12 tackles for a loss last season, but he’s also a good run-stopper who can set the edge playing with leverage and power.
Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones made comparisons with former Cowboy Osa Odighizuwa, who played as an undersized defensive tackle, so perhaps Overton gets some looks inside as well. The Cowboys have added a player to the rotation who can compete for starting snaps in the less important 4i position in Christian Parker's scheme, and be rotational inside when going to a four-man line.
Seventh round (218 overall), Anthony Smith: B
Dallas is a team that looks for athletic traits late in drafts, and found a big-play threat in Smith, who ran a 4.40 second 40-yard dash. At 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, Smith has the size to make plays down the field and was someone worth taking a chance on in the seventh round.
Caleb Downs, Alabama
Caleb Downs, Alabama
Caleb Downs, Alabama
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs (2) intercepts a pass from Michigan quarterback Davis Warren (not in the photo) during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
Ohio State football safety Caleb Downs makes an interception during the third period during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines Saturday, November 30, 2024 in Ohio Stadium.
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.
Oct 4, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) enters the field before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
Ohio State Buckeyes safeties coach Matt Guerrieri yells at defensive back Caleb Downs (2) during warm ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) warms up during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) makes ain interception on a pass intended for Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Khalil Dinkins (16) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates after sacking Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) takes the field for warm-ups prior to the NCAA football game against the UCLA Bruins at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 15, 2025.
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs (DB34) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs gets measured during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses with his parents Gary Downs and Tanya Shorter Downs on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
1 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Caleb Downs, Alabama
1 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Caleb Downs, Alabama
2 / 26
Cowboys 2026 NFL Draft Day 3 Live Tracker: Pick-By-Pick Analysis
Caleb Downs, Alabama
3 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Caleb Downs, Alabama
4 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs (2) intercepts a pass from Michigan quarterback Davis Warren (not in the photo) during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
5 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State football safety Caleb Downs makes an interception during the third period during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines Saturday, November 30, 2024 in Ohio Stadium.
6 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.
7 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns an interception during the second half of the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.
8 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.
9 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Oct 4, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) enters the field before the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
10 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes safeties coach Matt Guerrieri yells at defensive back Caleb Downs (2) during warm ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.
11 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) warms up during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.
12 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.
13 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) makes ain interception on a pass intended for Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Khalil Dinkins (16) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025.
14 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates after sacking Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) in the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.
15 / 26
Newest Cowboys safety Caleb Downs' rookie deal has $17.8M first check
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.
16 / 26
Caleb Downs already changing Cowboys' thought process: 'This guy is different'
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) takes the field for warm-ups prior to the NCAA football game against the UCLA Bruins at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 15, 2025.
17 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
18 / 26
Grading each Cowboys 2026 draft pick based on fit, value, potential
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs (DB34) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
19 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs gets measured during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.
20 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.
21 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs catches a ball during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.
22 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates an interception with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) abnd linebacker Sonny Styles (0) during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Grambling State Tigers at Ohio Stadium on Sept. 6, 2025.
23 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses with his parents Gary Downs and Tanya Shorter Downs on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
24 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
25 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
26 / 26
Pic Gallery: Cowboys newest safety Caleb Downs
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
