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Here's how Cowboys draft picks Downs, Lawrence shake depth charts up
TL;DR
The Dallas Cowboys made significant moves in the NFL draft, selecting Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence. These picks are set to reshape the team's depth charts, particularly in the secondary and edge rusher positions.
Key points
- Dallas Cowboys selected Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence in the NFL draft.
- Downs will start at nickelback, affecting Reddy Stewart and Zion Childress.
- Lawrence will rotate with Donovan Ezeiruaku at edge rusher.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are one of the clear winners at the conclusion of the first round last night, according to ESPN's draft analyst Mel Kiper. First, taking Ohio St. safety/nickel cornerback Caleb Downs after trading up one spot with the Miami Dolphins to secure the 11th pick. The Cowboys would later add UFC edge rusher Malachi Lawrence after trading back from the 20th pick with the Philadelphia Eagles, who owned the 23rd pick.
The addition of Downs completely reshapes the depth chart of the Dallas secondary on two fronts. Downs gives the Cowboys an immediate starter at the nickleback position. Bumping the current nickel, Reddy Stewart out of the current starter position, and putting cornerback Zion Childress's spot on the roster in jeopardy. Downs may affect the safety position as well, depending on how Dallas plans to manipulate this roster.
The safeties currently starting on the Cowboys' depth chart are Jalen Thompson, Malik Hooker, and free agent P.J Locke's roster spots from the outside looking in seem secure. But Markquese Bell, Julius Wood, and Alijah Clark, not so much, and could find themselves battling it out for two spots. It'll be interesting to see how Dallas decides to build out this secondary now that Downs is in the fold.
Q&A
How does Caleb Downs impact the Cowboys' secondary depth chart?
Caleb Downs is expected to start at the nickelback position, pushing Reddy Stewart out of the starting role and putting cornerback Zion Childress's position at risk.
What changes will Malachi Lawrence bring to the Cowboys' edge rusher position?
Malachi Lawrence will likely rotate with current starter Donovan Ezeiruaku, while other edge rushers may find themselves on the roster bubble.
Who are the current starting safeties for the Dallas Cowboys?
The current starting safeties are Jalen Thompson, Malik Hooker, and P.J. Locke, while Markquese Bell, Julius Wood, and Alijah Clark may compete for remaining roster spots.
