See how the media graded the Cowboys 1st-round draft picks

And if that’s all the Cowboys did, it would have been a good night. Dallas wasn’t done. The Cowboys traded down three spots with the Eagles from No. 20 to No. 23, collecting picks 114 and 137 while shipping off a seventh-rounder (218th overall). The Cowboys moved up to No. 11 in the first round and somehow, by the end of the round, ended up with better draft capital than they started with. That’s how you work a draft. With the 23rd pick, the Cowboys drafted UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence, a big and explosive edge rusher who can help right away.

Dallas hasn’t had ultimate success in a long, long time. Cowboys haters will remind you often that the 1995 season was the last time they reached the conference championship round. But they usually do pretty well in the draft, and they nailed it Thursday night. Foxsports declares the Cowboys an early draft winner. The Cowboys may have gotten the best player in this year’s draft. Downs should immediately be one of the best players on a Cowboys’ defense that ranked last in points allowed in 2025.

And Downs wasn’t the only win for the Cowboys Thursday night. They traded back with the Eagles three spots to No. 23, which was used to select UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, and picked up two fourth-round picks in the process. So essentially, Dallas gave up two Day 3 picks in the Downs trade but was later able to replace them, one round up.

To sum up, the Cowboys got two players who should immediately impact their defense. They moved up and down the draft order with prudence. Plus, star wide receiver George Pickens is signing his franchise tender. All in all, Friday night should be viewed as a success at The Star. ESPN’s Mel Kiper ranks the Cowboys among the biggest winners from Round 1. Dallas traded two fifth-round picks to move up one spot, but it was worth it. The Cowboys got my No. 6 prospect and a culture-changer for a defense that needed one.

It turns out those traded picks were coming right back, too. Putting aside the fact that it was an in-division move, how about the Cowboys trading back three spots from No. 20 to No. 23 with the Eagles and getting a pair of fourth-rounders in return? The Cowboys turned the No. 23 pick into Lawrence, who has risen very fast over the past few months. As we saw both on tape and at the combine, he can fly off the edge. Lawrence had seven sacks last season and helps a defense that tied for 22nd in that area in its first year without Micah Parsons (35). Right after the Malachi Lawrence pick, John Breech of CBS Sports speculated that the Cowboys might have already won the draft. The first round isn’t even over the Cowboys might have already won the draft. This team had a horrible defense last season and they needed to fix that in the first round and they’ve now done that twice over. NFL.com’s Eric Edholm ranks the Cowboys among the winners of the night. Dallas was in a great position to add two impact players to its defense, and I think Thursday was a good day for that beleaguered unit.

Caleb Downs at No. 11 is a home-run pick — no other way to say it. You can argue positional value until you’re royal blue in the face for all I care, but I love it. This is the kind of player — think Darren Woodson — whose impact can’t be measured strictly in statistics. He’s instantly going to have a captain-like influence on the secondary.

The Cowboys don’t need Lawrence to become a respectable NFL run defender tomorrow. They *do* need him to rush the quarterback, and he has the potential to become a more complete defender over time. Even with some overlap with what Donovan Ezeiruaku does, he, Ezeiruaku and Rashan Gary can help Dallas do a better job heating up the edges next season. CBS Sports ranks Cowboys DC Christian Parker among the happiest NFL players, coaches and GMs. All eyes will be on Christian Parker, brought in from the Eagles, this season. His task? Fixing the defense of “America’s Team,” a team that very much has a win-now offense, win-now expectations from Jerry Jones and the longest championship game drought in the NFC.

So what did the Cowboys do? They got studs. Caleb Downs has been among college football’s best players since he arrived at Alabama as a freshman, and he helped run an NFL-like defense under Matt Patricia at Ohio State the last two years. He is versatile and extremely smart, and he’ll patch up a leaky Cowboys secondary. Parker had great success with Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell in Philadelphia; Downs should be next. Then add in Malachi Lawrence, an athletic, tireless pass rusher with burst and moves. Will McClay has long done strong work leading Dallas’ drafts. Parker will appreciate his investments here.

**Pick 11. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State**

**Bleacher Report** believes the Cowboys got the steal of the draft with Caleb Downs. ****Grade: A++****

The Dallas Cowboys got the steal of the draft. It doesn’t matter that they flipped two fifth-round picks to the Miami Dolphins to move up one spot, because Caleb Downs was easily the best player in this year’s class regardless of position.

Downs will immediately make everyone on the unit better and give Dallas the highest IQ defender among the rookie crop and an all-around playmaker that can be used in a variety of manner.

Downs went wire-to-wire as the No. 1 overall prospect on the B/R Scouting Department’s draft board. He’s a complete defender who’s capable of not just contributing at a high level but leading a unit from the back line. His intelligence and understanding of everything that goes on in front of him border on uncanny.

He may not be a Sean Taylor or Brian Dawkins along the back line. However, Downs is more than capable of playing at all three levels and making a massive impact, changing the entire complexion of a defense. **The Athletic** calls the Downs pick a win-win-win. **Grade A+** Pound for pound, Downs is the best player in the draft. Now, he’s also the 2026 draft’s best value in the draft. For Dallas, Downs marries need with best player available — it’s not just a win-win, but a win-win-win. He can cover most receivers, he’s a sure tackler, and he returns punts when needed (see his 92-yard touchdown return against Indiana in 2024).

Downs (5-11 3/4, 206) was a two-time unanimous first-team All-American as one of the top college safeties over the last decade. Downs did everything for the Buckeyes’ defense, which was college football’s top-ranked unit each of the past two seasons. Considering how much attrition the Buckeyes had after the 2024 season, the primary common element on those units was Downs. **USA Today**: “Awesome.” **Grade A+** The Cowboys didn’t make the leap into the top 10 many expected. They still wound up with one of 2026’s best prospects. Downs is a banshee, screaming his way upfield to make stops near the line of scrimmage or floating into coverage to be a deep ball deterrent. He does everything else, serving as the key to unlock new pages of new defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s playbook.

Dallas got a star Jerry Jones will love and the deal to move up one spot and grab him was only two late-fifth round picks. Awesome. **Yahoosports** thinks Cowboys got the best defensive player in the draft. **Grade A+** Dallas trades up here to get arguably the best defensive player in the draft in Downs. One spot to secure a potential All-Pro level safety makes a lot of sense for the Cowboys and this is great value for someone who was seen as an elite prospect coming into the draft. This couldn’t have played out better for Dallas, which wins due to traditional positional value knocking Downs down the board a bit. **Athlonsports:** **Grade A+** When you get the best player in the entire draft outside of the top 10 picks, you’re doing pretty well. I’ve spent plenty of time criticizing Jerry Jones’ moves as the Cowboys’ general manager, but I’ve got nothing but praise for this. Giving up a pair of fifth-round picks to move up one spot was well worth it to land the No. 1 overall player on my board. Downs is a three-level defender who can line up all over the place and make huge plays in every phase of the game. He’s smart, athletic, and versatile, with the intangibles to make an instant impact as a leader, as well as on the field as a playmaker. This is the kind of pick that can immediately transform an entire defense, and that’s exactly what Dallas needed. **SB Nation**: **Grade A+** The Dallas Cowboys moved up one spot to get Caleb Downs, one of the most versatile players in this class. The price to do so? Picks at No. 12, No. 177, and No. 180.

In Downs, the Cowboys are getting an experienced defender who was a starter at Alabama under none other than Nick Saban, which is a massive bit of evidence to show you the kind of player he is. His awareness is off the charts, particularly in zone coverage, and he is a force against the run and as a blitzer. But Ohio State used him all over the field, and he’ll bring some much needed versatility and athleticism to this Dallas defense.

And even though Dallas had to make a trade to get him, it is worth it. **Sporting News**: Best-in-class player. **Grade A** The Cowboys saw two of their favorite defensive prospects go earlier with Styles and Delane, but that didn’t want to risk missing out on getting at least one of the top Ohio State playmakers. Safety is rather weak with Malik Hooker and Jalen Thompson and Downs provides a big upgrade with rare upfield traits vs. the run on top of great coverage instincts. Dallas lands the player who was at one time seen as the best in this class until some unwarranted concerns about his size in relation to playmaking. **FoxSports**: Rob Rang says there’s a new sheriff in town. **Grade A** The Cowboys allowed an NFC-worst 35 passing touchdowns a year ago, and Downs is the player in this draft best equipped to fix that issue. His remarkable instincts and speed were obvious since his true freshman season, and they’re why I had him as the best player in this draft. Critics will argue that Downs didn’t generate enough big plays, but smart quarterbacks simply stopped throwing the ball anywhere near him. The Cowboys needed a new sheriff in the secondary and they just got him. **NFL.com**’s Bucky Brooks offers no specific grade but likes the pick. Downs is an outstanding football player with a high IQ. Something that’s not talked about enough: the fact that Downs was given the keys to Nick Saban’s defense at Alabama as a freshman *and* Matt Patricia’s defense at Ohio State later on. He’s a versatile playmaker who can patrol the middle of the field and drop down into the box as a run stopper. Downs is going to be special at the next level. **CBSSports**: Mike Renner points out the infusion of talent and leadership: **Grade A** The much-maligned Cowboys secondary got a much-needed infusion of both talent and leadership. Downs is a true do-it-all safety with no true holes in his game. Downs will be able to do anything that new defensive coordinator Christian Parker asks him to do on the back end. **The Ringer** believes this is a . **Grade A** This feels like a match made in heaven. Downs is a super-versatile defender who brings the potential to line up all over the secondary, where his instincts and ball skills really shine. He’s the type of player the Cowboys can build the back end of their defense around. It was a bit of an expensive one-pick trade-up, with Dallas giving up two fifth-round picks to get its guy. But Downs gives new defensive coordinator Christian Parker a player who can impact matchups and take the ball away on day one. **: Very Good** As is often the case with safety prospects, Downs slid further than he appeared on most big boards. Dallas traded up one spot to ensure it got its guy. It’s hard to find much fault with Downs’ college career, as he earned 85.0-plus PFF grades in three consecutive seasons — one at Alabama and two at Ohio State. He should be a stabilizing force on the back end for a Dallas secondary that ranked last in PFF coverage grade as a unit in 2025.

**Pick 23. Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF**

**Bleacher Report**: Adding Malachi Lawrence helped the Cowboys “crush this year’s first round”. **Grade A**

The Dallas Cowboys crushed this year’s first round. Dallas success is based on value, upside and manipulating the draft to its advantage. The Cowboys traded up to get Downs, who is the class’s top-rated prospect. Jones and company then moved off the 20th overall pick to recoup part of what they lost and still added a talent in Malachi Lawrence, who brings huge upside at a premium position.

Every NFL team is looking for pass-rushers, even if one or two are already on the roster. The ability to harass opposing quarterbacks brings an added premium. In Lawrence’s case, he produced 19.5 sacks over the last three seasons and became a first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2025. Even though he never managed more than seven sacks in a single campaign, his traits signal significant growth potential.

At 6’4″ and 253 pounds with nearly 34-inch arms, Lawrence brings a 9.95 relative athletic score along with him, according to Kent Lee Platte. Danielle Hunter and Odafe Oweh shared similar profiles before bursting onto the professional scene. Lawrence could do the same. **SBNation: Grade A-** Credit where it is due.

The Dallas Cowboys trade down three spots and add Malachi Lawrence, the UCF pass rusher who was viewed by some as the top EDGE in the class. This is after moving up just one spot and getting Caleb Downs, the safety viewed as perhaps one of the best overall prospects in the class. Run defense might be a question Lawrence will have to answer eventually, but as a pure pass rusher the burst, athleticism, and even hand technique are there. **NFL.com** Lawrence possesses a variety of pass-rush moves that should impact new defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s defense from Day 1. In addition, Lawrence plays with immense energy and effort — traits the Cowboys need to quickly improve the unit. **Athlon Sports: Grade B+** After stealing a dynamic playmaker for the secondary, the Cowboys address their massive need for a high-end edge rusher with one of the most underrated players in the draft. Lawrence might be a surprise name to some fans, but he earned the No. 21 overall spot on my board, ranked behind only Rueben Bain Jr. (who went to the Bucs at No. 15) and David Bailey (who went to the Jets at No. 2). He’s an impressive athlete who put up big numbers throughout his career, and brings a ton of explosiveness and potential to the table. He still needs to get stronger and improve as a run defender, but his pass-rushing upside is through the roof. **Sporting News**: **Grade B** Lawrence, much like Iheanachor, made a late surge into the first round based on comparing his intriguing athleticism to others at the position. He is a straight up devastating pass rush who can have situational impact until he grows into being more reliable vs. the run. **FoxSports** (Rob Rang): **Grade B** Among the most explosive edge rushers of this class, Lawrence gets upfield in a hurry — as his 40-yard dash time (4.52) and vertical jump (40 inches) suggest. He isn’t as bendy off the edge as some of the top rushers of this class, but given the presence of recent acquisitions Quinnen Williams and Rashan Gary, I think Lawrence could be a great fit who reinforces the investment Dallas made earlier Thursday in Caleb Downs. **The Ringer: Grade B-** The Cowboys double up on defense in the first round, as expected, complementing safety Caleb Downs with a fearsome pass rusher. Lawrence is a souped-up athlete with explosive burst off the line and an array of pass rush moves at his disposal. His lack of strength in the run game means he’ll likely be utilized as a situational rusher early in his career, but he can bring heat off the edge. This is a bit of a reach on my board (Lawrence was my 41st overall player), but Lawrence should contribute right away in the pass rush rotation. **PFF: Grade: Average** Lawrence joins 2025 first-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku and Rashan Gary as notable additions on the edge over the past year after the team traded away Micah Parsons. Lawrence profiles as a rotational pass rusher who could make an early impact in that role, coming off an 89.5 PFF pass-rush grade last season at UCF. This pick profiles as a reach to address a need, with Lawrence coming in around No. 50 on the Consensus Big Board. **The Athletic: Grade C+** The Cowboys gave up the most passing yards in the NFL last year, so it makes sense they would allocate resources in the draft to make improvements. And there’s no problem in taking an edge rusher — Dallas had only 35 sacks in 2025. But is Lawrence the right pick or a reach?

Brugler rated Lawrence as the No. 37 prospect in this class, so it does seem like a bit of a reach right now, but Lawrence (6-4 1/2, 253) has every physical quality required to become a high-level pass rusher. He boasts long arms (81 5/8 inches) and produced a 4.52 40 time and 40-inch vertical at the combine. As a first-team All-Big 12 performer, Lawrence had seven sacks last year and finished with 20 career sacks. **USA Today: Grade C+** The Cowboys couldn’t leave the first round without addressing their pass rushing needs. They landed on an athletic defensive end who can be the answer — but who’ll need to clean up his game to get there. He’s fast as hell with a violent punch, but he also plays a bit upright, creating room for savvy tackles to get underneath him and take him out of the play.

Factor in modest production against the run and you can see why he fell to the second level of pass rushing talent. But he’s got the potential to be a difference maker for a team that can maximize his prodigious talent. The Cowboys had room to take a big swing after landing Downs. Lawrence is an acceptable risk, even if guys like Keldric Faulk or Cashius Howell would have been more of a sure thing. **CBSSports: Grade C** Lawrence has the highest-end tools in this edge class after the players who went top 5. His explosiveness is all over his tape. He’s undoubtedly a project, though, who flashed more on reps than he did for long stretches of time. What worries me about this pick was his lack of awareness in the run game, which was already an issue for the Cowboys’ edges last year. **Yahoosports: Grade C-** Lawrence is a good, linear athlete who has some juice as a pass rusher, but he wasn’t so good that it covers up the lack of impact in the other areas of his game where he’s not great. He doesn’t turn the corner against tackles consistently, so he might need to adjust his game to have a consistent impact as a pass rusher in the NFL. There’s upside here, but the floor is very low.