Cowboys Boldly Draft Malachi Lawrence

0:00On April 24, Dallas Cowboys just made another bold move in the 2026 NFL draft, snagging edge rusher Malachai Lawrence from Central, Florida with the 23rd overall pick in the first round. They traded their 20th pick to the Philadelphia Eagles to slide back and grab him at 23 right after dealing with the Miami Dolphins. Earlier to land safety, Caleb Downs at 11. This pick bolsters their defense big time, especially as they shift to a three-four scheme under Christian Parker, where Lawrence's versatility shines. From his days as an outside linebacker, turned defensive end. Scouts rave about his elite athleticism, hitting the 90th percentile or higher in key measurables, with a killer first step and a bag of pass rush moves that make offensive linemen sweat. He's ready to contribute on pressure right away, though he'll need to sharpen his run defense and edge control to lock down that spot long-term. Setting up Dallas for a fierce front in the years ahead.