Cowboys' Defense Soars in 2026 Draft

0:00On April 25th, the Dallas Cowboys came out swinging on defense in the 2026 NFL draft, starting with the trade up to the 11th pick for Ohio State Safety, Caleb Downs, a three-time all-american ready to lock down the secondary. They traded back from 20th overall, snagged UCF Edge Russia Malachi Lawrence, plus two extra fourth-round picks from the Eagles, then on day two. Lipped a fifth-rounder to the 49ers for veteran linebacker, D-Winters, a TCU product who started every game last season. With their 90-second pick, they added Michigan linebacker Jaishan Barham, rounding out a haul that hits every level of the defensive front. Downs wasted no time, asking for the playbook right after hugging the coordinator, fresh-off mastering new systems at Alabama in Ohio State like it, was nothing. His elite focus has impegged as a top prospect from day one. Lawrence, the fifth first-rounder from UCF ever, stared in awe at the Cowboys Super Bowl trophies, and vowed to set the standard back home, wow.

1:03Winters bolsters a linebacker room, and Barham brings Edge Rush Heat. This defensive rebuild has Dallas grinning from Frisco to the field. That's your update from NFL News Today, powered by AI.