Cowboys Draft Defense, Shake Up NFL

0:00It's April 22nd. This is NFL News Today, powered by AI, your gridiron update. I'm Cory with the story. Draft week hits for the 2026 NFL Draft, and the Dallas Cowboys are loading up on defense after a rough season. They got 8 picks total, with most aimed at fixing that back end. In this mock, they snag Caleb Downs, safety from Ohio State, at 12 overall to lock down the secondary. In that 29, they grab Jacob Rodriguez, linebacker from Texas Tech, sliding him right into the starting rotation for speed and smarts in the middle. Earlier this week, trade shook up the top 10, like the giants moving to 10 for a wide out after dealing their defensive tackle. Cowboys stay put, but capitalize late in round 1. Downs handles nickel duties, while Rodriguez brings the physicality they missed big time last year. Devs are buzzing about the defensive overhaul, especially with past rush woes and corners and flux. Dev hits like Ramello Height, edge from Texas Tech at 74, at explosion off the edge.

1:05His 21.8% win rate screams. Upside, Malik Muhammad, corner from Texas at 94, fits perfect in their scheme with his instincts inside and out. Day 3 brings more beef. Caleb Proctor, defensive lineman from South Eastern Louisiana at 112, to replace lost interior muscle. Then offensive line help with the matrius crown over, tackle from Texas A&M at 152 massive traits at 6 foot 7. Harold Perkins from LSU and Jamari Taylor from UVA, round out round 5 for versatile edge and backfield punch. Rapping with Renee Konga, defensive lineman from Louisville and round 7, a freak athlete off their 30 visit. This hall turns a weak defense into a contender fast, setting Dallas up to bounce back strong next ball.