Cowboys' Draft Moves: Downs & Lawrence Join Defense

0:00On April 24, Dallas Cowboys made waves in the 2026 NFL Drafts first round, Snaggin' Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs at number 11, after trading up one spot with the Miami Dolphins. They gave up their 12th pick plus 2-5th rounders, numbers 177 and 180. Downs, a Jim Thorpe Award winner, and two-time All-American, brings the lead tackling and coverage skills right away. Later, they flipped their 20th pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for number 23. Plus 2-4th rounders, 114 and 1. 37, then grab UCF Edge R Usher Malachi Lawrence at 23. This came from their original spot and a pick from last year's Micah Parsons trade to Green Bay, where they also got Kenny Clark. Downs feels the nickel roll perfectly, and Christian Parker's defense starred in every college game with 256 tackles, 6 picks, and no. Touchdowns allowed his primary defender. Lawrence boosts the pass rush, building on free agency moves, like sign and safeties, Jalen Thompson and PJ.

1:02Locke. Meanwhile, Whiteout George Pickens agreed to the Cowboys 27.3 million dollar franchise tag, locking him in for the season while. Long-term talks stall. Coach Brian Scheinheimer's hyped, and it opens trade doors if needed. These moves reload the defense after big trades and signings, setting Dallas up strong. Keep an eye on how Downs and Lawrence ball outcome fall.