Cowboys' Draft Picks Shake Up Defense

0:00On April 24th, the Dallas Cowboys made waves in the 2026 NFL Drafts first round, snagging safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State and Edge, Russia Malachi Lawrence from UCF. These picks are shaking up the roster big time, creating clear winners and losers across the defense. Defensive coordinator Christian Parker is smiling widest. He's long pushed for a top-nickle-back, and Downs fits perfect as a smart, athletic playmaker. Who can lock down runs and passes right away? Cornerback to Ron Blan gets to slide back outside, where the Cowboys always saw him, especially after that $92 million extension. On the flip side, Ed's guy Sam Williams takes a hit. Lawrence jumps the head on the depth chart behind Roshan Gary, and Donovan as Zeyruwaku, likely bumping. Williams to fourth string. Meanwhile, the corner-spot opposite Blan turns into a dogfight between second-year shave on Rebel Junior and free agent Kobe Durant, who signed for $5 million.

1:00Safety. Jalen Thompson emerges as another winner, gaining depth and competition that should sharpen the whole secondary. These moves give Parker real pieces to build around for years. Bottom line, the Cowboys Day 1 Hall sets up intense battles this off-season, positioning their defense for a serious glow-up heading into 20.