Cowboys Strengthen Defense, Snag Lawrence

0:00On April 24, Dallas Cowboys just made waves in the first round, snagging Ohio State's safety Caleb Downs at number 11 and then UCF Pass Russia, Malachi Lawrence at number 23. Both picks beef up the defense under new coordinator Christian Parker, locking down safety and edge rush early. Earlier this week they traded back from number 20 with the Philadelphia Eagles, grabbing two fourth round picks and a 2027. Seventh rounder before staying put to take Lawrence, smart move that adds depth to their draft hole without losing top talent. Fans are buzzing across Cowboys nation, loving how this shores up a defense needing juice. Lawrence brings heat from UCF with 11 tackles for loss in seven sacks last season, plus a nonstop motor and slick moves that shot him of draft, boards. Scouts say he fits right into a loaded line room alongside vets like Rashan Gary, Quinn and Williams and Kenny Clark, though he has some polish to add. In Parker's scheme. Still, it's a strong start turning weaknesses into strengths.

1:03With no second rounder but a third coming up and extra fourths now in pocket, Dallas sets up for a deep run through the later rounds, building momentum for 2026.