Cowboys Trade Up for Defense in NFL Draft

0:00It's April 24th, I'm Cory with the story, and this is Dallas News today. Local news powered by AI. Dallas Cowboys came out swinging in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft Thursday night. They traded up one spot to snaggle Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs at number 11. Then slid back three spots to grab UCF defensive in Malachi Lawrence. At number 23, solid defensive halls that addressed some key needs right off the bat. Now heading in a Friday second round, the Cowboys got no picks until number 92 in round 3. That early aggression has fans wondering if they'll wheel and deal to jump back in sooner, especially with their draft capital spread thin. Exxxt even Jones addressed the buzz, saying they hate giving up multiple players for one, but won't shut the door on it completely. He's right, Dallas has done it before, like trading a second and third back in 2014 for the Marcus Lawrence, or a fourth and fifth in 20, 20 for Tyler Beatas. Linebackers their biggest hole, so eyes are on Texas standout, Anthony Hill Jr.

1:04Dudes are run stiffer with 31.5 tackles for loss and 17 sacks in college. They hosted him for a pre-draft visit and dinner, showing real interest if he slips toward late second or early third round. If he'll the right fit, expect the Cowboys to pounce with a trade up, keeping that defensive momentum rolling into day two.