Cowboys' Draft Report Card: high marks for Downs, mixed Lawrence takes
Instant grades gave the Cowboys selection of safety Caleb Downs high marks while the Malachi Lawrence pick receives a mixture of emotions.
The Cowboys landed a dream scenario on Thursday night's opening to the 2026 NFL Draft when Ohio State safety Caleb Downs fell within striking distance. Cowboys Nation was sent into a frenzy when Dallas traded up one spot with the Miami Dolphins to select the two-time All American defensive back. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker gets what many considered a blue-chip prospect to help him revitalize a defense that ranked among the league's worst last season.
The great news didn't stop there. After trading back with the division rival Philadelphia Eagles , a move that netted the team two fourth-round picks, the Cowboys selected UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence to cap off what could be a franchise-altering night. Or at least that's how the fans viewed things.
What about media outlets? Lawrence was a late riser through the draft process who tested through the roof, yet was overshadowed by historic numbers by some prospects who were selected earlier in the night. While the Cowboys are excited to have him, Lawrence didn't move the needle as much as the selection of Downs did.
An instant analysis from a few media outlets gets the early knee-jerk reactions from the latest Cowboys additions. CBS Sports - No. 11: Grade A | No.
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