Which Cowboys rookies got big ESPN predictions? Which HOF QB is retiring?

One side effect of the Dallas Cowboys ' well-regarded draft is an amping up of expectations, and new additions Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence are already generating that in some preseason statistical predictions from one pundit. Some Cowboys just executed a trade (of jersey numbers), so anyone with a Malik Hooker jersey may need to get a new one. And guess what, aging future Hall of Fame quarterback is calling it quits after 2026?

Yes, the one you probably thought. More: Dallas Cowboys rumors. What division rival coach just called out Dallas?

Here is CowboyLand. Caleb Downs, Malachi Lawrence There is almost unanimous consensus that the Dallas Cowboys nailed their first pick in the 2026 NFL draft when they took Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 11, and their pick of UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence was generally well-received.

ESPN just gave a stamp of endorsement when Mike Clay predicted rookie stat leaders across seven categories, four on offense (passing, receiving, rushing, touchdowns) and three on defense (tackles, interceptions and sacks) and Dallas' first two picks are well-represented. More: Dallas Cowboys rumors. What prognosticator has Dallas going 14-3?