The Dallas Cowboys made significant moves in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting safety Caleb Downs with their original pick and later choosing linebacker Malachi Lawrence at 23 after trading back with the Eagles. The decision to draft Lawrence over Georgia’s CJ Allen was influenced by a pressing need at linebacker and the Cowboys’ anticipation of a run on that position. Their strategy was further supported by the acquisition of Dee Winters from the 49ers to bolster their linebacker corps. This draft approach leveraged capital from the Micah Parsons trade, showcasing the team’s proactive decision-making.
Want More Context? 🔎



