Caleb Downs Joins Cowboys, Boosts Defense

On April 24, Dallas Cowboys grab edge rusher Malachi Lawrence in the first round of the

2026 NFL draft and head coach Brian.

Shadenheimer is already calling him a tone-setter.

Lawrence zeroed in on the team's weak spot, forcing turnovers and bowed to rip the ball from

quarterbacks.

The Cowboys desperately need more takeaways on defense, and Lawrence fits as a pass-rush

specialist with serious upside.

His length and burst off the edge make him a quick impact guy, even if he's not fully

polished yet.

Coach Shadenheimer lit up over Lawrence's post-draft message, saying it's the core of what

defense should be.

While Caleb Downes hawks some spotlight in the draft class, Lawrence's fire has everyone

buzzing in Dallas.

Pass-rush consultant Brandon Jordan steps in to mold him, maximizing that potential as

Lawrence hits almost 23 years old.

Early signs point to him carving out snaps right away.

Cowboys fans, this could flip the script on those stall drives.

It's turning hungry real fast.