Cowboys Dominate NFL Draft, Snag Top Defenders

On April 25, Dallas Cowboys just crushed night one of the 2026 NFL draft, snagging two

top defenders in the first round.

They traded up one spot from 12th to 11th overall with the Miami Dolphins to grab Caleb

Downs that versatile nickel from Ohio State.

Then at 23rd, they added past Russia Malachi Lawrence.

One of only two teams alongside the Kansas City Chiefs to double down on defense like

that.

Here this week, the draft kicked off with some wild offensive picks like running back

Jeremiah Love, 3rd to Arizona and wide out Carnotate, 4th to Tennessee.

The run on Alito Ohio State defenders heated up quick, New York grabbed Arbill reset

5, Chiefs took corner, Montsour DeLane at 6th and Washington, snagged sunny styles at 12th,

but offense dominated after letting Dallas stay patient in pounce.

Cowboys fans are buzzing because this duo feels massive holes on a defense craving young

speed and smarts.

Downs, who played under Nick Saven, then lit it up at Ohio State, brings box tackles,

deep coverage, and that high football IQ.

Lawrence adds edge heat right when they needed, pairing perfect with recent free agent pickups

like were Sean Gary in those secondary vets.

The trade sealed the deal smartly, gave up 5th rounders to jump for Downs, but kept their

ammo, then flipped the 20th pick to Philly, who leaked.

For USC receiver, McCuy Lemon.

Chargers wiped edge guy a keen messador, just before Dallas at 23.

But the board fell right, wiping out any panic about missing out.

Now heading into day 2 with 6 picks left, 4 in the top 150, Dallas looks stacked to build

offensive depth, while rivals burned.

First rounders there.

This defensive foundation under new coordinator Christian Parker sets them up strong against

a vision foes, best start they could have dreamed.