Cowboys Double Down on Defense in NFL Draft

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Dallas Cowboys doubled down on defense in the first round of the NFL draft, trading

up one spot to snaggle Ohio State's safety, Caleb Downs at number 11, then sliding down

three positions to grab UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence at number 23.

They ship the 12 pick plus two fifth rounders to Miami for Downs and later sent the 20th

pick and a seventh rounder to Philadelphia for.

Lawrence picking up two fourth rounders in return.

The Cowboys defense was a disaster last season, coughing up the most points in franchise

history at 5-11 while snagging just six.

Picks, missing playoffs for the second straight year.

Downs brings serious polish with 44 college starts and five college football playoff games,

pairing nicely with new defensive coordinator.

Christian Parker, who turned defensive backs into all pros and filly last year, he joins

guys like all pro corner, Duran Blan in recent free agent, safeties.

Meanwhile, the offense looks stacked with Dak Prescott, CD Lamb and the rest back, though

they added edge help via trade with Rashan Gary and now.

Lawrence is seven sacks to fix that past wrist flux since moving Michael Parsons.

This defensive reload sets Dallas up to compete, blending young talent with vets for a real

turn around push next fall.