Cowboys Draft Grades: Hype vs. Reality

On May 2nd, the Dallas Cowboys snagged a ton of praise for their 2026 NFL draft class,

especially after grabbing Caleb Downs the Ohio.

State safety turned Nickel Corner at pick 11.

Most outlets handed out straight A's for their defensive focus and high upside picks,

but the athletics Austin mocked through a curveball with a C.

Overall grade that had fans buzzing?

That grade breaks down to a B for Downs, mainly because safeties don't carry top shelf

positional value in the league, even if he's got superstar.

Potential.

Size is a nub-a-knock.

He's not built like some elite guys at the spot, but Dallas clearly saw the talent worth

the slide to 11.

Cowboys fans fired back hard at the C, pointing out how draft grades mean little until players

prove it on the field years later.

The hype around this class feels sky high, with many calling it one of the franchises

best ever for filling needs.

Then there's Malachai Lawrence, the UCF edge rusher, taken at 23 after a trade back with

the Eagles.

Mox slapped the D on him, citing his raw skills from weaker competition, and doubts about

year one impact for defense starving for help right now.

That deal also boosted a division rival with a receiver pick.

Debate rages on whether these critiques hold water, or if patience will turn this into

another Cowboys draft win, we celebrate down the line.