NFL Draft 2026 Review: Dallas Cowboys

After having a mediocre first half of the season last year going 3-5, the Dallas Cowboys appeared to have turned things around by going on a three-game winning streak to put themselves above .500 for the first time of the season at 6-5-1.

However, a three-game losing streak in December put an end to their playoff hopes. During that losing streak, the Dallas defense gave up more than thirty points in each of those games. Matter of fact, the defense gave up 30 or more points in nine games last season. The Cowboys sought to alleviate their defensive woes in this year's NFL Draft.

Round 1, Pick 11: Caleb Downs - S - Ohio State. 5'11", 206 lbs (68 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 INT, 2 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles).

The Cowboys traded up for Downs, who was arguably the top defensive back in this year's draft. Downs can line up anywhere in the secondary and is strong defender against the pass and against the run. He will start right away and will give Dallas options on defense. He can also return punts if necessary because he has returned two punts for TD's during his college career.

Round 1, Pick 23: Malachi Lawrence - DE - 6'4", 253 lbs (28 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 3 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles).

The sole goal for Lawrence is to get up the field on every play to create havoc on opposing offenses. If Lawrence does not start, then he will definitely be on the field on obvious passing downs.

Round 3, Pick 28: Jaishawn Barham - LB - 6'3", 240 lbs (32 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 3 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble).

Barham could also see some time on passing downs as well rushing either from the linebacker position or from the defensive end position.

Round 4, Pick 12 - Drew Shelton - OT - Penn State. 6'5", 313 lbs.

Shelton was a three-year starter for the Nittany Lions with the last two seasons at left tackle. Shelton will add depth at either offensive tackle position for the Cowboys.

Round 4, Pick 14: Devin Moore - CB - Florida. 6'3", 198 lbs (35 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 INT, 3 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble).

Moore has the height to help against taller receivers in the red zone for the Dallas defense.

Round 4, Pick 37: LT Overton - DE - Alabama. 6'3", 274 lbs (42 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 1 pass deflection).

Overton is a strong defensive end that can also play at defensive tackle on passing downs. He should see some time along the defensive line for the Cowboys.

Round 7, Pick 2: Anthony Smith - WR - East Carolina. 6'3", 189 lbs (64 rec, 1,053 rec yds, 16.5 yds/rec, 7 TD).

Smith could possibly see some time in the red zone being a taller receiver. He will be given time because he will need to add some weight to his frame in order to take hits from NFL defenders.

Overview: Dallas really needed to address some defensive issues in this draft. Fortunately, five out of the seven picks were used on defense. Drafting Downs was a necessity because the Cowboys only had six interceptions last season. Finding players that could rush the passer was a must as well because Dallas only had two players that had more than five sacks with no one having more than 10 sacks last season. Balancing the team out with some defense will take some pressure off of the offense having to score on each and every possession.

Grade: B+.

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