Cowboys' NFL Draft grades for Caleb Downs, Malachi Lawrence revealed after 1st round

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Cowboys' NFL Draft grades for Caleb Downs, Malachi Lawrence revealed after 1st round originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

In the end, the Dallas Cowboys did what they had to do.

There were whispers that Jerry Jones might consider drafting offense in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He did not.

The Cowboys came away with two potential defensive stars, Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence.

It looks to be just what they needed on Thursday night, with a lot more picks to follow.

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Cowboys draft grade for Caleb Downs​

The Cowboys traded up one spot, from 12 to 11, to ensure they could get the superstar safety out of Ohio State.

The Sporting News' senior NFL writer Vinnie Iyer was a big fan of the pick, giving it an 'A' grade.

"The Cowboys saw two of their favorite defensive prospects go earlier with Styles and Delane, but that didn't want to risk missing out on getting at least one of the top Ohio State playmakers," Iyer writes. "Safety is rather weak with Malik Hooker and Jalen Thompson and Downs provides a big upgrade with rare upfield traits vs. the run on top of great coverage instincts. Dallas lands the player who was at one time seen as the best in this class until some unwarranted concerns about his size in relation to playmaking."

BEST DRAFT NAMES: Ephesians Prysock | R Mason Thomas | DeVonta Smith | Zxavian Harris

Cowboys draft grade for Malachi Lawrence​

Dallas traded down to the 23rd spot, giving the Eagles No. 20, and ended up with Lawrence, the edge rusher from UCF.

Iyer didn't like this as much, grading it a 'B.'

"Lawrence made a late surge into the first round based on comparing his intriguing athleticism to others at the position," Iyer writes. "He is a straight up devastating pass rush who can have situational impact until he grows into being more reliable vs. the run."

More NFL Draft news:​

• Chiefs make a shocking draft trade
• Commanders get Sonny Styles after historic NFL Draft Combine
• Steelers' 1st-round pick didn't play football until college
• Eagles and Cowboys have made a trade like this before
• Browns' pick is really about Shedeur Sanders' replacement

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