Apr 24, 2026 - 04:15
By espn.com

Cowboys pick Downs, Lawrence in first round of NFL draft - ESPN

FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys are hoping they can repeat their draft success from 2005 to repair a defense in need of a serious fix.

After taking Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with their first pick, No. 11 overall, thanks to a trade with the Miami Dolphins, the Cowboys selected UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence with the 23rd overall pick after moving down from No. 20 following a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.

In 2005, the Cowboys selected outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware and defensive end Marcus Spears in the first round at Nos. 11 and 20. Ware became the franchise's all-time leader in sacks on his way to a Hall of Fame career, and Spears was a starter for most of his eight-year stint with Dallas.

The Cowboys allowed a franchise-record 511 points in 2025 and were 30th in yards allowed per game in 2025 and knew they needed to address their defense.

In Downs, the Cowboys have a prospect that immediately fills a need for defensive coordinator Christian Parker. He started every game he played in college (44), first at Alabama and then the last two years at Ohio State. He was credited with 256 tackles, 16 tackles for loss 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, 16 pass deflections and six interceptions.

Downs was named the 2025 winner of the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back, and he is a two-time unanimous All-American. In his two seasons with the Buckeyes, he did not allow a touchdown as a primary defender to go with four interceptions and nine pass breakups.

With Lawrence, the Cowboys have an edge rusher that they believe fills the profile Parker wants. At 6-foot-4, 253 pounds, he has