Cowboys get their "prize" on night one of the NFL Draft

There was little doubt where the Dallas Cowboys were headed on night one of the 2026 NFL Draft. They were coming off a season in which they allowed a franchise-record 512 points, ranked 30th in total yards allowed and finished last in pass defense.

Owner Jerry Jones said it best last month after free agency ended: “Had we played a lick of defense last year, we would’ve had, I think, a real playoff run,” via the team’s official website.

The Cowboys addressed that need in a major way Thursday night with their first of two first-round picks, trading up one spot from No. 12 to No. 11 to select Caleb Downs, safety out of Ohio State. Dallas sent picks Nos. 12, 177 and 180 to the Miami Dolphins to move up.

“He was a prize for us sitting there,” Jones said at the post-draft press conference, reflecting on the possibility another team could have jumped ahead to select Downs. “It would absolutely cut your heart out.”

Downs was widely viewed as a top-10 prospect. Daniel Jeremiah ranked him eighth on his big board, Todd McShay had him fifth and Mel Kiper Jr. ranked him sixth. Though safety is not considered a premium position — likely contributing to his slide to No. 11 — Downs projects as an immediate leader for a defense in need of direction. He is known for his instincts, run support and tackling ability. In 2023 at University of Alabama, he became the first freshman in program history to lead the team in tackles with 107.

The Cowboys also held the No. 20 pick, acquired from the Green Bay Packers as part of the Micah Parsons trade. They dealt that pick to the Philadelphia Eagles, moving back three spots to No. 23 while adding picks Nos. 114 and 137, more than offsetting the mid-round capital used to move up for Downs.

At No. 23, Dallas selected Malachi Lawrence, defensive end from UCF. The Cowboys’ interest in Lawrence was one of the worst-kept secrets entering the draft, in part because assistant defensive line coach Demeitre Brim previously coached him at UCF. For a team that struggled to generate consistent pressure, Lawrence and his 4.5-second 40-yard dash should provide an immediate boost.

It was a busy opening night filled with trades for Dallas, just the way Jones prefers, and just as he hinted it might be.

“There's every kind of trade possible over these next few days,” Jones said Wednesday at his pre-draft press conference. “Players on other rosters, draft picks, all of that is very much in play.”

And with two first-rounders to work with on Thursday night, Jones made sure the Cowboys took full advantage. 

“It’s more fun getting football players when you got two No. 1s.”