The Dallas Cowboys were moving picks around on day one of the NFL Draft. Originally holding picks 12 & 20, the Cowboys selected Caleb Downs at 11 and Malachi Lawrence at 23.
While two trades were made, it was reported by Patrik Walker after the trade back with Philadelphia to 23, the Cowboys tried to move again, potentially with Houston but the trade fell through.
Stephen Jones also told the media in the post-draft presser that the Cowboys had given a call to Cleveland, but that was after they made the trade back with Kansas City…ultimately, the price to move up to 9 was too high, but Dallas still got their guy.
Ultimately, it cost the Cowboys two fifth-round picks to get Caleb Downs, but Stephen Jones noted it was important to grab two fourth-round picks in the trade down from 20 to 23. Stephen also noted that the team had full intentions to pick Lawrence at 20.
Pick 11: Caleb Downs, Safety, Ohio State
If you go watch the reaction in the war room of the Cowboys being able to select Downs, it tells the whole story. VP of Player Personnel Will McClay credited downs as a “multiplier,” Downs will make other players around him better.
Coach Schottenheimer notes that Caleb Downs has the demeanor that players gravitate towards and is a natural leader. “You can see why he was able to play at a high level as a freshman at Alabama, he’s wired the right way,” Schottenheimer told the media.
Stephen Jones said it was a “long shot” that Downs was going to be available at 12, and they were jumping up and down at the opportunity to draft him. The Cowboys “bought an insurance policy” by trading up one spot to 11 to secure Caleb Downs.
Get to Know Caleb Downs
Born in Gwinnett County, Georgia, Downs has been involved in sports since the age of six. He was a three-sport athlete in high school, playing football, baseball and basketball. His father, Gary Downs, was a running back in the NFL and selected in the 3rd round of the 1994 draft. 29 years later, Caleb’s older brother, Josh Downs, was also selected in the 3rd round as a receiver, currently playing for the Colts.
Downs was named the All-American Bowl Player of the Year as an HS senior. He was ranked as one of the top players in the 2023 college football recruiting class and considered the nation’s No. 1 safety prospect. He committed to Alabama and was the SEC Freshman of the Year. He transferred after the retirement of Nick Saban.
At Ohio State, Downs was selected unanimously as an All-American twice and named the 2025 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
In an interview with the Dallas Cowboys Draft Show, Downs talked about being excited to be in Dallas. “You’re getting a man of faith. Somebody that leaves with their faith first. And everything else, he’s just humble and hungry. Ready to go get it.” Downs mentioned multiple times he is blessed to be a part of the Cowboys.
During his visit with the Cowboys, he beat Brian Schottenheimer in a putting contest, which Coach Schotty was sure to tell Caleb that he would be getting his rematch as soon as he arrives in Dallas.
My Thoughts on Downs
I held Caleb Downs as my #1 player in the draft. He was the leader of the Ohio State defense and was involved with every play on the field. Downs was flagged for not having elite athletic testing at the combine; that’s not where he stands out. Downs makes plays on the football field.
Here is an excerpt from my draft profile on Downs:
Downs can line up everywhere; limiting him to just safety is wrong. He plays in deep coverage, down in the box, and at nickel. He has a high IQ and just understands everything happening during the play. He is a good tackler and makes plays on the ball. Downs is an immediate impact player, and if it weren’t for the safety position being considered a “non-critical position,” he should be considered the #1 player in this draft.
Watching the career of Caleb Downs, this may be the last time NFL teams look at the safety position the way they did last night. You see All-Pros like Kyle Hamilton fall out of the top-10. Impact safeties pushed down draft boards like Brian Branch, Malaki Starks, and Super Bowl Champ Nick Emmanwori.
Pick 23: Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF
As draft rumors started to heat up, Lawrence became a favorite at pick 20 for the Cowboys. I first heard this name linked to Dallas on Tuesday. The Cowboys were excited to get Lawrence and believe that his work ethic stands out.
Will McCaly emphasized that his skill set adds multiplicity to their defense. The most important thing is getting to the QB with athleticism and speed. The Cowboys had him visit for a 30 visit, noting that Lawrence has been a focus of their discussions for over a week and fit the “football character” and culture they are looking to build under Schottenheimer.
The Cowboys have a defensive line coach, Demeitre Brim, who coached Lawrence at UCF and was a big influence in showing the front office who Malachi Lawrence is as a football player and a person.
Get to Know Malachi Lawrence
Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Lawrence is one of nine siblings in his family. He started playing peewee football at age five and it quickly became his favorite sport. In high school, he was a 5’7″ freshman, an undersized running back before hitting a growth spurt that summer and moving to linebacker/defensive end/tight end as a 6’2″ sophomore.
He was a 3-star recruit and played his entire collegiate career at UCF. He talked about receiving NIL offers at other programs but noted how important UCF was to him and wanted to stay all four years.
In an interview with the Dallas Cowboys Draft Show, Lawrence said, “It was a blessing and a dream come true. Been playing football since I was five and always wanted to play in the NFL. So… it’s something I can’t even explain.”
Fans may not be as familiar with Malachi as they are with Downs, but wanted to let Cowboys Nation know that he is a hard worker and is ready to play. “They’re getting a relentless player, someone that’s just ready to come in and work… a relentless motor like I’m just going to chase that ball no matter what.”
My Thoughts on Lawrence
I think Lawrence plays with an outstanding motor, in situations where you often see edge rushes let up and take it easy when they see the play is away from them…Lawrence keeps fighting and chases down the play.
The Cowboys clearly loved the guy. I did not have as high of a grade on him; I believed he would be a late 2nd-rounder. But in fairness, reading my report on him, I can’t figure out many holes in his game. He plays with a great feel for the blockers and always has a counter move ready to go.
Here is an excerpt from my draft profile on Lawrence:
He has a fantastic motor and seems to never get tired. He keeps fighting and doesn’t stay blocked for long. He is a natural pass rusher and knows how to come off the ball, and has good instincts for counter moves. He is disruptive at the line of scrimmage.
I think Lawrence can work as an outside linebacker who focuses on setting the edge and getting after the quarterback. He will rotate with Donovan Ezeiraku and is the final piece of this 2026 defensive line.
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