Dallas Cowboys 2026 NFL Draft: CFN College Football Take on Every Pick

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Apr 27, 2026 4:18 AM ET

The Dallas Cowboys only had seven picks, and wow did they make most of them count.

It was simple - find defensive backs and pass rushers. They got the best safety in the draft in Caleb Downs, got a nice corner on Day 3 in Florida's Devin Moore, and they threw three edge rusher picks at the How Do We Replace Micah Parsons problem.

They dabbled with a few offensive players, but ... nah. This is about getting to the quarterback and stopping teams from throwing for a bazillion yards against their D.

Cowboys Draft Quick Hits

Best Value: Caleb Downs, S Ohio State
Biggest Need: Defensive Backs
Missed: More Cornerbacks
Big Call: Jaishawn Barham will be better than Malachi Lawrence

What They Got Right

That's how you deal with a position need. You can't just hope one player can be another Parsons, but you can beef up your pass rush with two early picks like Malachi Lawrence and Jaishawn Barham, and a fourth-rounder in LT Overton.

What They Missed

Cornerbacks. The hopefully improved pass rush is, in theory, most of the battle to improve the pass defense, but the Cowboys really, really needed corner help, and taking Devin Moore in the fourth round wasn't enough.

Best Value Pick

Caleb Downs, S Ohio State
Micah Parsons was a great-value pick at the 12 in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. It's asking for the world, but that's what Downs at the 11 might be.

Biggest Reach

Malachi Lawrence, EDGE UCF
He was a terrific college player and a nice NFL prospect, but edge rusher was the deep part of the position pool, and the Cowboys took a late second round guy at the 23.

CFN Draft Grade

Grade: A
No, this isn't the draft class that takes them to the Super Bowl, but it's a step.

They did just about everything right in the way they executed the plan. It started with getting Downs, and it kept on going with six strong selections in the top 137.

Dallas Cowboys Draft Class

Round 1, (11): Caleb Downs, S Ohio State
Dog Dallas all you want, but this is a "of COURSE" pick at the level of Micah Parsons.

Round 1, (23): Malachi Lawrence, EDGE UCF
This is early at the 23, and there are other edge rushers available, but it’s a need position.

Round 3, (92): Jaishawn Barham, EDGE Michigan
That’s how you do it. If you need pass rushers, go get them. Barham was the right time pick.

Round 4, 112): Drew Shelton, OT Penn State
Again, Dallas got a good value pick, even if it wasn’t a screaming need. It was a nice idea.

Round 4, (114): Devin Moore, CB Florida
Dallas couldn’t get enough defensive backs in this draft. Moore has all the tools.

Round 4, (137): LT Overton, EDGE Alabama
AGAIN, yeah, if you need pass rushers, and they’re on the board, keep taking them.

Round 7, (218): Anthony Smith, WR East Carolina
Another big, fast wide receiver for the Cowboys. He won’t make the team, but it’s a shot.

- Cleveland Browns 2026 Draft Class Analysis