ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: The Dallas Cowboys logo is seen on a video board during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Dallas Cowboys 2026 NFL Draft selections
The Cowboys entered the draft coming off a 7-9-1 season and targeted playmakers across all three levels of their defense, from the secondary to the edge. Dallas finished near the bottom of the league in pass defense and struggled to generate consistent pressure, prompting a defense-heavy draft approach.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (Round 1, No. 11 overall)
Downs starred at both Alabama and Ohio State while earning the Jim Thorpe Award in 2025 as the nation's top defensive back. He was widely regarded as one of the most complete defenders in the class. Team executives acknowledged they didn't expect Downs to still be available, prompting the aggressive move.
Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF (Round 1, No. 23 overall)
Dallas doubled down on defense later in the first round, trading back from No. 20 before selecting Lawrence, an ascending pass rusher from UCF. Lawrence earned first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2025 after recording seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss. The Cowboys indicated he would have been in consideration even without the trade.Â
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 18: Jaishawn Barham #1 of the Michigan Wolverines while playing the Washington Huskies at Michigan Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Continuing their emphasis on the defensive front, the Cowboys selected Barham in the third round. The Michigan product earned All-Big Ten honorable mention honors in 2025, finishing with four sacks and 10 tackles for loss. He joins Lawrence as part of a revamped pass rush unit.
Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State (Round 4, No. 112 overall)
Devin Moore, CB, Florida (Round 4, No. 114 overall)
If he's in the right spot, he is tenacious at the catch point, he has strong hands and a willingness to contest every catch.
According to NFL.com, Moore is «a long outside cornerback with good size» and a strong ability to track deep passes, though questions remain about his speed and durability.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 26: L T Overton of the Alabama Crimson Tide participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Scouts say he can overwhelm offensive tackles with power rushing off the edge, and he can push the pocket when he slides inside.Â
NFL.com described him as «a slow-twitch end with impressive power and a consistently rugged demeanor,» noting his ability to hold the point of attack and potentially shift inside at the next level.
Anthony Smith, WR, East Carolina (Round 7, No. 218 overall)
Big picture view:
By the end of the weekend, Dallas had added reinforcements at every defensive level, and signaled that a faster and more aggressive identity could be on the way in 2026.
