Dallas Cowboys going on honor roll in national pundits’ NFL draft grades
The Dallas Cowboys made seven selections in the 2026 NFL draft, including five on the defensive side of the ball as they try to invigorate a unit that ranked last in the league last season.
Here are all the Cowboys’ selections:
— First round: Caleb Downs, defensive back, Ohio State
— First round: Malachi Lawrence, defensive end, Central Florida
— Third round: Jaishawn Barham, linebacker, Michigan
— Fourth round: Drew Shelton, offensive tackle, Penn State
— Fourth round: Devin Moore, cornerback, Florida
— Fourth round: LT Overton, defensive lineman, Alabama
— Seventh round: Anthony Smith, wide receiver, East Carolina
How did national pundits assess the Cowboys’ draft class?
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
“Downs fell out of the top 10 despite ranking sixth in my rankings, and Dallas took the opportunity to trade up one spot to get him. Downs’ pre-snap instincts are elite, which allow him to play top-down and make plays on the ball in coverage (six career INTs). But he can sniff out run plays and wrap up as a tackler in open space, too. He’s just a tremendous football player, and he’s going to change everything in that secondary. Safety wasn’t a top three need, but he will join free agent addition Jalen Thompson to turn a safety room with 2025 questions into one with 2026 promise. It’s tough to get a steal at No. 11, but Dallas might have done it.
“Getting Lawrence later in Round 1 made things even better. Edge rusher was my No. 1 need for Dallas, and Lawrence had seven sacks and 14 tackles for loss last season. Jadeveon Clowney led the team with 8.5 sacks last season, but he’s still unsigned. Between trading for Rashan Gary and drafting Lawrence, third-rounder Jaishawn Barham and fourth-rounder LT Overton, the Cowboys are at least building that unit back up after dealing away Micah Parsons before last season. And I thought the Barham and Overton picks were good value.”
Dane Brugler, The Athletic
Grade: No letter grade, but Cowboys ranked as fourth-best class in NFL
“A top-five player on my board, Downs is a culture changer and the perfect player to usher in Dallas’ new Christian Parker-led defense. Downs’ play speed, processing and tackling ability are all well above average, and his nickel versatility (both physically and mentally) will make him a difference-maker — especially in a Vic Fangio-inspired scheme.
“Five of Dallas’ first six picks were spent on defense. Though Overton failed to live up to the early-round hype he had entering the season, he is a toolsy big man with gap-sound principles and long arms to own the point of attack.”
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports
“Best Pick: I love edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, whom they took with their second first-round pick. He is an explosive, high-ceiling player. They needed help there.
“Worst Pick: Fourth-round tackle Drew Shelton was a bit of a reach in my book. He’s a swing tackle who the team hopes can develop into more.
“The Skinny: The Cowboys killed it with their first three picks. Taking safety Caleb Downs, Lawrence and edge Jaishawn Barham will continue the overhaul of the defense. This is a team that improved greatly on that side of the ball.”
Nate Tice, Yahoo Sports
“The Caleb Downs selection was a no-brainer and a home run. He’s talented and a leader who will solidify the back end of a defense that desperately needs it. I’m a little cooler on Malachi Lawrence, whom I was more comfortable taking later than in the first round. But Lawrence has speed and can get after the quarterback, a skill set that’s always valued. Drew Shelton has talent but was inconsistent, so he gives offensive coordinator Klayton Adams an interesting project to work with. LT Overton had a disappointing season, but he’s heavy-handed and can move along the defensive line. His inside-outside ability will make him useful.”
Connor Rogers, NBC Sports
“Dallas walks out of this draft with stability, speed and explosiveness added to their defense. Downs is incredibly smart, physical and versatile. He will limit the explosive plays this defense surrenders and triggers furiously downhill against the run and screens.
“There is risk in both Lawrence and Barham, but they are incredibly athletic disruptors. Lawrence can simply pin his ears back, get off the ball with a jetpack on and rush without losing momentum. His pursuit and contain speed is high-end. Barham played off-ball linebacker and as a stand-up rusher in college at two programs. I liked him better when he could get up the field after the quarterback, but Dallas might prefer him in a hybrid role. He has excellent range, but also ran himself out of some plays against the run.
“I would have had Devin Moore ranked much higher if he didn’t deal with injuries throughout multiple college seasons. He’s big, has enough speed and is very disruptive at the catch point. If he can stay on the field, he’ll develop into a starter on the outside for Dallas. This was a strong defensive draft.”
Chad Reuter, NFL.com
“Dallas had the steal of the first round, trading two fifth-round picks to move up one spot for Downs; he should be a long-time defensive leader able to make plays in the deep half, flat and the box. The ‘Boys moved down from Green Bay’s first-round selection, acquired in the Micah Parsons trade, to pick Lawrence, who has potential because of his length and athleticism but carries risk as a late riser in the evaluation process.
“... Shelton’s 2025 game tape did not scream fourth-round pick to me, but the team can develop him into a swing tackle in time. ... Look for Smith to fight for a roster spot as a receiver who can stretch the field.”
Rob Rang, Fox Sports
“Excited about the potential of linebacker/rusher Jaishawn Barham, whose experience at both positions and undeniable athleticism makes him an exciting ball of clay for defensive coordinator Christian Parker to develop. Of Dallas’ Day 3 selections, I’m most intrigued by the versatility LT Overton provides as well as the long-term upside of tackle Drew Shelton, who needs to add strength but possesses the length and agility to ultimately be an NFL starter. The Cowboys needed to take advantage of their two first-round selections and did so. The duo will immediately upgrade what was one of the NFL’s most porous defenses of a year ago.”
