Malachi Lawrence drafted by Cowboys in 2026 first round
Dallas Cowboys | Official Site of the Dallas Cowboys • • sports
Key Points:
- The Dallas Cowboys moved up from the 12th to the 11th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft through a trade with the Miami Dolphins to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.
- With the 20th pick, the Cowboys executed a second trade, moving down to the 23rd pick by dealing with the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Using the 23rd pick, Dallas selected Malachi Lawrence from the University of Central Florida, a versatile player who has experience as both an outside linebacker and defensive end.
- Lawrence is noted for his athleticism and pass-rushing skills, ranking in the 90th percentile or higher in several measurable categories within the draft class.
- While Lawrence shows promise as a pass rusher, the Cowboys expect him to improve his run defense and edge-sealing abilities, potentially adding mass to maximize his potential in their 3-4 defensive scheme.
