Cowboys’ 2026 NFL Draft Grades For Every Pick

The Dallas Cowboys were one of the most talked-about teams coming into this NFL Draft because of the amount of draft picks that they had, including two in the first round. The Cowboys were scheduled to pick at No. 12 with their own pick and at No. 20 with the Packers’ pick from the Micah Parsons trade.

Caleb Downs will be the headliner for the Cowboys, after they moved up one spot to take him at No. 11 on Thursday night. Beyond the Ohio State star, the Cowboys drafted many other players that they are hoping will help turn their defense around.

So, how did Dallas do with each of its selections on draft night? Let’s go through the grades for each pick.

Round 1, Pick 11: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Grade: A+

There is a real argument to be made that Caleb Downs is the best overall player in this draft, so this could be a real steal for the Cowboys if he becomes one of the best defensive players in football. Downs doesn’t play a premium position, but his ability to play all over the field should make him a very valuable piece of this Cowboys defense.

Before the draft, I wrote that Downs is the perfect fit for the Cowboys in the first round. He is one of the smartest defenders in college football in recent years and was all over the field for Ohio State over the last two seasons. This Cowboys defense desperately needed a playmaker, and that’s exactly what Downs is. Even after giving up some Day 3 capital to go get him, this is a home run picks and one of the best selections of the entire draft.

Round 1, Pick 23: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF

Grade: B-

Malachi Lawrence was a riser in the pre-draft process, but he was still viewed as a fringe first-round prospect at best coming into the week. The Cowboys traded out of the No. 20 pick, moving down a few spots to take Lawrence at No. 23, which many considered a reach.

However, this is a fine but unspectacular pick because of the need and the type of players that were on the board at that position during the time of the pick. The Cowboys need edge help, which is no secret after losing Parsons in the trade, but they really need pass rush juice. The other top edge rushers available at the end of the first round, Zion Young and Keldric Faulk, are better against the run and didn’t have great pass-rush production in college. Lawrence is a talented pass-rusher, making this a quality pick for the Cowboys.

Round 3, Pick 92: Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan

Grade: B

It wasn’t surprising to see the Cowboys pick back-to-back edge rushers considering the state of their defense, but Barham is more than just someone who can get after the quarterback off the edge. He spent a lot of time in college playing off-ball linebacker, so he brings a lot of versatility and a diverse skillset to the Dallas defense.

Barham is raw as a pure pass-rusher, but he won’t have to play every down right away and will get time to hone his technique while still contributing here and there in year one.

Round 4, Pick 112: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State

Grade: B

There probably isn’t a starting spot available for Shelton right away, but he should be able to compete for a spot on the depth chart as a swing tackle. He has a lot of experience in college, making 34 starts at left tackle for Penn State. Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele are cemented as the starters at tackle, but Shelton is an experienced player who could make the roster and add quality depth to that room.

Round 4, Pick 114: Devin Moore, CB, Florida

Grade: B+

Cornerback was a huge need for the Cowboys coming into this offseason, and Dallas finally addressed it here by taking Devin Moore out of Florida. Moore has size and length, plus some good ball production with five interceptions during his time in college. However, injuries have been a concern over the course of his career. Dallas is hoping that new defensive coordinator Christian Parker can turn Moore into the next great corner in Dallas.

Round 4, Pick 137: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama

Grade: A-

The talent never quite matched the production in college with LT Overton, as he never developed into much more than a starting-level player for the Crimson Tide. However, it was no surprise for an NFL team to take a chance on someone with the tools of Overton in the draft.

Overton is much bigger than both Lawrence and Barham and is more of an edge-setter at defensive end, excelling against the run. While this is not likely to become a home-run pick with an elite pass-rusher, Overton should slot in as a rotational piece on early downs on a revamped Cowboys defensive line.

Round 7, Pick 218: Anthony Smith, WR, East Carolina

Grade: C+

Anthony Smith ran a 4.40-flat at the NFL combine and went over 1,000 yards in 2025 at East Carolina, so he has a history of production. However, Dallas has a very crowded wide receiver room that includes CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, so it will be very difficult for Smith to find a spot on the field. He could become a special teams contributor if he makes the roster coming out of training camp.

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