As expected, the theme of the Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 NFL Draft was defense. Five of their seven picks were defensive players, headlined by safety Caleb Downs out of Ohio State.

“We’ve changed this defense,” Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones said following Day 2 of the draft. “This is a product of 3, 4 or 5 years of us not being able to go where we want to ultimately go.”

Below is the Cowboys’ full class, with thoughts on each player picked over the weekend.

Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 draft class

Round 1, No. 11: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Caleb Downs will start his career at nickel, according to Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer. That’s only the tip of the iceberg. Where Downs is at his best is when he can move around and be a threat as a run defender, blitzer, and in coverage.

The Cowboys can expect a player with All-Pro potential and off-the-charts football IQ. He’s also a vocal leader on and off the field. He was considered one of the best prospects in the class.

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Round 1, No. 23: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF

Lawrence brings something to the Cowboys that they were seriously lacking: Explosiveness off the edge. He needs to improve as a run defender and his bend needs work, but Lawrence has a pass rush repertoire that will allow him to get on the field on Sundays.

Lawrence brings a unique emphasis on getting after the ball, not just the quarterback.

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Round 3, No. 92: Jaishawn Barham, ED/LB, Michigan

Barham will be tested at inside linebacker at first, coach Schottenheimer revealed Friday night. However, his explosiveness and twitchy speed made Michigan move him to EDGE in 2025. Christian Parker gets a versatile defender who can be a perfect fit for his multiple scheme.

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Round 4, No. 112: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State

Shelton has played every position on the offensive line except for center. He’s got an athletic profile and his best football is ahead of him. Short term, he can be a swing tackle for the Cowboys. But don’t be surprised if he gives starters Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele a run for their money.

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Round 4, No. 114: CB Devin Moore, CB, Florida

Moore likely dropped to Day 3 because of a lengthy injury history that caused him to miss 20 games in four years at Florida. He has size and length to play CB at a high level, be it zone or man.

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Round 4, No. 137: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama

The Cowboys are getting a versatile defensive lineman in Overton. He’s an EDGE rusher than can play inside, where he can show off his standout strength. If he can develop a wider pass rush repertoire, he will be a serious problem for opposing offenses.

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Round 7, No. 218: Anthony Smith, WR, East Carolina

The Cowboys get a player to develop at wide receiver. At 6-foot-2, Smith has the upside to become a vertical threat. He needs to get much better as a blocker and a route runner. He’ll need to add special teams skills to his toolbox to crack the 53-man roster.

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• Round 1, Pick No. 11: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
• Round 1, Pick No. 23: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
• Round 3, Pick No. 92: Jaishawn Barham, ED/LB, Michigan
• Round 4, Pick No. 112: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State
• Round 4, Pick No. 114: Devin Moore, CB, Florida
• Round 4, Pick No. 137: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
• Round 7, Pick No. 218: Anthony Smith, WR, East Carolina

Final word

The Dallas Cowboys believe they’re first three picks combined with the addition of veteran LB Dee Winters gives them a rebuilt defense. While we’ll have to wait until the results, it’s tough to disagree, mostly because of Caleb Downs’ arrival—his All-Pro potential truly moves the needle for Dallas.

In Days 2 and 3, the Cowboys depth with upside. Watch out for OT Drew Shelton and CB Devin Moore potentially competing for starting roles down the road.