Patrik Walker
FRISCO, TexasThe headlines from free agency continued into the beginning of the 2026 NFL Draft for and by the Dallas Cowboys. Having proven recently that they're unafraid to wheel and deal to get a player they want, they transferred that energy over to the first pick in the first round, moving up from No. 12 to No. 11 in a trade with the Miami Dolphins to grab former Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.
[**Enter Cowboys Draft Central here**]
The next question was obvious: do they attack the linebacker position next with the 20th-overall pick, or maybe an outside linebacker, or a cornerback, or throw a curveball and add a blue chip player to the offensive side of the ball.
Striking a second trade deal on the night, the Cowboys sent the No. 20 pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for the No. 23 pick, and Dallas has selected Malachi Lawrence out of the University of Central Florida.
Round 1: Malachi Lawrence, DE, UCF
Three things to know:
- First-team All Big 12 (2025)
- Finished No. 10 on UCF's all-time sack (20 sacks)
- Honorable mention for Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year
Scouting Report + Fit:
Stay tuned for scouting report!
