Cowboys' NFL Draft Show: Reaction to Dallas getting Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence
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The 2026 NFL Draft coverage by Shan and RJ delivers an electrifying recap of the Dallas Cowboys' strategic and impactful first-round selections. The episode kicks off with a flurry of early trades, including the Las Vegas Raiders selecting quarterback Fernando Mendoza first overall, followed by the Jets, Cardinals, Titans, and Giants making bold moves to bolster their defenses. The Cowboys, after a calculated trade up from 12 to 11 with the Miami Dolphins, secure safety Caleb Downs — a consensus top-10 talent — sparking immediate excitement in the studio and among fans. Downs, praised for his elite football IQ, leadership, and versatility as a nickel defender, is hailed as a cornerstone for the Cowboys’ defensive transformation. The team then executes a masterful trade back with the Philadelphia Eagles, swapping a seventh-round pick and the 20th overall selection for the 23rd pick, allowing them to land edge rusher Malachi Lawrence — a high-impact, instinctive pass-rusher ready to contribute immediately. The segment underscores the Cowboys’ disciplined, board-driven approach, prioritizing NFL-ready talent, culture, and long-term defensive development over developmental risk. The episode highlights the strategic brilliance behind the Cowboys’ draft moves, with multiple analysts and front office executives emphasizing the value of draft capital and the importance of securing high-impact players early. Both Downs and Lawrence are celebrated not only for their on-field abilities but also for their work ethic, faith, and leadership — qualities that align with the team’s culture. The trade structure, involving two fifth-round picks to secure Downs and two fourth-round picks gained via the trade back, is lauded as a model of efficient roster building. The hosts reflect on the shifting draft landscape, noting how early offensive picks increased the urgency for defensive reinforcements, making Downs’ selection even more pivotal. With a strong foundation laid in the first round, the Cowboys are positioned for immediate competitiveness and long-term success, setting the stage for continued activity in rounds two and three.
The Cowboys traded up to 11th overall to secure safety Caleb Downs, a versatile, high-IQ leader with elite football instincts, proving their commitment to defensive transformation.
By trading back to 23rd, the Cowboys acquired edge rusher Malachi Lawrence and gained two additional fourth-round picks, maximizing value and draft capital.
The team prioritized NFL-ready, high-character players with immediate impact potential, signaling a shift toward building a competitive, versatile, and disciplined defense.
Strategic trades — including two fifth-round picks for Downs and a swap with the Eagles — demonstrate a calculated, board-driven approach focused on long-term roster development.
The early selection of offensive players reshaped the draft landscape, increasing the value of defensive picks like Downs and Lawrence, making the Cowboys’ moves even more impactful.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Draft Kickoff and First Picks: Mendoza, Bailey, Love
“The last few days have been nothing but trade back, trade back, trade back. I was talking to people in Arizona and they were saying offensive line, defensive line. They were not talking about really love at all.”
Giants and Chiefs Make Key Defensive Moves
“I think the Giants did an excellent job. Now for the Cowboys, you could be looking at getting my number one player at pick 12.”
Cowboys Trade Up for Caleb Downs
“If this is the pick, every one of you is getting hugged. Okay, that's fine with me.”
Caleb Downs: The New Cowboy's Arrival
Caleb Downs, the Cowboys' 11th overall pick, is welcomed to Dallas with a focus on his faith, humility, and readiness to contribute. He speaks about his preparation for the NFL, his bond with teammate Tyler Booker, and his competitive spirit, including a playful golf contest with the coaching staff.
Malachi Lawrence: The Edge Rusher from UCF
“This is a guy who is always putting himself in a favorable position with his pad level to make it incredibly difficult to get hands on him.”
“You basically turn two fives into two fours. And you move back. You pick up. And you just get Caleb Downs, dog. That's phenomenal drafting.”
“This is a guy who is always putting himself in a favorable position with his pad level to make it incredibly difficult to get hands on him.”
“If this is the pick, every one of you is getting hugged. Okay, that's fine with me.”
Hosts
Guests
dallas cowboys
other
caleb downs
person
Malachi Lawrence
person
Jerry Jones
person
Will McClay
person
arvel reese
person
vach lombardi
person
roger goodell
person
Philadelphia Eagles
organization
brian broaddus
person
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