Voch Lombardi of Crown Global Media joins the show to recap Round 1 of the NFL Draft
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Vach Lombardi of Crown Global Media joins Shan and RJ on 105.3 The Fan to break down Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing heavily on the Dallas Cowboys' selection of Caleb Downs at No. 12 overall. Lombardi expresses strong enthusiasm for the pick, arguing that Downs is not just a safe, high-floor prospect but a true game-changer who could make the Cowboys five games better in theory by elevating the entire defensive unit’s football IQ. He praises Downs’ elite film against top-tier competition and dismisses concerns about his fit in the nickel role, emphasizing his versatility and intelligence. Lombardi also defends the Cowboys’ decision to pass on Malachi Lawrence, calling him a promising pass rusher with nuance and film study habits, though he acknowledges Lawrence played against lesser competition. On Day 2, Lombardi advocates for the Cowboys to trade down and acquire veteran help rather than move up, favoring known quantities over unknowns. He expresses skepticism about drafting offensive players late in the draft, suggesting defense should remain the priority. The episode closes with Lombardi reflecting on the Cowboys’ strategic draft management and his own excitement for the team’s future.
Caleb Downs is a transformative defensive talent who could make the Cowboys five games better by improving overall defensive intelligence and play recognition.
Lombardi believes Downs is a high-floor, no-projection player whose film against elite college competition proves his NFL readiness.
Malachi Lawrence is a promising pass rusher with a plan and film study habits, though he needs to face higher-level competition to prove himself.
The Cowboys should prioritize acquiring veteran help in the third and fourth rounds rather than trading up for late-round prospects.
Offensive picks after Round 1 should be avoided unless the team is at the top of the board, with defense remaining the primary focus.
Vach Lombardi’s Draft Day Vibe and Opening Thoughts
“I believe his introduction yesterday was YouTube Superstar on the draft show, and he is already dressed in the jacket ready to go for round two.”
Caleb Downs: The Game-Changer Pick
“Caleb Downs in theory makes you five games better than you were last year. Five? In theory. In theory. I sound like a homer.”
Defending the Downs Fit and Role Flexibility
Lombardi addresses concerns about Downs playing nickel corner full-time, explaining his versatility against non-shifty receivers and tight ends. He emphasizes that Downs’ intelligence and film study habits make him adaptable, even if others like Jalen Thompson are better in certain matchups.
Malachi Lawrence and the Pass Rush Need
Lombardi praises Malachi Lawrence for his burst, nuance, and film study habits, calling him a perfect fit for the Cowboys’ need for a bendy, pass-rushy edge defender. He acknowledges Lawrence’s lack of elite competition but believes he has high upside with development.
Day Two Strategy and Veteran Focus
“I think veteran help helps you much more with these fours. Now there are guys – let me just look at my board. There are guys like in the fourth round...”
“Caleb Downs in theory makes you five games better than you were last year. Five? In theory. In theory. I sound like a homer.”
“I'm not big hope guy, so you're not hoping with Caleb Downs. I'm sure Caleb Downs is going to be a good player in the league because on his film, it ain't like he out here covering North Texas wide receivers or something.”
“I think veteran help helps you much more with these fours. Now there are guys – let me just look at my board. There are guys like in the fourth round...”
Hosts
Guest
Vach Lombardi
person
Dallas Cowboys
organization
Caleb Downs
person
Malachi Lawrence
person
Bobby
person
105.3 The Fan
media
Christian Parker
person
Miami Dolphins
organization
RJ
person
Shan
person
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