Grade our first round!

[Xizor]

Cowboys do not need a call what they saw is a guy that was projected as a top 5 defender in this draft, And it wasn't Miami they were worried about you all just keep missing the reality of the draft Miami most likely wasn't gonna take him therefore somebody else might have tried to jump the Cowboys and made a deal with Miami so Dallas got ahead of it that's how it works because if Miami really wanted him they would have picked him They would have made the trade They didn't trick Dallas two fifth round picks we're talking about the lower comp picks you traded with Miami to keep for another team from doing the same thing..

Good point. Didn't even think that someone else might have offered a 5th or something and Dallas came in said we will give you two.

 

[blueblood70]

Anybody that says less than an A or A- shouldn't be able to watch football

Simply have their posting rights paused until Monday That's a good slap on the wrist for being ridiculous. .

 

[Blitzen]

B+ Solid first round with two picks!

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

A to an A+ so far

 

[GuitarBytes]

I think an A- I think the Cowboys should have fought to move up to pick 6 and selected Sonny Styles, and they still might have had the opportunity to select Lawrence with the Browns' 39th pick; that would have been an A

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

I think an A- I think the Cowboys should have fought to move up to pick 6 and selected Sonny Styles, and they still might have had the opportunity to select Lawrence with the Browns' 39th pick; that would have been an A

Honestly, I think Downs might be the best all round player, and I like Lawrence at 23. That's good value. Maybe we can use some of the newly acquired 4s to move up to get Jacob Rodriguez?

 

[DoctorChicken]

A+

At first I was ticked when Styles went to Washington, partially because I didn’t envision Downs dropping to Dallas. But then he did.

He is about as guaranteed of a stud that you can possibly draft. Complete homerun who will impact the defense immediately.

Lawrence is a pass rusher and we need those guys. His stats don’t reflect his athleticism and he’ll need coached up.

 

[ICP]

give me a B- I really like the the Downs pick as the LB's were gone but The Lawrence pick is giving me Taco flashbacks so A and C- equal out to a B- for me

 

[JayFord]

A+

We got the best Safety prospect in quite some time

 

[Pug4366]

What do you give us for a grade?? Clearly it's an A, what's not to like about this first round??

A+. Can’t wait for the games to begin.

 

[Reid1boys]

Has to be an A. Got the best defensive player in the class. Dropped three spots, added a pass rusher, and got two 4th round picks back.

B at best. That pass rusher is a project. Those 2 picks.... who cares. Ask Die Hard, hell tell you.

 

[Reid1boys]

Can DAL stop the run or sack the QB tommorrow? Probably not, but I like the optimism.

well I guess Clark, and Williams must really suck if we still cant stop the run.

 

[Reid1boys]

downs is great. awesome pick.

i am not sold on lawrence, but of course i hope he works out.

my biggest concern, though, is that we *desperately* need an interior linebacker, and unless we can move up into the top-to-middle of the second round, we’re not going to get one who can help immediately.

you trade a 4th for a vet starter.

 

[JPostSam]

you trade a 4th for a vet starter.

which veteran would you like to acquire, who would be available for a 4th rounder?

 

[Verdict]

Doubtful. Mala was climbing the boards, he might've been gone soon.

The good thing is that he has great upside. He actually could turn out to be the best pass rusher in this draft.

There is no guarantee that Lawrence would have been available in another trade down. I realize that. I also expect the DEs to go a bit earlier than projected (Lawrence obviously did). I also realize that the draft is not an exact science.

I’m just saying it would have been nice to get a bit more draft ammo in a slight trade down. I don’t blame the Cowboys for wanting to get their man. That’s understandable.

 

[AstroPilota]

Solid A for the first round. This abysmal defense needs a lot of work, but last night and and the moves made so far are a great step in the right direction. Remember - this Defense will be paired with a very good offense, so it does not need to be a top-5 to get far.

 

[exciter]

Miami must of called them and said we are taking Downs but willing to give it up for a trade.

Pre arranged trade under that scenario with Dallas initiating contact!
Miami's target was Tyson.
Explains the buzzing with Tyson media was hearing from Dallas!

 

[HailstateCowboy]

A-
This doesn't add more Ws to the win column in 2026, but in a few years it will help.

Ha, this is complete nonsense. Cowboys couldn't stop anyone on defense last year. These two players will absolutely limit those scores in 2026. Caleb Downs will immediately limit plays over the top that killed us. Malachi Lawrence will immediately be able to come in on third down situations and limit the time the QB has to make those critical conversions. You're a fool if you don't think drafting these guys don't lead to more W's this fall.

 

[Miller]

B+. Love Downs. Not sold on Malachi but that can change...overall walked away buzzed and very happy

 

[Rowdy1]

I think A. We may have reached a bit on Lawrence but not enough to be concerned about and I think he has a lot of upside.