The Athletic Draft Grades: Caleb Downs A+, Malachi Lawrence C+

[MarcusRock]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7212635/2026/04/23/nfl-draft-2026-grades-round-1/

Downs:
Pound for pound, Downs is the best player in the draft. Now, he’s also the 2026 draft’s best value in the draft. For Dallas, Downs marries need with best player available — it’s not just a win-win, but a win-win-win. He can cover most receivers, he’s a sure tackler, and he returns punts when needed (see his 92-yard touchdown return against Indiana in 2024).

Lawrence:
The Cowboys gave up the most passing yards in the NFL last year, so it makes sense they would allocate resources in the draft to make improvements. And there’s no problem in taking an edge rusher — Dallas had only 35 sacks in 2025. But is Lawrence the right pick or a reach?

 

[Cumart21]

There were only about 12-15 players in this draft who received 1st round grades, so yeah, by definition players picked in the late 1st can be considered reaches.

 

[Jipper]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7212635/2026/04/23/nfl-draft-2026-grades-round-1/

Downs:
Pound for pound, Downs is the best player in the draft. Now, he’s also the 2026 draft’s best value in the draft. For Dallas, Downs marries need with best player available — it’s not just a win-win, but a win-win-win. He can cover most receivers, he’s a sure tackler, and he returns punts when needed (see his 92-yard touchdown return against Indiana in 2024).

Lawrence:
The Cowboys gave up the most passing yards in the NFL last year, so it makes sense they would allocate resources in the draft to make improvements. And there’s no problem in taking an edge rusher — Dallas had only 35 sacks in 2025. But is Lawrence the right pick or a reach?

Lawrence had a high to mid 2nd round grade from what I have read which can make him feel like a reach, but its a CP pick and he fits what he wants to do.

Only time will tell but the speed, fit to scheme and fact that there is familiarity with other coaches on the staff means this one might pan out different than it looked on paper

 

[John813]

There were only about 12-15 players in this draft who received 1st round grades, so yeah, by definition players picked in the late 1st can be considered reaches.

Yea, not sure I get the reach part(article comment).

Maybe if going off Feburary rankings for players, Lawrence would be a reach. But since the combine/pro-days it was leaking that he could be a consideration in the late 1st.

Maybe Dallas wanted to trade back a few spots to take him, they couldn't/didn't. Taking him at 23, 25 or 27 isn't that big of a difference.
And with no 2nd round pick, not like they could trade up if they took someone else at 20/23

 

[Stash]

This is where we have to trust in Christian Parker and his assistants.

We’ve certainly been burned before (Marinelli), but Parker has had a good track record at his previous stops.

I give him the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.

 

[kumizi]

Malachai Lawrence's biggest supporter was Christian Parker. Historically, letting our defensive coordinator pick the players has been disastrous. Maybe it'll work out better this time.

I don't watch enough college ball to have a true opinion on Lawrence. He has the measurables.

 

[BobSacamano]

This is where we have to trust in Christian Parker and his assistants.

We’ve certainly been burned before (Marinelli), but Parker has had a good track record at his previous stops.

I give him the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.

Difference is that Marinelli’s ideas of players hadn’t changed in 25+ years.

 

[jazzcat22]

Lawrence was reported dot been moving up the charts and into the 1st round. So a 2nd round draft grade is an opinion by some.

So when do we refer to him as MLaw?

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

Lawrence was a "late riser," but folks have to keep remembering, this was an unusually thin draft in terms of blue-chip talent across the board which pushes the prospects up the board. I think corner, safety, and possibly receiver are the deepest positions. The Cowboys only had 12 first round grades which likely means most of the players taken in the backend of R1 they viewed as second and possibly third round graded players. At that point, you just gotta make sure you get the guy you want (Lawrence).

 

[jazzcat22]

This is where we have to trust in Christian Parker and his assistants.

We’ve certainly been burned before (Marinelli), but Parker has had a good track record at his previous stops.

I give him the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.

Guys on ESPN & NFLN were praising Parker and these picks.

 

[TheKey]

Someone explain to me the concept of a reach. If he turns into a 10 sack a year guy, you going to say we should have waited to take him later on? Remember we had no second. All that matters is his talent. I like his traits and I trust CP

 

[Carson]

Lawrence gets a C+ because he was drafted by Dallas

Buffalo at 26 and SF right behind them wanted him. But since we drafted him he’s a reach lol

 

[Stash]

Difference is that Marinelli’s ideas of players hadn’t changed in 25+ years.

Exactly!

Like most of the defensive coordinators this team has hired for over a decade, the game had passed them by.

They were relics, not innovators.

Parker by contrast is part of the new breed of coaches.

 

[Aven8]

We needed pass rushers and that’s what we got. They are all rotational regardless

 

[reddyuta]

we got better Defensive coaches this time including BT Jordan,hopefully Lawrence will have a better year than Eze did.

 

[fivetwos]

I’m so damn happy about Downs that I still can’t fully believe it actually happened.

I know zero about Lawrence. I don’t really spend as much time on drafts as I used to. Jerry broke me in that regard.

 

[FiveSuperBowls]

Walterfootball graded the Lawrence pick an A.

 

[Rayman70]

Walterfootball graded the Lawrence pick an A.

Many outlets gave that pick a B or higher. Sometimes the athletic gets too cute when they grade out players.

 

[Proof]

Lawrence had a high to mid 2nd round grade from what I have read which can make him feel like a reach, but its a CP pick and he fits what he wants to do.

Only time will tell but the speed, fit to scheme and fact that there is familiarity with other coaches on the staff means this one might pan out different than it looked on paper

also i think that playing next to Q may pay dividends on him unlocking easier. don't think we need a world beater either, just good football players and I think we got one.

 

[Proof]

Yea, not sure I get the reach part(article comment).

Maybe if going off Feburary rankings for players, Lawrence would be a reach. But since the combine/pro-days it was leaking that he could be a consideration in the late 1st.

Maybe Dallas wanted to trade back a few spots to take him, they couldn't/didn't. Taking him at 23, 25 or 27 isn't that big of a difference.
And with no 2nd round pick, not like they could trade up if they took someone else at 20/23

the funny thing is, i keep seeing people say "they shouldve traded back and then took him" ... they did! lol. but i know what you mean and would have liked to see an additional trade back. they milked the clock too, so you know they were open for business. I wonder why they couldn't get the deal the bills did.