The Dallas Cowboys Draft Grade reflects a franchise determined to rebuild its defense following a disappointing 2025 season. Dallas aggressively targeted defensive playmakers throughout the 2026 NFL Draft and enters training camp hoping those additions can help return the team to NFC East contention.
The Dallas Cowboys put together a fairly solid 2026 NFL draft class, centered around improving the defense and reinforcing premium positions. In his latest piece, @JordanCoulson22 breaks down the players and gives his grades. #DallasCowboys https://t.co/c5FOKwF65n
— The League Winners (@LeagueWinnersFB) June 3, 2026
Round 1 (No. 11) Caleb Downs – S, Ohio State — Grade: A
Round 1 (No. 23) Malachi Lawrence – EDGE, UCF — Grade: C
Round 3 (No. 92) Jaishawn Barham – EDGE, Michigan — Grade: A
Round 4 (No. 112) Drew Shelton – OT, Penn State — Grade: A-
Round 4 (No. 114) Devin Moore – CB, Florida — Grade: B+
Round 4 (No. 137) LT Overton – EDGE, Alabama — Grade: B+
Round 7 (No. 218) Anthony Smith – WR, East Carolina — Grade: B-
DAL Cowboys Overall Draft Grade: B+
The Dallas Cowboys entered the draft with glaring needs on defense, particularly following the departure of Micah Parsons. Dallas addressed those concerns immediately by trading up for Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, one of the most highly regarded defensive prospects in the class. Many evaluators believe Downs has the potential to become the long-term leader of the Cowboys’ secondary.
Dallas continued its defensive makeover by adding three edge defenders over the course of the draft. Malachi Lawrence was a somewhat controversial first-round selection, but the Cowboys doubled down on pass-rush help with Jaishawn Barham and LT Overton. Barham may ultimately prove to be the best value selection of the group after earning one of the highest grades in the entire Dallas draft class. The Cowboys also strengthened the offensive line with Drew Shelton while adding cornerback depth through Devin Moore. Overall, Dallas successfully attacked several defensive weaknesses while improving roster depth.
Cowboys' Dak Prescott already impressed with rookie Caleb Downs: "Contagious" confidencehttps://t.co/3TtD4s1pFh pic.twitter.com/TTwWAoNhTO
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) June 1, 2026
NFL Rookie Minicamp Results
The Cowboys welcomed their rookie class to The Star in Frisco during rookie minicamp held from May 1-3. While the sessions focused primarily on learning the playbook and adjusting to NFL life, several rookies quickly stood out.
Jaishawn Barham emerged as one of the biggest stars of camp. Coaches praised his commitment to learning after he routinely remained behind following meetings to ask additional questions and absorb extra coaching. Dallas also began cross-training him at multiple linebacker positions, highlighting the versatility that made him such an attractive draft prospect.
Caleb Downs also received significant attention throughout the weekend. The first-round safety spent extra time working with defensive coordinator Christian Parker and the secondary coaching staff as he learned the complexities of Dallas’ new defensive system. Meanwhile, Malachi Lawrence focused heavily on refining his pass-rush technique under the guidance of specialist coach B.T. Jordan. The Cowboys believe all three players could contribute immediately as the defense continues its transformation.
Dallas Cowboys Updated 2026 Win Total Projection
The Cowboys enter the 2026 season with a projected win total of 9.5 games. While sportsbooks generally lean toward the Under, several analytical models remain optimistic about Dallas’ ability to rebound from last season’s 7-10 record.
Much of that optimism centers around the defense. Dallas finished last in the NFL in points allowed during 2025, making defensive improvement the organization’s top offseason priority. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker and a draft class headlined by Caleb Downs could help produce immediate results.
They will play teams like the Arizona Cardinals but overall it will be a challenge in navigating a difficult schedule. The Cowboys face several challenging road games and compete in an NFC East division that remains highly competitive. However, ESPN analyst Mike Clay projects Dallas to exceed the 9.5-win mark, and many analysts believe the Cowboys have enough talent to challenge for a playoff spot. If the defense improves even moderately, Dallas could become one of the more interesting bounce-back candidates in the NFC.
NFC East win totals predictions: Back the Cowboys and fade the Commandershttps://t.co/L91vRnmku7
— Jordan Dajani (@JordanDajani) June 2, 2026
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