The Dallas Cowboys have officially used all their first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, and after getting a steal early in the first round with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, they got another later in the round as well.
The Cowboys selected UCF EDGE rusher Malachi Lawrence in a move that could seriously benefit Dallas going forward on the defensive line. Before the season began in 2025, the Cowboys traded away star EDGE rusher Micah Parsons, and his absence on the line was clear and even cost them a few wins.
Now, Lawrence has the chance to step into that roll and while he may not be at the same level as Parsons, he certainly makes the trade hurt less, according to some Dallas Cowboys writers.
FanSided's Luke Norris commends the Dallas Cowboys on Malachi Lawrence pick
Something good had to come from the Parsons trade for the Cowboys, and it feels like it finally has. Lawrence is going to bring a lot to the Cowboys, being one of five players to have five or more sacks each of the last three seasons, totalling 19.5 in that time span.
"Is Lawrence the game-changing prospect that Parsons was five years ago? Of course not," The Landry Hat writer Luke Norris said. "But this is a good get for the Cowboys, as he should fit in well with what new defensive coordinator Christian Parker plans to do.
Lawrence was ranked only No. 52 on FanSided's big draft board, but lately, he has been moving up the prospect rankings, and there was a lot of talk about Dallas going after him in the first round. It is clear the Cowboys made good on that buzz with the pick at No. 23.
The former UCF Knight is also going to get to reunite with his defensive line coach from his final season in Orlando, as the Cowboys hired Demietre Brim to be the assistant defensive line coach. Lawrence will get to have a familiar face in his new home and could have a very bright future with the Cowboys.
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