Draft Day Insider: Defensive Shift

We break down how Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence fit into a 3-4 defensive scheme, analyze the Cowboys' trade for Dee Winters and whether he can fill the linebacker void, and take you behind the scenes for exclusive access to rookies on their first day after a life-changing draft moment.

Team reporter Nicole Hutchison captures the first moments of the Cowboys' 2026 first‑round picks as Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence arrive at The Star for the first time. From family influences and personal journeys to their excitement about joining Dallas, both rookies share what it means to wear the star and begin their NFL careers with the Cowboys.

Listen to the exclusive audio of the call from the Dallas Cowboys to WR Anthony Smith, the seventh selection by the Cowboys in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, Will McClay, and Brian Schottenheimer meet with the media after day three of the 2026 NFL Draft where the Dallas Cowboys drafted four new players.

Bill Jones, Kyle Youmans, and Mickey Spagnola recap a draft weekend like no other… including Dallas choosing seven players in the 2026 NFL Draft, giving an update on George Pickens, and celebrating Brandon Aubrey as the highest paid kicker in NFL history.

Watch the Dallas Cowboys 2026 NFL Draft Special as they recap the three-day event.

Listen to the exclusive audio of the call from the Dallas Cowboys to DL LT Overton, the sixth selection by the Cowboys in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Listen to the exclusive audio of the call from the Dallas Cowboys to CB Devin Moore, the fifth selection by the Cowboys in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Listen to the exclusive audio of the call from the Dallas Cowboys to OT Drew Shelton, the fourth selection by the Cowboys in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, Will McClay, and Brian Schottenheimer meet with the media after day two of the 2026 NFL Draft where the Dallas Cowboys drafted Jaishawn Barham.

Listen to the exclusive audio of the call from the Dallas Cowboys to EDGE Malachi Lawrence, the second selection by the Cowboys in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Dallas Cowboys legends Drew Pearson and Tony Dorsett announce the Dallas Cowboys' selection of Michigan Wolverines EDGE Jaishawn Barham in Round 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 92 overall pick (via a trade with the San Francisco 49ers).

The Dallas Cowboys introduce Malachi Lawrence, the No. 23 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, as he meets with the media alongside Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Lawrence discusses his path from UCF to the NFL, the development of his pass‑rush skill set, and his excitement to join Dallas' defense. Cowboys leadership outlines why Lawrence stood out as a first‑round selection and how his explosiveness, effort, and upside fit into the team's defensive plans moving forward.

The Dallas Cowboys formally introduce Caleb Downs, the No. 11 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Joined by Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer, Downs speaks with the media about his journey to Dallas, his versatility in the secondary, his football upbringing, and his eagerness to get to work. Cowboys leadership outlines why Downs was a priority addition and how his skill set, instincts, and leadership fit the team's defensive vision moving forward.

Trading up and back, selecting two defensive players, and answering fan questions are all part of today's Draft Day Insider show.  Kyle Youmans, Nick Eatman, and Mickey Spagnola cover all the angles of the draft's first-round roller coaster for the Dallas Cowboys.

Listen to the exclusive audio of the call from the Dallas Cowboys to EDGE Malachi Lawrence, the second selection by the Cowboys in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, Will McClay, and Brian Schottenheimer meet with the media after day one of the 2026 NFL Draft where the Dallas Cowboys drafted Jaishawn Barham.

Listen to the exclusive audio of the call from the Dallas Cowboys to S Caleb Downs, the first selection by the Cowboys in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Dallas Cowboys select UCF Knights EDGE Malachi Lawrence in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 23 overall pick (via a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles).

The Dallas Cowboys select Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 11 overall pick (via a trade with the Miami Dolphins).

Will the Cowboys draft only defensive players? Is there a safety worth picking in the first round? Who is the best round one defender drafted in team history? Nicole Hutchison, Kyle Youmans, and Tommy Yarrish provide all the Dallas Cowboys in-depth coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, Will McClay, and Brian Schottenheimer meet with the media ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft to discuss the team's draft philosophy, trade flexibility with two first‑round picks, positional value, injury considerations, and how the Cowboys balance best‑player‑available with roster needs. The group also addresses George Pickens playing under the franchise tag, the role of character and "brain work" in evaluations, and how modern tools like analytics and AI factor into preparation—before a surprise visit from former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

The draft debate heats up as we break down whether the Cowboys should make a move up the board—and who's worth the price. Plus, Anthony Dorsett joins with an exclusive film session on potential early-round targets, giving you a closer look at the names Cowboys fans need to know.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer speaks with staff writer Tommy Yarrish from Texas Pro Day, discussing what he looks for in prospects, his increased role in the draft process, trust in DC Christian Parker, and how free agency has positioned the Cowboys entering the 2026 NFL Draft.

The second day of the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl brought an inside look at plenty of big-name NFL Draft prospects. Kyle Youmans and Tommy Yarrish break down the second full day of practices and news from Mobile, Alabama. Plus, they talk to Georgia cornerback Daylen Everette and Boston College edge rusher Quintayvious Hutchins.