The Dallas Cowboys defense is looking a lot more impactful heading into next season as a result of landing two strong rookies in the first round. Dallas pounced on the opportunity to trade up one spot in order to be 100% certain that the team snagged Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.
The Cowboys followed this move up by trading down but still securing UCF pass rusher Malachi Lawrence. Ahead of Day 2 of the NFL draft, the Cowboys appeared to announce that Downs will wear No. 18.
Dallas posted a graphic with Downs and Lawrence wearing their new Cowboys jerseys. It looks like Lawrence will wear No. 57 to start his tenure with the Cowboys as well.
These numbers are subject to change as Downs could negotiate to secure the No. 2 in Dallas which the star wore at Ohio State. Cornerback Cobie Durant is currently wearing No. 2 for the Cowboys.
Here’s what you need to know about the latest Cowboys news during an eventful draft.
Caleb Downs on Cowboys: ‘We Kind of Knew There Was a Good Opportunity There’
The Cowboys plan to use Downs as both a safety and nickel cornerback. While many mock drafts projected Downs to go higher than No. 11, the star revealed that he saw Big D as a potential landing spot.
“We kind of knew there was a good opportunity there and a good relationship that was formed through the 30 visit and everything like that and they had real interest,” Downs explained on April 23, 2026, per DallasCowboys.com’s Tommy Yarrish. “So, I was excited about it.
“That’s a great place to play. Great fan base and everything like that. So just super thankful for the opportunity and continue to push forward and try to be my best self.”
Jerry Jones on New Cowboys Safety Caleb Downs: ‘He Was a Prize for Us Sitting There’
Dallas believed there was a chance Downs could have been available at No. 12 but did not want to risk another team trading up to land the safety. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones explained why the front office was comfortable giving up two fifth rounders to be 100% certain the team landed Downs.
“He was a prize for us sitting there,” Jones explained in an April 23, press conference, per CBS Sports’ Garett Podell. “He was a prize for us sitting there with the fives (fifth-round picks), without the fives. When it would absolutely cut your heart out, and we’ve had it done, I’ve had it done.
“I was just thinking of the times that we’ve been the next pick and had somebody move up and get him [a player Dallas wanted]. We had every reason to think that that might be happening. … We didn’t want to lose him.”
The Cowboys Have 6 Picks Remaining in the Final 2 Days of the NFL Draft
Cowboys fans have plenty to be excited about after Round 1, but Dallas still has more fireworks planned. Dallas does not have a second-round selection but has six picks remaining in the final two days of the draft.
The Cowboys will have a busy fourth round with three selections: No. 112, No. 114 and No. 137. Dallas could also use these picks in an attempt to move up in the draft as well.
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