With the 23rd pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected EDGE Malachi Lawrence. Ever since the Micah Parsons trade the Cowboys have needed more pass rush. The hope is Lawrence can provide it. The Cowboys got him at pick 23 after trading down with the Eagles.

An NFL-caliber edge rusher with prototypical size and length, Lawrence moves with the suddenness of a smaller player. Explosive get-off and a deep bag of moves/counters fuel his pocket disruption. He can win inside or outside but his speed-to-power conversion is average. His hands are subtle but skilled to quickly unlock openings and his secondary rush. He closes with burst and has the motor to hound scrambling quarterbacks. The next level will bring better tackles and more quick-sets, which will test how well his production translates. He makes splash plays behind the line but must provide better consistency and discipline in run support. Lawrence is an ascending prospect with rush polish and pro traits that should be enticing for pressure-hungry defenses.

EDGE: The Micah Parsons trade left a huge hole at pass rusher, the Cowboys need an injection of talent.

LB: It’s basically DeMarvion Overshown or bust at LB. Shemar James may make a leap, but Dallas needs a starter here.

CB: Trevon Diggs’ departure and DaRon Bland’s injury issues means the team needs help. The current depth is lackluster.

S: Christian Parker’s scheme needs quality safeties, something the Cowboys have a lack of except for free agent addition Jalen Thompson.

WR: George Pickens is on a one-year franchise tag. Getting another contender for the future is a solid move.

OT: Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele both have their faults. Adding a decent swing tackle makes sense.