A lot has gone wrong for the Dallas Cowboys to fuel their two-year playoff drought, but a spotty track record drafting defensive players has been a major culprit.
They've had some notable misses, which makes it all the more important that Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence live up to their first-round billing.
Downs entered the NFL with a high floor and sky-high expectations. The only question is how high his ceiling is. Lawrence, meanwhile, arrived in Dallas firmly in Downs' shadow as the Cowboys' other first-round pick. That is actually great news for America's Team because Lawrence embraces being overlooked.
"I'm kind of used to being in the shadows," Lawrence told the Dallas media. "It doesn't faze me. Once the time comes, people will see the work that you put in…"
"Kind of building up into the combine, I knew I was going to kill the combine. It was just funny hearing all the mocks and stuff like that. But yea, being in the shadows and then rising to the top, kind of used to that."
That kind of mindset is exactly what coaches crave.
Dallas Cowboys rookie Malachi Lawrence's mindset is every coach's dream
Any professional athlete is driven, but not every player carries the underdog mentality that comes from always being overlooked.
Playing for a premier program like Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, or Notre Dame naturally comes with a massive spotlight. Lawrence, though, hails from Central Florida. While UCF has made tremendous strides in recent years, it still doesn't command nearly as much national attention as a traditional power.
Lawrence had to overcome playing for a program that rarely produces first-round picks, let alone one that dominates the national conversation. That can help explain why he didn't generate first-round buzz until very late in the draft process.
Granted, he needs time to develop, but he has the size, athleticism, and upside that push edge rushers into Round 1 every year, even if the production isn't yet polished.
It's unclear how many teams had a first-round grade on Lawrence, but the Cowboys were comfortable taking him at No. 20. Once a trade-back opportunity presented itself, though, they took it and were quick to select Lawrence with the 23rd pick.
The selection received mixed reviews, as many draft experts viewed it as a reach. But after stealing Caleb Downs at No. 11, Dallas could afford a more upside-driven swing. Without a second-round pick, it made sense to swing for a player with Lawrence's ceiling.
Say what you will about OTAs and minicamp, but Lawrence's wiring has already shown up. He impressed in his reps with the first-team defense, and Brian Schottenheimer applauded his instincts in drop coverage.
How those instincts translate when the pads come on in training camp will determine how much Lawrence sees the field as a rookie, but he's passed every test to this point.
Much like Caleb Downs, Lawrence's temperament is what coaches dream about.
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