If you asked Cowboys fans to circle one player to draft in Round 1, most would have landed on Caleb Downs. His selection may go down as a defining moment for the franchise, and while it’s doing a lot of the heavy lifting in grading Dallas’ class, the Cowboys were excellent all weekend.
One move that could be critiqued, though, was the decision that led to the selection of Central Florida edge rusher Malachi Lawrence at No. 23 overall.
The Cowboys struck a trade with the Eagles to move from No. 20 to No. 23, picking up two fourth-round picks from their division rival. While a great haul by Dallas, it allowed Philadelphia to draft its A.J. Brown replacement in USC wide receiver Makai Lemon.
ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper praised the Eagles' aggression to get their guy. He gave Philly's entire draft an A, but Lemon drove a lot of the plaudits.
"If you have any doubt a trade-up was needed to get him, look no further than the video circulating of Lemon on the phone with the Steelers, who had intended to take him at No. 21 before they learned the Eagles had jumped the line.
Lemon (No. 11 on my board) is a tough, physical receiver despite his 5-11, 192-pound frame. He snags the ball on the run and turns upfield through traffic without fear, helping him to 1,156 yards in the 2025 season. He will match well with DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, and Hollywood Brown."
The Dallas Cowboys could regret letting the Eagles draft Makai Lemon
Facilitating a great outcome for the Eagles is anything but ideal.
The Cowboys turned the trade into Lawrence, Florida cornerback Devin Moore, and Alabama defensive lineman LT Overton. Lawrence would have been the pick at No. 20 anyway, so adding two extra contributors while still landing their preferred pass rusher is great business.
Lawrence was viewed as a slight reach in the moment, but with prospects beyond the top 15 so tightly clustered, that label doesn't carry much weight.
The trade could end up as a win-win for Dallas and Philly.
But it's only natural to question buoying a division rival, let alone the Eagles, who've been to two Super Bowls in the last four years. Howie Roseman is the best general manager in the league. He doesn't need the Cowboys doing him any favors.
Clearly, Dallas was always acting in its own best interest. They didn't want to help Philly, nor did they want to screw the Steelers. With only one Day 2 pick, more capital was a must, and the Eagles were the only team willing to play ball. Letting them land Lemon was the cost of adding two fourth-rounders.
None of it will matter if Lawrence delivers on his first-round billing and Moore and Overton become contributors. But if Lawrence starts slow and Lemon hits the ground running, critics will have a field day.
Jerry vs. Howie. May the best man win.
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