Demeitre Brim once coached Cowboys' first-round pick Malachi Lawrence at UCF, and the reunion in Dallas has both of them over the moon to get started helping the defense.

Beginning as early as a visit before the 2023 NFL Draft to East Tennessee State, a detailed look at the stops along the way in the Cowboys' scouting process of first-round pick Caleb Downs. 

Three days, seven draft picks, two trades, five press conferences and seven conference calls. With all of that, you've got a lot of quotes. Here are some of the best ones to describe the newest players on the roster.

The Cowboys' additions of rookie players aren't complete after the end of the 2026 NFL Draft, as Dallas is working on signing their undrafted free agents. 

The Cowboys' 2026 NFL Draft class is complete, as the Cowboys added seven players, including five on defense, headlined by first-round pick Caleb Downs. 

With their final pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Cowboys turned back to the offensive side of the ball and selected Anthony Smith out of ECU.

Looking to help add firepower to their rebuilt defensive line, the Dallas Cowboys took a trip to Tuscaloosa and brought LT Overton to the unit for Christian Parker.

Continuing to build and revamp their defense for 2026, the Dallas Cowboys take a trip to the swamp to add cornerback Devin Moore in the fourth round of the NFL Draft.  

In a defensive-heavy draft this year, the Dallas Cowboys make their first offensive pick Drew Shelton, adding the talented offensive tackle to the mix for the future. 

Through two days of the NFL Draft, the Cowboys have drafted three new defenders and traded for another to add to Christian Parker's defense. Dallas is confident in their new faces, with owner/GM Jerry Jones saying "we've changed this defense."

With their third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys make another move to improve their defense by selecting linebacker Jaishawn Barham. 

As the first-ever player selected out of UCF by the Cowboys, Malachi Lawrence understands the assignment and wants to do special things in Dallas.

The drafting of Caleb Downs has reminded many of another great Cowboys safety, Ring of Honor member Darren Woodson.

From getting two and a half hours of sleep to an escort into the Star, an inside look at Caleb Downs' first day as a member of the Dallas Cowboys. 

Caleb Downs knew that coming to the Cowboys was "a good opportunity" when visiting Dallas, and now the opportunity has arrived. He believes he can "do it all" for the Cowboys' secondary at multiple positions. 

Wins and losses always occur during the regular season and playoffs. But if it's possible to win an NFL Draft, it's hard to think the Cowboys won't do that after the addition of Caleb Downs. 

So how much did the defense improve in one night? We asked the staff writers to weigh in. 

Having addressed the defensive secondary by drafting Caleb Downs, the Cowboys used their second pick in the first round on pass rusher Malachi Lawrence.

Looking to continue their defensive rebuild, the Cowboys select Caleb Downs after trading up to grab him in the 2026 NFL Draft.

One way or another, Thursday is expected to have its share of fireworks. Some of the analysts from the Cowboys podcasts have weighed in, giving their predictions for the team's first pick. 

The staff writers of DallasCowboys.com have turned in their picks, revealing their 7-round mock draft, highlighting all eight of the Dallas selections, including two in Thursday's first round. 

It's been 21 years since the Cowboys had two top-20 picks in the NFL Draft. Dallas was in a similar position needing help on defense in 2005, and got it from their two first-rounders, DeMarcus Ware and Marcus Spears. Can history repeat itself for the Cowboys in 2026?

Whether it be before or after the draft, and maybe even moving up or down during it, there is "every kind of trade possible" on the table for the Cowboys going into the first round on Thursday night. 

While the pre-draft press conference usually doesn't provide a lot of fireworks, that changed Wednesday when none other than President Bill Clinton showed up. 

With only 13 college starts under his belt, the best may be yet to come for Tennessee CB Colton Hood. Could he be the next first-round corner for Christian Parker to develop?