Selecting Malachi Lawrence
When: April 23, 2026
AI Fan Approval Estimate: 62.5%
The Vibe: Enthusiastic acceptance
Fans were still euphoric from the Caleb Downs selection, but things got even better when they landed the explosive pass rusher from Central Florida. Malachi Lawrence had been picking up steam in draft circles, so securing his services was fantastic, but what made things even better was that the Cowboys were also able to snag two extra fourth-round picks from the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys moved back a few spots, still got their pass rusher, and took home some Day 3 dancing chips as a bonus. While Lawrence is not Parsons, adding him to the already-strong interior, things are looking a lot better in the trenches.
Adding more defenders
When: April 25, 2026
AI Fan Approval Estimate:: 77.5%
The Vibe: Complete vindication
On Day 3 of the draft, those two extra fourth-round picks from trading back for Lawrence turned into two more defensive depth pieces. The Cowboys finally addressed the cornerback position by adding a solid boundary corner in Florida’s Devin Moore. And then later in the round, they added a violent, alignment-versatile edge setter in LT Overton. Seeing the direct line from losing Parsons to landing a dominant interior, a first-round pass rusher, and two high-upside defensive depth pieces has converted the vast majority of skeptics.
When you look at the Parsons trade, all of the pieces are finally showing themselves. One player has turned into five for the Cowboys, just as Jerry said when the trade first happened. Financially, the cost of Parsons ($45 million) is essentially the same as the combined cost of both of the defensive tackles, Williams ($24 million) and Clark ($21 million). The team will take on an additional cost for extra rookies, but that will only amount to roughly $7.5 million annually for all three of them combined.