Todd Archer Apr 23, 2026, 09:16 PM ET

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Todd Archer is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the Dallas Cowboys. Archer has covered the NFL since 1997 and Dallas since 2003. He joined ESPN in 2010.

FRISCO, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys are hoping they can repeat their draft success from 2005 to repair a defense in need of serious help.

After taking Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the No. 11 pick in the NFL draft Thursday night, thanks to a trade with the Miami Dolphins , the Cowboys selected UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence with the 23rd pick after moving down from No. 20 in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles .

"We've changed the face of the defense," owner and general manager Jerry Jones said.

In 2005, the Cowboys selected outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware and defensive end Marcus Spears in the first round at Nos. 11 and 20.…