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Cowboys hoping for Micah Parsons redux with No. 23 pick after Eagles trade
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- Cowboys hoping for Micah Parsons redux with No. 23 pick after Eagles trade
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The Dallas Cowboys have emerged as aggressive players in the Draft, striking an early deal with the Miami Dolphins to secure the No. 11 overall pick. By moving up just one spot, Jerry Jones ensured the arrival of Ohio State standout Caleb Downs , a versatile safety who has earned significant praise from coaching legends.
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During a recent appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher compared Downs to Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu , noting that Downs is the type of disruptive talent who can be placed anywhere on the field.
This strategic jump allows Dallas to secure a high-ceiling playmaker for their secondary.
The Cowboys’ night took an even more interesting turn when they engaged in a rare trade with their NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles .
Adam Schefter reported on X that this move mirrors a famous 2021 exchange between the two franchises; in that draft, a swap resulted in Philly landing DeVonta Smith while Dallas secured Micah Parsons .
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History appears to be repeating itself in this latest deal.
The teams swapped picks once again, with the Eagles moving up to select wide receiver Makai Lemon, while Dallas landed pass rusher Malachi Lawrence at No. 23.
By acquiring Lawrence through a similar trade structure, the Cowboys are clearly hoping for another “Parsons-level” impact on their defensive front.
For Philadelphia, the decision to trade up to No. 20 for Lemon is widely viewed as a signal that the AJ Brown era is coming to a close.
According to Mike Garafolo, the Eagles sent picks 23, 114, and 137 to Dallas to secure the move.
Adam Schefter noted that drafting Lemon provides Philadelphia with crucial “insurance” ahead of a projected trade that would send AJ Brown to the New England Patriots this June.
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While trading with a direct rival is always a risk, the Eagles prioritized securing a top-tier receiving prospect as they prepare for a significant transition in their offensive depth chart.
Related: Cowboys headline biggest winners from 2026 NFL Draft Round 1
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