Grades are what’s next following on the heels of the NFL Draft, and the Cowboys walked away from this years class with something they haven’t consistently earned in recent years: widespread praise. Across major outlets, Dallas received grades ranging from “B+” to even “A-” in some evaluations, signaling a class viewed as both impactful and strategically sound.
Rene Bugner compiled the grades from 24 different news outlets and calculated the GPA from all 32 NFL teams. The Cowboys tied for fifth place alongside Tampa Bay earning a 3.55 GPA for their 2026 selections. Cleveland came in on top with a 3.83 GPA.
The tone for the weekend was set when the Cowboys traded up a spot with Miami to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, who was widely considered one of the top overall prospects in the class.
The Cowboys defensive overhaul didn’t stop with Downs as the team also selected UCF edge Malachi Lawrence in the first-round, picking up two fourth-round picks in the process, giving the team an explosive presence off the edge.
On Day 2, the Cowboys doubled down on versatility, selecting Jaishawn Barham, a hybrid defender capable of rushing the passer and domination on run downs. His upside and scheme flexibility have already drawn “steal” labels from draft analysts.
Cornerback Devin Moore brings length and athleticism to a secondary in need of long-term answers, albeit with a injury history that likely dropped him down a couple rounds, while fellow fourth-round pick L.T. Overton gives Dallas a large defensive lineman who fits the run-stopping edict the team has adopted this offseason for their front.
Dallas addressed critical areas of need while adding high-upside playmakers who helped reshape their defensive identity. If this class develops as the draft grades reflect, the Cowboys may have done more than just win the draft — they may have accelerated their path into serious contention.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 3.55 GPA: Cowboys draft lands in Top 5 grades for 24 outlets
Reporting by Angel Torres, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
