Nick Saban calls Cowboys' Malachi Lawrence pick a reach during 2026 NFL Draft

8 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Apr 24

Saban was overheard on a live ABC broadcast, just before the Cowboys selected Lawrence 23rd overall, calling the pick "a reach."
He later clarified on air that Lawrence was one of his "sleepers" for the second round, softening his initial critique but maintaining his view.
While Saban praised the Cowboys' earlier selection of Caleb Downs at No. 11, analysts gave mixed reviews to the Lawrence pick, though the team is seen as a draft winner overall.

Will Malachi Lawrence prove the Cowboys right or become a tale of overdrafting athletic potential?

Did the Cowboys execute the smartest Day 1 draft strategy by landing both Downs and Lawrence?

Why was Caleb Downs called the 'steal of the draft' despite being a top-11 pick?

Was Nick Saban's 'reach' comment a simple gaffe or a savvy move to create broadcast drama?

Does the league's hidden interest in Lawrence expose a major flaw in public draft analysis?

How did the Cowboys draft two top defenders while also gaining extra picks in the same round?