During the month-long break between minicamp and training camp, the NFL offseason reaches its quietest phase. For football enthusiasts, excitement is building as the return of training camp is now just three weeks away, followed by the preseason and regular season starting the week of September 7.
In preparation for the new season, training camp previews have been conducted, and the top position battles for all 32 teams have been analyzed. As part of this offseason series, we now focus on rookies who have the potential to secure starting roles in training camp. Here, we turn our attention to the Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 Draft Class
- Caleb Downs, Safety, Round 1
- Malachi Lawrence, Defensive End, Round 1
- Jaishawn Barham, Defensive End, Round 3
- Drew Shelton, Offensive Tackle, Round 4
- Devin Moore, Cornerback, Round 4
- LT Overton, Defensive End, Round 4
- Anthony Smith, Wide Receiver, Round 7
Caleb Downs is expected to begin training camp as one of the starting safeties for the Cowboys. Therefore, we will focus on the other draft picks for potential starting roles.
Among the remaining selections, Malachi Lawrence appears to have the best chance of securing a starting position this offseason. The Cowboys recently experienced a loss of pass-rushing talent with the departure of defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, who was traded to the San Francisco 49ers, and edge-rusher Jadeveon Clowney, leaving as a free agent. These players accounted for significant pressure and sack statistics, creating a gap to fill in the team’s defensive production.
Lawrence could be the player to step up and fill this void. He may not be expected to perform at the level of established star Micah Parsons, but his college pass-rush statistics are promising. In his final season at the University of Central Florida, Lawrence led his team with 40 pressures, 30 hurries, 11 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and two forced fumbles, according to Pro Football Focus. Over his college career, he achieved double-digit tackles for loss and seven or more sacks in two of his three seasons playing 10 or more games.
Considering the composition of Dallas’ current roster of defensive ends, including James Houston, Sam Williams, Isaiah Land, and other promising players, Lawrence has a favorable opportunity to start as an edge-rusher in Week 1.
Leave a Reply