Dallas Cowboys’ Rookie Prospect for a Starting Role

The NFL offseason is entering a quieter phase as teams take a break from mid-June to mid-July. This period falls between minicamp and training camp. For football fans, the wait is almost over, with just three weeks until training camp begins, leading into the preseason and the regular season starting the week of September 7.

As part of our offseason coverage, we have explored training camp previews and the key position battles for all 32 teams. Our focus now shifts to identifying one rookie from each team who might secure a starting position in this year’s training camp. Today’s spotlight is on 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, making him a key player, but not part of the current debate.

Among Dallas’ other draft picks, Malachi Lawrence appears most likely to secure a starting position. The Cowboys are trying to fill the void left by the departures of their top pass-rushers. Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, who recorded a team-high 52 pressures and 3.5 sacks, was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. Edge-rusher Jadeveon Clowney, who led the team with 8.5 sacks, is now a free agent.

Malachi Lawrence’s Potential Impact

Malachi Lawrence stands out as a potential starter, expected to contribute significantly to the Cowboys’ defense. While he cannot be expected to replicate Micah Parsons’ performance, his track record at UCF is noteworthy. Lawrence registered a team-high 40 pressures, 30 hurries, seven sacks, and two forced fumbles last season, according to Pro Football Focus.

He recorded double-digit tackles for loss and seven or more sacks in two out of the three seasons he played at least 10 games. With the current competition among Dallas’ defensive ends, including James Houston, Sam Williams, Isaiah Land, and others, Lawrence has a strong chance of starting as one of the Cowboys’ edge-rushers in Week 1.