As NFL teams take a month-long break from mid-June to mid-July, fans find themselves experiencing the quietest period of the offseason. However, anticipation builds as only three weeks remain before training camp begins. This will be followed by the preseason and the regular season, starting the week of September 7.
In our ongoing series, we are examining potential starting rookies from all 32 NFL teams during the upcoming training camp. Today, we focus on the Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas Cowboys 2026 Draft Class
- Caleb Downs, S, Round 1
- Malachi Lawrence, DE, Round 1
- Jaishawn Barham, DE, Round 3
- Drew Shelton, OT, Round 4
- Devin Moore, CB, Round 4
- LT Overton, DE, Round 4
- Anthony Smith, WR, Round 7
Caleb Downs is expected to begin training camp as one of the Cowboys’ starting safeties. This removes him from the debate over rookies vying for a starting position. Among the remaining six draft picks, Malachi Lawrence appears to be a strong contender for a starting role this offseason.
Following the departure of two key players, defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, the Cowboys need to fill significant gaps in their pass-rush productivity. Lawrence could potentially address this need. While he’s not expected to perform like Micah Parsons, Lawrence demonstrated impressive pass-rush capabilities during his time at UCF.
Last season, Lawrence led his college team with 40 pressures, 30 hurries, 11 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and two forced fumbles, according to Pro Football Focus. He achieved double-digit tackles for loss and seven or more sacks in two of the three seasons he played at least 10 games. Considering the current defensive ends on Dallas’ roster — including James Houston, Sam Williams, and fellow rookie LT Overton — Lawrence stands a good chance of starting as an edge rusher for the Cowboys in Week 1.