The Dallas Cowboys wrapped up their first week of practices at the Star in Frisco. Giving fans their first real look at how this draft class could fit into the team’s future.
While rookie minicamp is more about learning than competition, you can already start to see where Dallas envisions these players fitting into their new roles. From position changes to one-on-one coaching sessions, the Cowboys made it clear this weekend that they have specific plans for this rookie class.
Caleb Downs Already Looks Like a Centerpiece
One of the biggest takeaways from the weekend was how involved defensive coordinator Christian Parker was with first-round pick Caleb Downs.
Downs spent extra time working one-on-one with Parker during and after practice, which says a lot about how important he could become in this defense. Dallas clearly sees him as more than just another safety.
The Cowboys have lacked consistency on the back end of the defense at times, and Downs feels like a player who can help organize things quickly. His instincts, versatility, and football IQ fit exactly what Dallas wants defensively.
The plan: The Cowboys want to use Downs as their nickel cornerback for his rookie season. From what we learned in the 1st Christian Parker press conference, the nickel corner is the most important piece in his defense. The nickel corner has to guard receivers, play deep like a safety and play down like a linebacker.
Malachi Lawrence Fits the Cowboys’ Pass Rush Identity
Dallas has always valued pass rushers, and Malachi Lawrence already looks like a natural fit in that room.
The fact that he immediately began working with pass rush specialist B.T. Jordan is notable. The Cowboys are trying to build off his high motor and athleticism, while building more power. Coach Schottenheimer said having a guy like Lawrence attack the QB is what’s needed to succeed in this division.
Lawrence talked about working on false steps and improving his get-off, which feels like the exact type of detail Dallas focuses on with defensive linemen. His explosiveness already stands out, and if they can make him more efficient technically, he could contribute early.
The plan: Lawrence can work as an outside linebacker who focuses on setting the edge and getting after the quarterback. He will rotate with Donovan Ezeiraku and is the final piece of this 2026 defensive line.
Jaishawn Barham May Solve a Big Need
One of the more interesting developments from rookie camp was Dallas working Jaishawn Barham at MIKE linebacker.
This is a huge position of need for Dallas coming into this offseason.
The Cowboys have been searching for consistency in the middle of the defense for years, especially against the run. Barham’s athleticism gives him real upside there because he can run sideline to sideline while still playing physical downhill.
What Dallas seems to like most is his versatility. He believes he can play anywhere, and in today’s NFL, that flexibility matters. Barham worked as an edge for his senior year at Michigan, but has prior experience playing off-ball linebacker.
The plan: Barham can be deployed as a speedy linebacker who can cover the weak side zone and be ready to be a part of run support. He can be compared to how Zack Baun was deployed with Coach Parker in Philadelphia.
Drew Shelton Could Become Valuable Quickly
Fans are not completely sold on this starting line for Dallas. Particularly, at the tackle spots. The Cowboys kept Tyler Guyton on the bench to end the season. Nate Thomas did not completely sell anyone that he is the shoo-in for the swing tackle spot.
The interior line, with Booker, Smith and TJ Bass as the backup guard, is solid. Drew Shelton has an opportunity to be versatile and may see the field early with an impressive training camp.
Even though he played tackle at Penn State, Dallas immediately started cross-training him at guard and both tackle spots. That versatility could make him a valuable depth piece early while giving him a long-term pathway to compete for a starting role later.
The plan: Shelton will be competing with Nate Thomas for the swing tackle job. He will need to be ready, as injuries have been a problem for the tackles in the past for the Cowboys offensive line.
Devin Moore Has a Big Opportunity
If Devin Moore stays healthy, he could end up being one of the steals of the draft. Injuries slowed him down at Florida, but Dallas is putting him into a really good situation. Moore stayed healthy for his final year at Florida.
Going against receivers like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens every day is going to accelerate his development quickly. The Cowboys also clearly trust their defensive coaching staff to develop corners, and Moore already sounds motivated to prove he’s capable of more.
The plan: The ROI on Moore might not be seen until 2027 or 2028. If things go right this season, we won’t need Moore to play corner just yet, as that means Bland was healthy, Revel took the next step, and Cobie Durant made an impact.
LT Overton Brings Needed Flexibility Up Front
Dallas plans to move LT Overton around the defensive line, which feels like a smart fit for his skill set.
The Cowboys value defensive linemen who can align in multiple spots, especially in today’s NFL where fronts constantly shift. Overton’s willingness to learn from veterans also stood out immediately.
He may not have the flashiest role early, but he feels like the type of rotational defensive lineman Dallas always ends up valuing heavily.
The plan: Overton will be more of a 4i-technique and play more inside with the defensive tackles. His impressive measurables and developing his strength can make him a physical presence.
Anthony Smith Already Has Chemistry in Dallas
One underrated storyline from rookie minicamp was Anthony Smith reuniting with former East Carolina teammate Shavon Revel.
Smith talked about constantly competing against Revel in college because he knew the level Revel was capable of reaching. Having that built-in relationship already gives Smith a comfort level entering camp.
The plan: Smith will likely be a practice squad candidate as a 7th-round selection. His impressive speed could develop his role on special teams as a return specialist. I would be interested to see him in the preseason to return kicks.
Michael Trigg Has a Chance to Surprise
One of the more interesting undrafted additions for the Dallas Cowboys is tight end Michael Trigg out of Baylor.
Trigg was viewed by many as a draftable player because of his athletic upside and receiving ability, but off-field concerns ultimately caused him to slide out of the draft entirely. Dallas took a chance on the talent afterward, and now he enters one of the more competitive position groups on the roster.
The Cowboys already have established names in the tight end room, so Trigg likely won’t have a clear pathway to immediate playing time. But if he can stay focused and show consistency, he has the kind of athletic traits that could make him stand out during camp practices and preseason games.
The plan: Dallas will utilize Trigg for what he is, a huge receiving threat. This feels like a low-risk swing on upside. And every year, there’s an undrafted player who starts making noise once the pads come on. Fans will cross their fingers if Dallas tries to sneak him onto the practice squad.
Shiyazh Pete Feels Like a Cowboys Development Project
Shiyazh Pete has already made history by being the first Navajo player to sign with an NFL team.
Pete already sounds like someone embracing the process. His mindset about “earning the star” fits the culture Brian Schottenheimer has been trying to build. He had an incredible locker room interview, which got fans interested in his story immediately.
Dallas clearly sees something worth developing, and visually it can be evident as you look at his 6’9″ stature and his athleticism.
The plan: Shiyazh Pete feels like the next developmental project Dallas could invest in. Undrafted offensive linemen have been an area the Cowboys have hit on in the past, with several making this roster in history.
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