Dallas Cowboys 2026 Draft Picks: A Potential Rookie Starter
As NFL teams take a break from mid-June to mid-July, the offseason reaches its quietest phase. However, the return of training camp in three weeks marks the end of this lull and the beginning of preparations for the preseason and regular season, set to start the week of September 7. While waiting, we have analyzed position battles for all 32 teams and now turn to potential rookie starters. Today, we focus on the Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas’ 2026 Draft Class
The Cowboys made several selections in the 2026 NFL Draft:
- 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 enter training camp as a starting safety, clear of debates over roster spots. This leaves six other rookies potentially competing for starting roles.
Malachi Lawrence: A Likely Starter
Among the draft picks, Malachi Lawrence is well-positioned to secure a starting role. The Cowboys need increased pass-rushing production after trading Osa Odighizuwa, who led the team with 52 pressures and 3.5 sacks, to the San Francisco 49ers, and losing Jadeveon Clowney, who logged 8.5 sacks, to free agency.
Lawrence’s stats at UCF underline his potential: 40 pressures, 30 hurries, 11 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and two forced fumbles last season, as per Pro Football Focus.
In two of his three seasons with ten or more games played, Lawrence recorded double-digit tackles for loss and at least seven sacks. The Dallas defense, with options including James Houston, Sam Williams, and Jonathan Bullard, could see Lawrence emerge as a starter. The rookie’s capabilities could fill critical gaps in the Cowboys’ pass-rush lineup.