The Dallas Cowboys are planning expanded defensive roles for three members of their 2026 draft class against Baltimore on Sunday. Caleb Downs and Jaishawn Barham are expected to start, while Malachi Lawrence is slated to contribute in a rotation.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer said Dallas intended to give its younger players substantial opportunities, saying, “We knew we wanted our young guys to play.” He called Downs an elite player and said Barham has created major turnovers when on the field. Schottenheimer also cited Lawrence’s pass-rushing ability while noting that mistakes are part of the rookies’ development.
The rookies’ increased workload comes as four Dallas defenders missed Wednesday’s practice. Cornerback Cobie Durant, safeties Malik Hooker and P.J. Locke, and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown were absent. A report by sports.yahoo.com did not include additional information about why they missed practice. Dallas is scheduled to play Baltimore on Sunday.
Source: sports.yahoo.com.
