Caleb Downs and Jaishawn Barham, two of the Dallas Cowboys’ leading 2026 draft selections, are set to start on defense against Baltimore on Sunday. Malachi Lawrence, another rookie from the team’s 2026 class, is expected to provide key rotational snaps.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said Dallas planned to give its young players significant opportunities. “We knew we wanted our young guys to play,” Schottenheimer said.
Schottenheimer described Downs as an elite player and said Barham has produced major turnovers whenever he is on the field. He also praised Lawrence’s ability to rush the passer, while acknowledging that the rookies will make mistakes as they continue developing.
The increased role for the rookies comes as Dallas deals with several defensive players missing Wednesday’s practice. Defensive backs Cobie Durant, Malik Hooker and P.J. Locke, along with linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, did not participate. The report from sports.yahoo.com did not provide further details about their absences.
