The Dallas Cowboys used this offseason to rebuild their defense, with an entirely new coaching staff, trades to improve the roster, decent money free-agent signings, and nearly an entire draft focused on that side of the ball. The team will need improvements to the entire unit to reach contender status, but the Cowboys could really set themselves up for the future with specific breakout performances.
First-round picks safety Caleb Downs and edge Malachi Lawrence are easy choices, given the importance of pass rush and the specialized nickel-safety role. Christian Parker and his coaching staff are easy choices, too. Still, digging deeper, the later draft selections could be what changes this roster for the future.
Linebacker Jaishawn Barham
Jaishawn Barham could be the future of the position. If the fanbase wants a linebacker to break out, he should be the guy. If DeMarvion Overshown becomes an All-Pro in 2026, it would be a risk to pay the free agent off a single healthy season. If Dee Winters develops into a sure thing as a starter, his background playing for the San Francisco 49ers successfully and then developing further in Dallas could lead to a bidding war.
If Barham shows he can be the guy, it gives Dallas their star at the cost of a third-round pick. Instead of paying a free agent a top contract, they have their centerpiece on a controllable deal.
Defensive end LT Overton
Dallas did a great job of getting guys who fit what Parker needs from his defense. Two underrated moves were signing Jonathan Bullard and drafting LT Overton. Most teams look for defensive linemen who are pass rushers, but the Cowboys’ new defense needs defensive ends who can hold up to blocks from guards to keep the opposing run game in check. This is what Bullard has done his entire career, but he is older and on a one-year deal.
Overton gives them this for the next four years if he can do for Dallas what he did for Texas A&M and Alabama in college. He also has an extremely high upside at only 21. Dane Brugler had him in his top players going into the 2025 season. Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams can slide outside and play that position, but having someone built to play that role allows both those defensive tackles to be stars at their preferred spots.
Cornerback Devin Moore
Devin Moore is a rare prospect. Cornerbacks like him, 6-foot-3 and nearly 200 pounds, are typically outside corners in Cover 3 defenses. They use their length to disrupt routes and invade catching lanes. They don’t turn and run well enough to do much else. Moore is rare because he has the agility to play inside in man coverage as well as outside, and the tools to be an option at safety. He has enough size to play the star role like a box safety and the athleticism to be a free safety.
Daron Bland is an unknown due to his injuries, and Shavon Revel Jr. is in the same boat, recovering from an ACL injury. Caelen Carson lost two years dealing with injuries, Josh Butler is returning from a major injury, and that’s just the cornerback position. If Moore becomes a real asset who can play all five DB positions, it helps reinvent the entire room. His only issue is that he is also injury-prone and needs to show what he can bring to the table on the field.
You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or on YouTube at Across the Cowboys podcast
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys turnaround may hinge on these rookies who weren’t 1st rounders
Reporting by Mike Crum, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mike Crum, Cowboys Wire | USA TODAY Network
