Caleb Downs and Jaishawn Barham, two of the Dallas Cowboys’ top selections in the 2026 draft, are set to start on defense against Baltimore on Sunday. Malachi Lawrence, another player from the team’s 2026 draft class, is expected to contribute as an important rotational defender.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said Dallas intended to give its young players significant opportunities. “We knew we wanted our young guys to play,” Schottenheimer said. He added that the rookies are expected to experience mistakes as they continue developing.
Schottenheimer described Downs as an elite player and said Barham has produced major turnovers when on the field. He also praised Lawrence’s ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. The coach said the Cowboys will rely on the other 10 defensive players to help cover for any errors made by the rookies.
The Cowboys’ increased use of their 2026 draft picks comes as four defensive players were absent from Wednesday’s practice. Defensive backs Cobie Durant, Malik Hooker and P.J. Locke, along with linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, did not participate.
Further details about the players’ availability for Sunday were not provided.
