Rookie Impact: How Dallas’ Newcomers Could Shape Week 1 vs. the Giants

The Cowboys could line‑up as many as six true rookies on Sunday night’s Week 1 showdown with the New York Giants. All six have made the 53‑man roster – five were drafted in 2026 and one was signed as an undrafted free agent. The only draftees still missing are cornerback Devin Moore, who’s on IR, and receiver Anthony Smith, now on the practice squad.

Caleb Downs – slot‑corner and occasional safety
Downs spent most of camp polishing his moves in the slot, so expect him to get the bulk of his snaps there. He’ll also be called on as a safety in a few packages, but that’s likely a secondary duty. Think of him as a Swiss‑army‑knife‑type defender trying to earn trust early on.

Malachi Lawrence – a depth‑piece on the edge
Lawrence hasn’t been making big waves this offseason and he’s probably buried behind Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Von Miller and maybe even James Houston. Still, the Cowboys will likely slip him in for a handful of defensive snaps, just to give him a taste of live action.

Jaishawn Barham – linebacker rotation, with a dash of pass‑rush
Barham impressed before his injury and lit up preseason Week 2. While Dee Winters will start alongside DeMarvion Overshown at inside linebacker, Barham is poised to rotate in as the third linebacker and could even line up on the edge for a few rushes.

Drew Shelton – the backup swing tackle
Shelton’s camp and preseason performances were shaky, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer has labeled him the backup left tackle behind Tyler Guyton. In reality, the Cowboys may lean on Broderick Jones at both tackle spots if the need arises, but Shelton is still the first name on the depth chart when a lineman needs to be swapped.

LT Overton – defensive‑line depth
The interior line is anchored by Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark and Otito Ogbonnia, with Jonathan Bullard likely slotting in as the fourth starter if he’s healthy. Overton should see some rotation minutes, especially if Bullard’s health remains questionable.

Camden Brown – probably inactive
Brown shined in camp and the preseason, yet he sits behind Jonathan Mingo and KaVontae Turpin on the depth chart, making him the sixth wide‑receiver. The Cowboys typically carry five receivers on gameday, so Brown will most likely be a healthy‑scratch, or at best a special‑teams contributor.

All told, Sunday will be a real‑world test for these young men. Some will get meaningful reps, others will watch from the sidelines, but every snap is a chance to prove they belong in Dallas’ long‑term plans.