FRISCO, Texas – The Cowboys just wrapped up their 2026 rookie minicamp, where new players got their first taste of life at The Star in Frisco.
Over the weekend, these rookies dove into team meetings, practiced hard, and got a feel for how things work before joining the veterans on June 1 for OTAs. This focus on integration is vital, especially for defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who calls this time on the field a “safe haven.” For him, it signals that the season is just around the corner.
Here are some highlights and observations from the minicamp:
Caleb Downs: The first-round pick spent a lot of time working with Parker. “I feel like that’s when you learn fully what the coach means,” he said, emphasizing the value of hands-on training. He also worked with secondary coach Ryan Smith to sharpen his skills.
Malachi Lawrence: Another first-round pick, Lawrence, teamed up with pass rush consultant B.T. Jordan. They focused on refining his steps to eliminate false movements during pass rushes. “He’s very technical,” Lawrence noted, highlighting how important this guidance is.
Jaishawn Barham: Drafted in the third round, Barham is being trained as an inside linebacker. Parker worked closely with him to enhance his ability to tackle and cover both tight ends and running backs. “I can do it all,” Barham said, emphasizing his versatility.
Drew Shelton: Although he played left tackle in college, Shelton is now getting experience on both sides of the line and even at guard, a position he’s never played. “I’m ready for anything,” he said.
Devin Moore: The Cowboys’ fourth-round pick feels that if not for injuries in college, he would’ve been a top cornerback in this draft. After a solid 2025 season, he’s eager to improve further, especially with the chance to practice against top players like CeeDee Lamb. “I’m so excited,” he expressed.
LT Overton: The fourth-round pick will play as a defensive tackle. He’s focused on learning from the veterans. “I’m just trying to soak up as much knowledge as I can,” he said, showing a strong commitment to improvement.
Anthony Smith: As a seventh-round pick, he’s thrilled to join teammates from college and build on that bond. “We pushed each other to reach this level,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
Shiyazh Pete: A unique story comes from Pete, the first member of the Navajo Nation in the NFL. He’s committed to learning from coaches while also feeling proud to represent his heritage. “It’s a great honor,” he said.
The excitement around the Cowboys’ new talent reflects a mix of potential and dedication. Their hard work in minicamp could set a positive tone for the upcoming season.
For more on NFL drafts and player insights, check out this recent article from ESPN.
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