Cowboys Rookie Class

[xwalker]

I wanted to answer this question from @fivetwos and touch on the 2026 rookie class in general.

Hey X, if you wouldnt mind the time, would you share your thoughts on both Overton and Barham and what each of their roles might be in this defense, and how quickly they might be able to make an impact? Appreciate….

Other than Caleb Downs, I think the playing time of rookies might be determined as much by the performance of other players at their position as it is their own training camp / preseaon performances.

Rotation Positions
Being at a rotational position like DL helps as compared to playing OL which is rarely a rotational position.

M. Law
Something would have to go terribly wrong for him not to be in the Edge defender rotation.

J. Barham
Off-ball LB is not traditionally a rotational type position.
It's hard for a rookie to beat out a veteran even if the rookie is physically superior.
Larry Allen and Darren Woodson were not full-time starters as rookies...
There are only 2 ILB positions in either the 3-4 or 4-2-5 alignments.
Only 1 off-ball LB when they play 5-1-5.
I expect him to get snaps in all games but Winters/Overshown are the likely game 1 starters.
Side Notes
I get the feeling they might have considered him in the 2nd if they had a pick in that round.
Prototype size/athleticism for off-ball LB.
Similar physical measurables to Fred Warner.
Pass Rush ability more valued in Parker's defense than some others.

Drew Shelton
I expect him to make the roster.

Devin Moore
He'll make the roster.
Top 3 to start the season: Bland, Revel, Durant
CBs 4 thru 6 gameday status might be determined by Special Teams ability.

DT LT Overton
I expect him to make the roster as the 5th IDL.
Seems like a good fit at the 4i position.
Showed terrific anchor in college.
Top 4: Williams, Clark, Bullard (4i) and Ogbonnia (NT)

Anthony Smith
They've kept at least 6 WRs since about 2018.
Sometimes 7 on the 53 at points during the season.
Only 2 of 6 spots available.
Holden, Mims, Mingo, Valdes-Scantling, multiple other WRs on the 90 man roster.
Prediction: Makes the 53 if he can play Special Teams.
Draft picks more likely to be claimed than journeyman types.




.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Cowboys Rookie Class

Is GREAT!

 

[speedkilz88]

I wanted to answer this question from @fivetwos and touch on the 2026 rookie class in general.


Other than Caleb Downs, I think the playing time of rookies might be determined as much by the performance of other players at their position as it is their own training camp / preseaon performances.

Rotation Positions
Being at a rotational position like DL helps as compared to playing OL which is rarely a rotational position.

M. Law
Something would have to go terribly wrong for him not to be in the Edge defender rotation.

J. Barham
Off-ball LB is not traditionally a rotational type position.
It's hard for a rookie to beat out a veteran even if the rookie is physically superior.
Larry Allen and Darren Woodson were not full-time starters as rookies...
There are only 2 ILB positions in either the 3-4 or 4-2-5 alignments.
Only 1 off-ball LB when they play 5-1-5.
I expect him to get snaps in all games but Winters/Overshown are the likely game 1 starters.
Side Notes
I get the feeling they might have considered him in the 2nd if they had a pick in that round.
Prototype size/athleticism for off-ball LB.
Similar physical measurables to Fred Warner.
Pass Rush ability more valued in Parker's defense than some others.

Drew Shelton
I expect him to make the roster.

Devin Moore
He'll make the roster.
Top 3 to start the season: Bland, Revel, Durant
CBs 4 thru 6 gameday status might be determined by Special Teams ability.

DT LT Overton
I expect him to make the roster as the 5th IDL.
Seems like a good fit at the 4i position.
Showed terrific anchor in college.
Top 4: Williams, Clark, Bullard (4i) and Ogbonnia (NT)

Anthony Smith
They've kept at least 6 WRs since about 2018.
Sometimes 7 on the 53 at points during the season.
Only 2 of 6 spots available.
Holden, Mims, Mingo, Valdes-Scantling, multiple other WRs on the 90 man roster.
Prediction: Makes the 53 if he can play Special Teams.
Draft picks more likely to be claimed than journeyman types.




.

Ogbonnia has been the starting 4i so far. If Smith is the 6th wr he won't be active anyway. I don't think he has to be a STs guy but he might be a guy they don't want to waive.

 

[shabazz]

I wanted to answer this question from @fivetwos and touch on the 2026 rookie class in general.


Other than Caleb Downs, I think the playing time of rookies might be determined as much by the performance of other players at their position as it is their own training camp / preseaon performances.

Rotation Positions
Being at a rotational position like DL helps as compared to playing OL which is rarely a rotational position.

M. Law
Something would have to go terribly wrong for him not to be in the Edge defender rotation.

J. Barham
Off-ball LB is not traditionally a rotational type position.
It's hard for a rookie to beat out a veteran even if the rookie is physically superior.
Larry Allen and Darren Woodson were not full-time starters as rookies...
There are only 2 ILB positions in either the 3-4 or 4-2-5 alignments.
Only 1 off-ball LB when they play 5-1-5.
I expect him to get snaps in all games but Winters/Overshown are the likely game 1 starters.
Side Notes
I get the feeling they might have considered him in the 2nd if they had a pick in that round.
Prototype size/athleticism for off-ball LB.
Similar physical measurables to Fred Warner.
Pass Rush ability more valued in Parker's defense than some others.

Drew Shelton
I expect him to make the roster.

Devin Moore
He'll make the roster.
Top 3 to start the season: Bland, Revel, Durant
CBs 4 thru 6 gameday status might be determined by Special Teams ability.

DT LT Overton
I expect him to make the roster as the 5th IDL.
Seems like a good fit at the 4i position.
Showed terrific anchor in college.
Top 4: Williams, Clark, Bullard (4i) and Ogbonnia (NT)

Anthony Smith
They've kept at least 6 WRs since about 2018.
Sometimes 7 on the 53 at points during the season.
Only 2 of 6 spots available.
Holden, Mims, Mingo, Valdes-Scantling, multiple other WRs on the 90 man roster.
Prediction: Makes the 53 if he can play Special Teams.
Draft picks more likely to be claimed than journeyman types.




.

Nice work there, brother.

 

[Verdict]

I wanted to answer this question from @fivetwos and touch on the 2026 rookie class in general.


Other than Caleb Downs, I think the playing time of rookies might be determined as much by the performance of other players at their position as it is their own training camp / preseaon performances.

Rotation Positions
Being at a rotational position like DL helps as compared to playing OL which is rarely a rotational position.

M. Law
Something would have to go terribly wrong for him not to be in the Edge defender rotation.

J. Barham
Off-ball LB is not traditionally a rotational type position.
It's hard for a rookie to beat out a veteran even if the rookie is physically superior.
Larry Allen and Darren Woodson were not full-time starters as rookies...
There are only 2 ILB positions in either the 3-4 or 4-2-5 alignments.
Only 1 off-ball LB when they play 5-1-5.
I expect him to get snaps in all games but Winters/Overshown are the likely game 1 starters.
Side Notes
I get the feeling they might have considered him in the 2nd if they had a pick in that round.
Prototype size/athleticism for off-ball LB.
Similar physical measurables to Fred Warner.
Pass Rush ability more valued in Parker's defense than some others.

Drew Shelton
I expect him to make the roster.

Devin Moore
He'll make the roster.
Top 3 to start the season: Bland, Revel, Durant
CBs 4 thru 6 gameday status might be determined by Special Teams ability.

DT LT Overton
I expect him to make the roster as the 5th IDL.
Seems like a good fit at the 4i position.
Showed terrific anchor in college.
Top 4: Williams, Clark, Bullard (4i) and Ogbonnia (NT)

Anthony Smith
They've kept at least 6 WRs since about 2018.
Sometimes 7 on the 53 at points during the season.
Only 2 of 6 spots available.
Holden, Mims, Mingo, Valdes-Scantling, multiple other WRs on the 90 man roster.
Prediction: Makes the 53 if he can play Special Teams.
Draft picks more likely to be claimed than journeyman types.




.

Thanks for taking the time for the write up.

 

[kskboys]

Ogbonnia has been the starting 4i so far. If Smith is the 6th wr he won't be active anyway. I don't think he has to be a STs guy but he might be a guy they don't want to waive.

If Smith can't beat out Oingo Boingo, then he just isn't going to make it.

 

[kskboys]

I believe this rook class has the talent to be the best since Tuna was drafting.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

I believe this rook class has the talent to be the best since Tuna was drafting.

Truthfully that 2016 class was pretty important. I think we ended up with like 5 starters….id love that again.

 

[gimmesix]

J. Barham
Off-ball LB is not traditionally a rotational type position.
It's hard for a rookie to beat out a veteran even if the rookie is physically superior.
Larry Allen and Darren Woodson were not full-time starters as rookies...
There are only 2 ILB positions in either the 3-4 or 4-2-5 alignments.
Only 1 off-ball LB when they play 5-1-5.
I expect him to get snaps in all games but Winters/Overshown are the likely game 1 starters.
Side Notes
I get the feeling they might have considered him in the 2nd if they had a pick in that round.
Prototype size/athleticism for off-ball LB.
Similar physical measurables to Fred Warner.
Pass Rush ability more valued in Parker's defense than some others.

.

I won't be surprised if Barham is an early-down linebacker, with the emphasis on stopping the run. We will primarily be in nickel, so I expect Winters and Overshown to be out there on most snaps. I think when we are in the 3-4 sets, Barham will end up being the MLB with Overshown as the other ILB. I don't think he'll wear the green dot, though.

 

[Jipper]

I believe this rook class has the talent to be the best since Tuna was drafting.

There's something fishy about your post, not rotten just fishy

 

[kskboys]

Truthfully that 2016 class was pretty important. I think we ended up with like 5 starters….id love that again.

Thought about that class, but the Jaylon pick w/ an early 2nd ruined it.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

I wanted to answer this question from @fivetwos and touch on the 2026 rookie class in general.


Other than Caleb Downs, I think the playing time of rookies might be determined as much by the performance of other players at their position as it is their own training camp / preseaon performances.

Rotation Positions
Being at a rotational position like DL helps as compared to playing OL which is rarely a rotational position.

M. Law
Something would have to go terribly wrong for him not to be in the Edge defender rotation.

J. Barham
Off-ball LB is not traditionally a rotational type position.
It's hard for a rookie to beat out a veteran even if the rookie is physically superior.
Larry Allen and Darren Woodson were not full-time starters as rookies...
There are only 2 ILB positions in either the 3-4 or 4-2-5 alignments.
Only 1 off-ball LB when they play 5-1-5.
I expect him to get snaps in all games but Winters/Overshown are the likely game 1 starters.
Side Notes
I get the feeling they might have considered him in the 2nd if they had a pick in that round.
Prototype size/athleticism for off-ball LB.
Similar physical measurables to Fred Warner.
Pass Rush ability more valued in Parker's defense than some others.

Drew Shelton
I expect him to make the roster.

Devin Moore
He'll make the roster.
Top 3 to start the season: Bland, Revel, Durant
CBs 4 thru 6 gameday status might be determined by Special Teams ability.

DT LT Overton
I expect him to make the roster as the 5th IDL.
Seems like a good fit at the 4i position.
Showed terrific anchor in college.
Top 4: Williams, Clark, Bullard (4i) and Ogbonnia (NT)

Anthony Smith
They've kept at least 6 WRs since about 2018.
Sometimes 7 on the 53 at points during the season.
Only 2 of 6 spots available.
Holden, Mims, Mingo, Valdes-Scantling, multiple other WRs on the 90 man roster.
Prediction: Makes the 53 if he can play Special Teams.
Draft picks more likely to be claimed than journeyman types.




.

After two or even maybe three bad drafts ina row, that depleted the talent on the team, it seems this year they have done well

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Thought about that class, but the Jaylon pick w/ an early 2nd ruined it.

Yeah I mean Jaylon had a decent career, not 2nd round decent but he ended up a starter and a good one for about 2 seasons. But even if you exclude him you had Anthony Brown, Dak, Zeke, Mo Collins… pretty good draft.

 

[kskboys]

Yeah I mean Jaylon had a decent career, not 2nd round decent but he ended up a starter and a good one for about 2 seasons. But even if you exclude him you had Anthony Brown, Dak, Zeke, Mo Collins… pretty good draft.

No, he didn't. He had one good season before the NFL realized that he could only turn one way.

It was a good draft otherwise.

 

[kskboys]

After two or even maybe three bad drafts ina row, that depleted the talent on the team, it seems this year they have done well

Spot on.

This is what Jerry always does. Gets a decent team together, then starts drafting like a high school girl in love. Just everywhere, and nothing makes sense. I really don't get it, how can he be such a horrific GM? It's not the first time those 2nd round TEs, injured players, and stiff-hipped players cost us playoff wins. Why does he always turn to this?

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

No, he didn't. He had one good season before the NFL realized that he could only turn one way.

It was a good draft otherwise.

I don’t know about when the league found out I just remember him being good 2 seasons and falling off a cliff.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Spot on.

This is what Jerry always does. Gets a decent team together, then starts drafting like a high school girl in love. Just everywhere, and nothing makes sense. I really don't get it, how can he be such a horrific GM? It's not the first time those 2nd round TEs, injured players, and stiff-hipped players cost us playoff wins. Why does he always turn to this?

I mean it makes sense. Don’t address needs in free agency and you rely on the draft makes you do stupid things in the draft sadly. I think these last two years they’ve done solid or have a plan.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

Spot on.

This is what Jerry always does. Gets a decent team together, then starts drafting like a high school girl in love. Just everywhere, and nothing makes sense. I really don't get it, how can he be such a horrific GM? It's not the first time those 2nd round TEs, injured players, and stiff-hipped players cost us playoff wins. Why does he always turn to this?

it puts a premium on a team that doesn't spend in outside FA. now, people will point to this year, but its out of desparation after two very bad seasons. he hates empty seats in his stadium

 

[Bobhaze]

I wanted to answer this question from @fivetwos and touch on the 2026 rookie class in general.


Other than Caleb Downs, I think the playing time of rookies might be determined as much by the performance of other players at their position as it is their own training camp / preseaon performances.

Rotation Positions
Being at a rotational position like DL helps as compared to playing OL which is rarely a rotational position.

M. Law
Something would have to go terribly wrong for him not to be in the Edge defender rotation.

J. Barham
Off-ball LB is not traditionally a rotational type position.
It's hard for a rookie to beat out a veteran even if the rookie is physically superior.
Larry Allen and Darren Woodson were not full-time starters as rookies...
There are only 2 ILB positions in either the 3-4 or 4-2-5 alignments.
Only 1 off-ball LB when they play 5-1-5.
I expect him to get snaps in all games but Winters/Overshown are the likely game 1 starters.
Side Notes
I get the feeling they might have considered him in the 2nd if they had a pick in that round.
Prototype size/athleticism for off-ball LB.
Similar physical measurables to Fred Warner.
Pass Rush ability more valued in Parker's defense than some others.

Drew Shelton
I expect him to make the roster.

Devin Moore
He'll make the roster.
Top 3 to start the season: Bland, Revel, Durant
CBs 4 thru 6 gameday status might be determined by Special Teams ability.

DT LT Overton
I expect him to make the roster as the 5th IDL.
Seems like a good fit at the 4i position.
Showed terrific anchor in college.
Top 4: Williams, Clark, Bullard (4i) and Ogbonnia (NT)

Anthony Smith
They've kept at least 6 WRs since about 2018.
Sometimes 7 on the 53 at points during the season.
Only 2 of 6 spots available.
Holden, Mims, Mingo, Valdes-Scantling, multiple other WRs on the 90 man roster.
Prediction: Makes the 53 if he can play Special Teams.
Draft picks more likely to be claimed than journeyman types.




.

Good analysis.

As you stated in the OP, it’s hard for almost any rookie to just step on an NFL field and play full time.

Other than Downs, most of our top end rookies will probably be in playing rotations. Very few rookies go from “All Conference to All Pro” in one training camp.