Dallas plans to use three members of its 2026 draft class in prominent defensive roles against Baltimore on Sunday. Caleb Downs and Jaishawn Barham are expected to start, while Malachi Lawrence is projected to contribute in the rotation.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the team intended to put its younger players on the field. He called Downs an elite player and said Barham has generated major turnovers when given playing time. Schottenheimer also highlighted Lawrence’s pass-rushing ability, while noting that mistakes are part of the rookies’ development.
The expanded assignments come after four Dallas defensive players missed Wednesday’s practice. Defensive backs Cobie Durant, Malik Hooker and P.J. Locke were absent, along with linebacker DeMarvion Overshown. The sports.yahoo.com report did not give additional information about those absences. Dallas is scheduled to play Baltimore on Sunday.
Source: sports.yahoo.com.