Dallas Cowboys’ Rookies: A Look at Potential Starters for the 2023 Season

4 weeks ago 0

With NFL teams on a break from mid-June to mid-July, this period marks the quietest time in the offseason. However, just three weeks remain before training camp begins. This leads into the preseason and regular season, starting the week of September 7. During this interim, previews for training camps and analyses of key position battles have kept fans engaged. Now, attention turns to evaluating one rookie from each team who might secure a starting role. Today, the focus is on the Dallas Cowboys.

Dallas’ 2023 Draft Class

Caleb Downs, S, Round 1
Malachi Lawrence, DE, Round 1
Jaishawn Barham, DE, Round 3
Drew Shelton, OT, Round 4
Devin Moore, CB, Round 4
LT Overton, DE, Round 4
Anthony Smith, WR, Round 7

Caleb Downs is expected to start training camp as one of the Cowboys’ starting safeties, so the focus shifts to other draft picks. Among these, Malachi Lawrence appears most likely to secure a starting position this offseason.

Replacing Key Players

After losing two top pass-rushers, defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and edge-rusher Jadeveon Clowney, the Cowboys need to fill significant gaps. Odighizuwa, who was traded, led the team with 52 pressures and 3.5 sacks. Clowney, a free agent, recorded 40 pressures and a team-high 8.5 sacks. Lawrence could fill this void, though he won’t immediately rise to Micah Parsons’ level.

Lawrence showcased strong pass-rushing skills during his time at UCF. According to Pro Football Focus, he amassed 40 pressures, 30 hurries, 11 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and two forced fumbles last season. Achieving double-digit tackles for loss and multiple sacks in two of his three seasons, Lawrence demonstrates potential for the Cowboys.

Considering the competition on Dallas’ roster, which includes James Houston, Sam Williams, Isaiah Land, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Jonathan Bullard, Adedayo Odeleye, Charles Snowden, Tyrus Wheat, and rookie LT Overton, Lawrence has a strong chance to start as a defensive end in Week 1.