The Cowboys’ preseason is in the books, the 53-man roster is set, and a few rookies clearly changed the shape of this team’s back end. Dallas came out of August with some real reasons for optimism, especially from the top of its 2026 draft class, even if a couple of young players still have work to do.
Caleb Downs looks like exactly what Dallas hoped it was getting when he fell to the Cowboys. The former Ohio State defensive back is expected to open in the nickel, but his value goes beyond one spot.
He’s already being trusted all over Christian Parker’s defense, and while he’s not being billed as an instant superstar, his baseline is as strong as any rookie in this class. Grade: A-
Jaishawn Barham may have been the loudest preseason riser of the group. He posted PFF grades over 90.0 and got time with the starters, which says plenty about how Dallas views him.
Barham was linked to Arvell Reese before the draft, but he’s shown he can matter as a true linebacker and as a pressure piece, whether he’s coming off the edge or standing up off the ball. Grade: A
Malachi Lawrence also pushed his way into the conversation with a strong summer. He was disruptive in both camp and preseason, and the fact that he barely played in Dallas’ final two preseason games suggests the staff believes he’s ready for a real role.
How large that role becomes is still unclear after the addition of Von Miller, but the arrow is pointing up for the former Central Florida standout. Grade: B
LT Overton gave Dallas enough to look like a useful depth piece right away. The Cowboys have been using him more inside at defensive tackle than as an edge player, which fits after his down year on the outside at Alabama.
He even logged a sack against Arizona in the preseason, and he now looks to have an inside track to a backup spot on a deep defensive line. Grade: B
Camden Brown was one of the summer’s best stories anywhere on the roster. He flashed speed and vertical ability for a player his size, led Dallas in receiving in August, and earned a place on the 53-man roster.
That’s no small feat for an undrafted player, and Brown was the only one in that group to make Dallas’ initial 53. For a team that found plenty of useful tape in August, he may have been the most unexpected winner of all.
Not every rookie came out of preseason looking polished. Drew Shelton had a rough enough August that a cut would not have been a shock, but Dallas kept the fourth-round tackle on the roster anyway, even after adding Broderick Jones by trade and Wanya Worris to the practice squad.
Shelton still has the athletic tools, but right now he looks like a developmental bet who should not be on the field in 2026. Grade: D-
Devin Moore’s situation is more about timing than production. He’s on injured reserve with a designation to return, which will keep him out for the first four games.
The Florida corner had come back from injury before landing on IR, and while he didn’t exactly light it up when healthy, he’s still a developmental player who may have a chance once he gets back to full strength. Grade: C
Anthony Smith showed enough speed to keep Dallas interested even though he didn’t crack the 53-man roster. The seventh-round receiver from ECU became a regular on end-arounds and bubble screens, but the depth chart at wideout made his path difficult.
The Cowboys liked him enough to bring him back on the practice squad, which tells you he made an impression. Grade: C-
In Other News...
Cowboys Jersey Changes Hint At A Surprise Roster Twist
The Cowboys offseason roster churn has already produced a few small but telling details, and jersey numbers are part of that picture. Six players have switched numbers heading into the 2026 season after landing on the 53-man roster or the practice squad, a reminder that the back end of the roster can change just as quickly as the depth chart itself. Among the more notable tweaks are wide receiver Camden Brown and defensive lineman Tyus Wheat, two players whose paths onto the team were not exactly penciled in early.
Von Millers number situation has added a little extra intrigue, too. The veteran edge rusher is trying to work out a deal with fullback Hunter Luepke for No. 40, with the two sides already haggling over unusual incentives like free chicken and even a tattoo. The negotiations are still ongoing, and while it is only a jersey number on paper, it has turned into one more sign that the Cowboys newest roster twist might not be as straightforward as it first looked. [Read more 🡒]
Cowboys Cheerleader Pay Debate Is Hitting Fans For One Big Reason
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According to those reports, the cheerleaders can make up to $2,500 per game, with estimates putting seasonal earnings in the $50,000 to $75,000 range after a reported hourly rate increase to $75. For plenty of fans, the debate is not really about whether the job carries prestige or visibility, but whether a group so closely tied to the brand and game-day experience should be paid more than they are now. [Read more 🡒]
Cowboys May Have Found A Back Kansas City Let Slip Away
The Cowboys added a familiar kind of depth move this week, claiming running back Emari Demercado off waivers after Kansas City cut him loose. It is the sort of transaction that barely registers outside roster-watch circles, but it caught attention because Andy Reid had spoken highly of Demercado, and because some around the league saw a player with traits that fit a more layered backfield than the one he left behind.
For Dallas, the appeal is obvious. Demercado is expected to compete for a meaningful rotational role and brings the kind of pass protection and efficient running style that can help a staff trust him in multiple situations. Whether the Cowboys uncovered a useful piece or simply got to the line first, they have a runner with a profile that could matter once the offense starts sorting out its pecking order. [Read more 🡒]