With Dallas Cowboys’ OTAs about to commence on June 1 2026, rookie minicamp and initial team organization has already commenced in preparation for the 2026 NFL season. With a host of changes occurring in Dallas ahead of the season, opportunity will be around every corner for those willing to take advantage.
The Cowboys are looking to bounce back from a 7-9-1 campaign in 2025 that saw them miss the NFL Playoffs. They ranked second in the NFL in yards per game (391.9) behind only the Los Angeles Rams, but their defense ranked 30th in yards allowed per game (377.0) ahead of the Bengals (6-11) and the Commanders (5-12).
While things look polished on the offensive side of the ball, the defense will need significant improvements as the Cowboys went out of their way to improve through the draft and trade market. This also included a coaching shift as new defensive coordinator Christian Parker will be taking over with his base 3-4 defense.
Given the depth at the position, circumstances, and a new defensive scheme, the linebacker position could be in flux during the season and depending on what we see at OTAs.
EDGE/LB Donovan Ezeiruaku coming off surgery, LB Dee Winters acquired from 49ers
Second-year talent Donovan Ezeiruaku is projected to build upon a successful season in 2025 where he ranked top-five among rookies in tackles (40), run stops (29), and pressures (28). He underwent hip surgery to repair a labrum tear during the offseason and although he hasn’t joined for team activities yet, head coach Brian Schottenheimer has given a positive outlook regarding him being ready for the start of the season.
He’ll be expected to play a big role in the defense this season, but he’s projected to play in the LB slot under this new defensive scheme. He’s more than capable of doing so but will certainly have some competition with first-round pick (23) EDGE Malachi Lawrence from UCF coming in as a highly-touted prospect. Furthermore, Lawrence is flexible in moving positions and dropping back with a 4.52 40-yard time, so keep an eye out as he’ll have a number of opportunities to impress throughout the season.
LB Dee Winters will also be joining a new defensive scheme coming over from San Francisco where he posted a team-high 101 total tackles in 2025. He’ll be listed alongside other starting LB DeMarvion Overshown who logged just six games in 2025 after a gruesome knee injury, expected to be fully healthy by the start of the season.
With players coming back from injury, joining from new teams, and new faces joining the building, don’t be surprised if one of these EDGE of LB starting spots could be up for grabs. It seems as though DC Christian Parker will constantly be trying new looks and that could mean shifting players around throughout the season.
Draft picks Malachi Lawrence, Jaishawn Barham, and LT Overton ready to make an impact
In addition to Malachi Lawrence, the Cowboys also selected Michigan EDGE/LB Jaishawn Barham with their third pick, a 6-foot-3 hybrid rusher who’s more than enticing to picture in this dynamic defense. EDGE LT Overton from Alabama has also been turning heads during rookie minicamp with his impressive blend of size and power, giving him a solid counterbalance to the speed rushing of starter Rashan Gary.
While Gary retains the starting spot over the rookies, Lawrence, Barham, and Overton will all be waiting patiently for their opportunity to make a play. With so many new incoming players and a defensive identity yet to be established, expect the rookie talents to have a big role in creating a culture and pushing the veteran players as well.
Aside from more obvious position battles like the depth at wide receiver and the potential changes on the offensive line, this dynamic group of linebackers and edge rushers will be one to watch as the Dallas Cowboys head into OTAs.
With Dallas Cowboys’ OTAs about to commence on June 1 2026, rookie minicamp and initial team organization has already commenced in preparation for the 2026 NFL season. With a host of changes occurring in Dallas ahead of the season, opportunity will be around every corner for those willing to take advantage.