Cowboys news: How Christian Parker is building Dallas’ defense

Jones has already been impressed by Parker’s ability to teach him the changes they’re making while transitioning from a 4-3 base scheme to a 3-4.

Brian Schottenheimer is taking a smart approach to answer a key question surrounding the Cowboys defense – Evan Winter, AtoZ Sports

Who will wear the green dot for the Cowboys’ defense is a hot topic.

The second level of the Dallas Cowboys defense looks completely different than it did at this point one year ago.

That’s a good development, too. The Cowboys fielded one of the NFL’s worst linebacker corps and its deficiencies were big contributors behind last year’s issues on defense.

So, one of the biggest questions on the defensive side of the ball is which of these new linebackers wears the green dot in 2026 and possibly beyond?

Understanding the green dot and what it means in an NFL defense

For those unfamiliar with the green dot, it’s a tactic defenses use to designate the central communicator of the defense. Players who wear the green dot are often leadership-type players who understand the defense/playbook inside-and-out, are great communicators, and honestly, are linebackers.

It’s critical for plays to be relayed in an effective fashion and to have, basically, a quarterback on the defensive side of the ball who ensures his teammates are lined up in the right spots and know their assignments.

Right now, the Cowboys don’t have that player on defense. That’s different from last year when sixth-year veteran Kenneth Murray was given by default due to his experience.

Caleb Downs currently set to wear #13 ahead of Cowboys OTAs – Tommy Yarrish, DallasCowboys.com

Caleb Downs has a new number, but will it change again?

FRISCO, Texas – Cowboys first-round pick Caleb Downs is now currently set to wear #13, according to the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop.

Downs, who wore #18 during the team’s rookie minicamp, now takes over the number that was last worn by Dante Fowler in 2025.

While Downs’ number is set to be #13 for the time being, it is subject to change and still could be different between now and the beginning of the regular season.

Throughout his high school and collegiate career, Downs has sported the #2, which is currently taken by free agent CB signing Cobie Durant. Downs has been asked about what number he’ll wear during the season, but hasn’t offered many details.

6 key Cowboys offensive battles worth closely monitoring this summer – Terence Watson, Cowboys Wire

Who will win these battles in training camp?

Nate Thomas vs. Drew Shelton

The Cowboys have high hopes for offensive tackle Drew Shelton after drafting him in the fourth round. Praised for his footwork and movement skills, Shelton immediately thrusts himself into a battle with Nate Thomas for the swing tackle position. Thomas, a seventh-round pick in 2024, held the position in Dallas last season but dealt with his share of ups and downs, specifically against speed rushers.

If Thomas isn’t able to improve against speed rushers, he risks allowing Shelton to take his place on the roster. When one adds left tackle Tyler Guyton’s injury concerns into the mix, the spotlight on this battle will be bright.

T.J. Bass vs. Trevor Keegan

The Cowboys like Bass; so much so they placed a second-round tender on the former UDFA. Unfortunately, Dallas also likes Keegan, and he’s a player with a similar play style and temperament to Bass, but at a cheaper cost. Keegan, a fifth-round pick in 2024, has starting experience, plays with power, and is physical in the running game, just like Bass. If Keegan can impress the coaching staff, the price tag on Bass becomes a blinking red light. Dallas claimed Keegan, whose rookie deal through 2027 costs $3.2 million, compared to Bass, who is making $5.7 million for one season. The price tag on Bass may be too high for the Cowboys, but a worthwhile trade candidate for other teams.

Luke Schoonmaker vs. Michael Trigg

It seems as though Dallas has lost faith in their former second-round pick, Luke Schoonmaker. Last season, he fell behind second-year tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford and now has the Cowboys’ priority UDFA Michael Trigg to deal with. Trigg comes in with a lot of supporters in the building, mainly tight ends coach Lunda Wells. When compared to Trigg, Schoonmaker isn’t the most athletic tight end, nor is he a vertical threat.

Schoonmaker is a blocking tight end who, at times, isn’t capable of handling that sole role. Dallas is really intrigued by Trigg’s ability to cause matchup issues in the passing game, and if he can become an average blocker, Schoonmaker could be on his way out.

Cowboys’ Malachi Lawrence Emerging as Defensive Rookie of the Year Sleeper – Randy Gurzi, Cowboys On SI

Can Malachi Lawrence make this big of an impact as a rookie?

Malachi Lawrence has a golden opporunity with Dallas Cowboys

At pick No. 23, Dallas selected UCF’s Malachi Lawrence, who has a high ceiling. He also has a chance to record a lot of snaps as a rookie, and ESPN’s Ben Solak says that makes him a sleeper to keep an eye on in this year’s NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year watch.

” It’s unclear just how many snaps Lawrence will get in Dallas, as second-year player Donovan Ezeiruaku and trade acquisition Rashan Gary also sit on the depth chart,” Solak wrote. “But with new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, tons of snaps are up for grabs. Lawrence has elite explosive measurables and a better path to every down opportunities than late drafted pass rushers. He’s the sleeper to circle.”

During his time at UCF, Lawrence recorded 72 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, and 20 sacks. PFF was impressed with his work during his final season, giving him an overall grade of 80.1 and a pass rush grade of 89.5. Lawrence was also a standout during the NFL Combine, putting himself in the Cowboys’ crosshairs.

Daily Discussion Question: What is the one part about this offseason so far that you would change? It could be any move or any lack of a move.