ESPN names Cowboys' 1st-round pick Rookie of the Year longshot

The Dallas Cowboys gave themselves a shot at a defensive turnaround in 2026. After sporting one of the worst defenses in 2025, both in the league year and in league history, things are pointing in an upward trajectory. With their fourth defensive coordinator in four years, the Cowboys really only have one direction to go, but Christian Parker is invigorating the entire organization with his command of the room and of his scheme.

That began getting implemented over the last week with rookie minicamp kicking off on Friday. Parker has his chance to work with not one, but two first-round picks this offseason, and the hope is both will make a monumental impact as the team transitions from a four-man front to a 3-4 in 2026. ESPN believes things could turn out so well that one of those picks could walk away with individual hardware at the end of the season.

But it's probably not who everyone is thinking.

While defensive back Caleb Downs was seen as a first-round steal at No. 11, edge rusher Malachi Lawrence was seen as an understandable reach at No. 23. Still, ESPN's Benjamin Solak included Lawrence in his ranking of defensive rookie of the year candidates, placing him seventh.

Malachi Lawrence, Edge, Cowboys: 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. 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.

The Cowboys didn't have another pick until No. 92 in the third round, so after trading back from No. 23 and finding no other trade partners, they stayed put and selected the player they saw as the best fit for their team, Lawrence.