Marvel at the End Game: Cowboys 3 rookie rushers cast in new roles

Not all defensive ends are created equal, and that couldn’t be more true than those currently rostered on the Dallas Cowboys. From veterans to rookies, defensive ends are like apples and oranges in 2026. Christian Parker’s shift to odd-man fronts means the Cowboys could have anywhere from three to five guys lining up on-ball on any given down.

Parker's diverse fronts mean his defensive ends will hold diverse roles and responsibilities. Three of Dallas’ rookies, rookies who identified as ends in college, couldn’t be more different from one another on the Cowboys’ defense. Their distinction is worth discussing because their expectations are tied to their roles.

Malachi Lawrence, Jaishawn Barham and LT Overton were all listed as either edge or defensive end in their draft profiles. Their strengths, weaknesses and size all vary, and as such, so will their roles in Dallas this coming season. While there’s plenty of wiggle room to adjust these roles as their careers progress, it’s fairly clear as to what roles they’ll serve in Year 1.

Malachi Lawrence, Pick 23

Lawrence, the first of the three players drafted, has pretty clear roles and expectations in front of him this year. Drafted to be a pass-rusher first and foremost, Lawrence is an edge player in the traditional sense. Playing outside linebacker in a 3-4 look, he’s likely to take on a role resembling that of DeMarcus Ware’s many moons ago.

At 6-foot-4, 253 pounds, Lawrence is large enough to man defensive end in a traditional four-man front but lean enough to be standing in a wide 3-4 front. Lawrence will largely be judged on his ability to pressure the passer so look for him to man the edge regardless of front in 2026.

Jaishawn Barham, Pick 92

Barham, drafted in the third round, is an off-ball linebacker, turned on-ball edge, turned back off-ball linebacker in Dallas. Parker wants to use him as an inside linebacker in his system this year but doesn’t plan to completely strip him of pass-rushing opportunities.