The streets sure liked the Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 NFL Draft class. Most analysts and draft nerds are high on their seven picks.

That’s not much of a surprise given the Cowboys walked away with possibly the best defender in the class, safety Caleb Downs, at No. 11 overall. But it’s time to look at the entire class and get into what fans are wondering about: What will these players’ roles be?

I do this every year, so here we go again: We’re projecting the Week 1 role of each Cowboys pick.

S Caleb Downs: Standout starter

I think Downs makes an impact right away. There’s a learning curve going from college to the pros but if someone can avoid it altogether, it’s him. Downs’ football IQ is off the charts and he’s likely going to be a communicator in Christian Parker’s defense right away.

The Cowboys said they’ll play him at nickel first while he unlocks the rest of the scheme. Don’t be surprised if instead of sticking to that role, he’s moving around immediately.

“As the game goes on he’s just downloading what the offense is doing,” Cowboys scout Brett Maxie II said about Downs on a radio interview with 105.3 The Fan.

EDGE Malachi Lawrence: Designated pass rusher

As excited as I am about Lawrence’s pass rush skills, it’s clear he’s not a complete player as of yet. His run defense is questionable, largely because of play strength when faced with large offensive tackles. I don’t see him sending veteran Rashan Gary to the bench.

But I can see him taking the field on third downs or obvious passing downs while he develops. He’s got the pass rush toolbox to win early on in such situations.

ED/LB Jaishawn Barham: Subpackage player

I’m not betting on Barham’s snap count being too high early on in his time with the Cowboys. But he’s a fun and versatile player with flexibility to play inside linebacker (which is Dallas’ admitted preference) and edge rusher.

I wonder if Parker will be able to keep himself from trying him out in several spots early on. Barham moves fast and hits violently. Coaches eat that up. We’ll see him play early, the question is how much?

OT Drew Shelton: Swing tackle

Shelton’s athleticism may allow him to give starting tackles Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele a run for their money. But don’t bet on it early on. Shelton isn’t NFL-strong just yet. But his ability to play left and right tackle will likely make him the team’s swing tackle in no time.

CB Devin Moore: Special teams

One key stat stands out from Dane Brugler’s draft guide on Moore: The former Florida Gator played on punt coverage each of his four college years. That gets you on the active roster.

It will take Moore some time to compete for playing time at cornerback, but the Cowboys are likely going to shake things up on special teams. Moore stands to benefit from it.

EDGE LT Overton: Active roster backup

I’m not quite sure what the Cowboys’ plan is with Overton. He’s a big-sized edge rusher with potential to play inside, which they seemingly like based on their comments. But he’s not an NFL-ready pass rusher. In Week 1, he’s likely on the gameday roster but not playing a lot.

WR Anthony Smith: Practice squad

Smith’s blazing speed is exciting. But we need to learn a lot of him before I project him as a 53-man roster member. He has limited special teams experience and needs to develop as a wide receiver. Don’t be surprised if he winds up on the practice squad before being promoted down the road.