Dallas Cowboys training camp is quickly approaching and there’s an exciting rookie class to watch. That’s why we’re revising the Cowboys 2026 draft class in an attempt to guess what their snap count will be by the time the season is over.

I decided to leave undrafted free agents out of the exercise because they’re unlikely to make the roster anyways. Let’s dive in.

S Caleb Downs

I have no doubt in my mind Caleb Downs will be one of the Cowboys with the highest snap counts on the team. However, I do wonder what it looks like early in the season. Downs is expected to start out at nickel before the Cowboys move him around. At least that’s what we’ve heard from the coaching staff.

The time will come when even when the Cowboys are playing base defense (without a nickel), Downs remains on the field. But I wonder if that’s the case early on, too.

Final snap count: 85%

EDGE Malachi Lawrence

This is a tricky one. Yes, Lawrence is a first round pick but I don’t believe he’ll beat Rashan Gary and Donovan Ezeiruaku for a starting job right away, if at all in Year 1. While Lawrence fleshes out his run defense, my gut feeling is the Cowboys will use him as more of a pass rusher in obvious passing downs.

Even still, I’m a big fan of Lawrence and I’m betting on him carving out a consistent role. Plus, I expect plenty of rotation from the defense under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

Final snap count: 40%

LB Jaishawn Barham

This is where it really gets complicated. Barham is built to carve out a unique role in Parker’s defense thanks to his versatility to play off-ball linebacker and edge rusher. Many have speculated he could play a role similar to Zach Baun’s in Philadelphia, where the latter walked down to the line of scrimmage to create a 5-man or 6-man front.

As of right now, I see Barham as a backup with a specific role in certain situations. But there’s enough upside for him to have a much higher snap count than my projection below.

Final snap count: 25%

OT Drew Shelton

With a strong training camp, Shelton could insert himself in the competition for the swing tackle spot. During the offseason program, he got second-team snaps at right tackle alongside Nate Thomas, who is competing for the starting left tackle job with Tyler Guyton.

Shelton’s athleticism make him an intriguing project for the Cowboys, but one that will probably take a long time.

Final snap count: 5%

CB Devin Moore

Moore is the biggest “boom-or-bust” player from the Cowboys’ draft class. He can play both man and zone and is a strong run defender. However, he faces an uphill battle to get on the field a lot with the likes of DaRon Bland, Shavon Revel Jr., and Cobie Durant in front of him.

If he’s able to stay healthy, which he wasn’t in Florida, Moore could find his way into the field as one of the top backups.

Final snap count: 20%

EDGE LT Overton

I think Overton’s snap count may surprise Cowboys Nation a little bit. Though he was drafted as an edge rusher, the coaching staff has made it clear they view him as a versatile defender who can also play inside. That’s where his secret may be.

Behind Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, the door is wide open to compete for reps. Overton could earn some at three-technique as long as he develops a deeper pass rush repertoire.

Final snap count: 35%

WR Anthony Smith

As a seventh-round pick, Smith will have to earn his spot on the Cowboys 53-man roster before he thinks about having a high snap-count. If he does make the team, I expect the majority of his contributions to come from special teams. On offense, it will be tough to get on the field with George Pickens, CeeDee Lamb, and Ryan Flournoy leading the charge.

Final snap count: 1%