Dallas Cowboys OTA Position Battles: Which Starting Jobs Could Be at Risk in 2026?

The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 offseason facing one clear objective: rebound from a disappointing campaign and return to playoff contention.

After finishing the 2025 season with a 7-9-1 record and missing the postseason, Dallas spent the offseason aggressively reshaping its roster and coaching staff. While the offense remained one of the league’s most productive units, defensive struggles ultimately prevented the Cowboys from competing at the level fans expected.

Now, with Organized Team Activities (OTAs) beginning on June 1, several position battles are already taking shape. New players, returning veterans, rookie draft picks, and a completely new defensive system have created an environment where no starting job can be considered entirely safe.

As head coach Brian Schottenheimer and defensive coordinator Christian Parker begin implementing their vision for the future, some of the most intriguing competitions will take place in the front seven. The linebacker and edge rusher positions, in particular, could undergo significant changes before Week 1 arrives.

Cowboys Looking to Fix One of the NFL’s Worst Defenses

While Dallas showcased one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses in 2025, the defense consistently struggled to keep opponents off the scoreboard.

The Cowboys ranked second in the league in total offense, averaging 391.9 yards per game. Only the Los Angeles Rams generated more offensive production throughout the season.

Defensively, however, Dallas finished near the bottom of the NFL. The Cowboys allowed 377.0 yards per game, ranking 30th overall and finishing ahead of only two teams in that category.

Those struggles prompted major organizational changes.

The front office invested heavily in defensive talent through both the NFL Draft and the trade market. At the same time, the Cowboys hired Christian Parker as defensive coordinator, bringing a new philosophy centered around a 3-4 defensive scheme.

That shift alone creates uncertainty for several returning players, particularly linebackers and edge defenders who must adapt to different responsibilities.

Donovan Ezeiruaku Faces New Challenges Despite Strong Rookie Season

One player expected to remain a key contributor is second-year defender Donovan Ezeiruaku.

The young standout enjoyed an impressive rookie campaign in 2025, finishing among the NFL’s top-performing first-year defenders. He ranked in the top five among rookies in tackles, run stops, and quarterback pressures, demonstrating his versatility and playmaking ability.

However, Ezeiruaku enters 2026 facing new circumstances.

During the offseason, he underwent hip surgery to repair a labrum injury. Although he has not yet fully participated in team activities, Cowboys coaches have expressed optimism regarding his recovery timeline.

If healthy, Ezeiruaku is projected to play a major role in Parker’s defensive system. The challenge is that his responsibilities may look significantly different than they did a season ago.

Under the new scheme, he could spend more time operating as an off-ball linebacker while still being utilized as a pass-rushing threat in certain packages.

While his athleticism makes him an ideal candidate for such a role, increased competition could make earning snaps more difficult than expected.

First-Round Pick Malachi Lawrence Could Push for Immediate Playing Time

Among the biggest threats to established veterans is first-round selection Malachi Lawrence.

The former UCF standout entered the NFL as one of the most versatile defensive prospects in the draft class. His combination of speed, athleticism, and positional flexibility makes him a perfect fit for modern NFL defenses.

Lawrence possesses the ability to rush the passer, defend the run, and drop into coverage when necessary. His impressive 4.52-second 40-yard dash demonstrates the type of speed that defensive coordinators covet in hybrid linebacker-edge defenders.

Because Parker’s defense emphasizes versatility and adaptability, Lawrence could see significant opportunities throughout training camp and preseason action.

If the rookie quickly adapts to the professional game, it would not be surprising to see him challenge for a starting role sooner rather than later.

The Cowboys invested premium draft capital in Lawrence, and organizations rarely do that without expecting immediate contributions.

As a result, veterans currently penciled into starting positions should feel pressure entering OTAs.

Dee Winters and DeMarvion Overshown Face Important Competition

Another storyline worth monitoring involves newly acquired linebacker Dee Winters.

After arriving from the San Francisco 49ers, Winters brings valuable experience and proven production. He recorded a team-leading 101 tackles during the 2025 season and has demonstrated the ability to thrive in multiple defensive alignments.

His arrival immediately adds depth and competition to Dallas’ linebacker room.

At the same time, DeMarvion Overshown is preparing for a critical comeback season.

Overshown appeared in only six games during 2025 after suffering a significant knee injury. While reports indicate he is expected to be fully healthy before the regular season begins, returning from a major injury is never a guarantee.

The combination of Overshown’s recovery, Winters’ arrival, and the development of younger players creates a highly competitive environment.

It would not be surprising if the Cowboys rotate multiple linebackers throughout training camp as Parker evaluates which combinations work best within his new defensive structure.

Jaishawn Barham and LT Overton Add Even More Competition

The Cowboys didn’t stop adding defensive talent after selecting Lawrence.

Dallas also drafted Jaishawn Barham, a highly athletic linebacker-edge hybrid from Michigan. At 6-foot-3, Barham possesses the size and athleticism necessary to contribute in a variety of roles.

His versatility makes him particularly intriguing within Parker’s defensive system.

Whether rushing the quarterback, defending the edge, or dropping into coverage, Barham could emerge as one of the surprise contributors of the rookie class.

Meanwhile, Alabama product LT Overton has already generated positive reviews during rookie minicamp.

Known for his combination of power, size, and physicality, Overton offers a different skill set than many of Dallas’ other edge defenders. His ability to set the edge against the run complements the speed-oriented pass-rushing abilities of several teammates.

Although veteran Rashan Gary currently appears secure in a starting role, Overton’s development will be closely monitored throughout the summer.

If he continues to impress coaches, he could carve out a meaningful role earlier than many anticipated.

OTAs Could Reveal the Future of Dallas’ Defense

While position battles at wide receiver and along the offensive line will attract plenty of attention, the most fascinating developments may occur on defense.

The Cowboys have assembled an unusually deep group of linebackers and edge rushers, many of whom bring unique skill sets suited for a modern 3-4 system.

With Christian Parker establishing a new defensive identity and multiple players returning from injuries or adapting to new roles, the competition for playing time could remain fluid throughout training camp.

Veterans may currently hold the advantage, but rookies such as Malachi Lawrence, Jaishawn Barham, and LT Overton will have every opportunity to force their way onto the field.

As OTAs begin, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: several starting positions on the Dallas Cowboys defense are far from locked in. The battles that unfold over the coming months could ultimately determine whether Dallas returns to playoff contention or faces another disappointing season in 2026.