Do Dallas Cowboy Rookies Have a Chance at Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2026?

Throughout their history, the Dallas Cowboys players have found it challenging to win individual awards. While huge awards like the MVP have only been won once in franchise history, Rookie of the Year has been an award that the Cowboys have been familiar with. Quarterback Dak Prescott won the Offensive Rookie of the Year back in 2016, and former Cowboy Micah Parsons won the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021. Entering 2026, the Cowboys' best chance at winning a rookie of the year award lies in the play of their two first-round picks. Caleb Downs enters his rookie season as one of the favorites to win the award, while his teammate Malachi Lawrence also could make a solid case for consideration.

Downs

It is obvious why Downs is one of the favorites to win the award. The former Ohio State Buckeye joins a weak Dallas defense and has the opportunity to lead and make an immediate impact that other rookies do not have the luxury to. Despite being a favorite, the Cowboys’ defensive chess piece faces a historical disadvantage. The last time a safety was a defensive rookie of the year was all the way back in 1990. Defensive coordinator Christian Parker said that Downs will play more in the nickelback position and that position will allow for more disruption and freedom rather than a traditional safety. Caleb will fight history, but he has the potential to be the first safety to win the award since the 90s.

Lawrence

For the former USF pass rusher to have a shot at winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year, he will need significant support from the veteran players around him, including Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, and Rashan Gary, who was traded to Dallas from Green Bay early into this offseason. Lawrence has the benefit of playing a position that allows him to wreck a coach's game plan, and if he puts up solid numbers in categories like sacks and tackles for loss, he can get himself in the conversation. Six of the last 10 winners have played on the defensive line or have significantly impacted the quarterback, which can alter the outcomes of games and seasons in certain instances. If a Dallas Cowboy were to win, nine times out of 10 would be Caleb Downs, but with history and positional favoritism leaning Lawrence's way, there is still a chance the dynamic and fearless edge can win the award.