First Look at Christian Parker, Caleb Downs, Cowboys Draft Picks at Rookie Minicamp

The Dallas Cowboys kicked off their rookie minicamp on Friday and it was an opportunity to get our first look at the team's 2026 NFL Draft picks and undrafted free agents in uniform, as well as defensive coordinator Christian Parker in a practice setting.

The Cowboys announced before practice that six of their seven drafts have signed, with first-round pick Malachi Lawrence being the only one not to ink his rookie deal. He was still out on the field for the session, though.

Along with those signings, the Cowboys announced 11 undrafted free-agent deals, nine of which were reported right after the draft.

In what is our first look at the rookies in Cowboys threads, here's some photos from Day 1 of rookie minicamp, courtesy of the Cowboys' beat writers on the ground.

Christian Parker

Christian Parker spent a good bit of time during today’s rookie minicamp working 1 on 1 with #Cowboys first-round pick Caleb Downs pic.twitter.com/CHPfbXe577
— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) May 1, 2026

A view of Dallas Cowboys players' helmets on the bench against the Washington Commanders. — A view of Dallas Cowboys players' helmets. | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The first thing you immediately notice is how active Parker is at practice. This is a coach who is going to be very hands on.

When asked about his scheme, Parker was understandably short on details.

“We’ll see," Parker said when asked if his defense will be similar to that of Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic.

Parker wasn't sure who was going to wear the green dot but said there is still time to figure that out and he will "figure that out as we go" through the offseason.

Caleb Downs

Cowboys rookie DB Caleb Downs hit the grass for the first time today as an NFL player. His thoughts on his first practice:

"I feel like it went well. Just learning the system and being able to be fully immersed in it, it felt good and I'm looking forward to doing it more." pic.twitter.com/2Lz3QQAsYZ
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) May 1, 2026

Downs has been assigned the No. 18, which obviously isn't his No. 2, but there's a chance that isn't going to stick.

Cobie Durant is in possession of No. 2 currently, but ESPN's Todd Archer anticipates there will be a negotiation between the two for Downs' college digit.

“We’re going to see what happens. That’s the only thing I’m going to say about that," Downs said of getting No. 2, per Jon Machota of The Athletic.

Malachi Lawrence

Cowboys rookie OLB Malachi Lawrence:

"It's been fun getting to learn a new playbook, new defense, new scheme kind of. I'm transitioning to more of an outside linebacker position than defensive end than I was at UCF in the 4-2-5. Learning the techniques, really." pic.twitter.com/A42j9NeEqO
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) May 1, 2026

Lawrence noted how he's going to be transitioning to more of an outside linebacker instead of the defensive end he was in college.

Thankfully, Lawrence has one of the best in the business in Brandon Jordan to help him learn.

"I'm just taking my game and evolving it with Coach BT Jordan. He was with the Broncos last year, and I believe they broke the sack record for the NFL," Lawrence said. "Just knowing that I get to work with a guy like him, it's going to be good."

Jaishawn Barham

Jaishawn Barham working with #Cowboys ILB coach Scott Symons to start rookie minicamp.

(fyi: that rookie is a specimen) pic.twitter.com/uI3wR4oOL2
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) May 1, 2026

Patrik Walker of DallasCowboys.com relayed that Parker noted the versatility Barham brings to the table with his ability play inside and outside.

However, Barham is going to start his NFL career working at MIKE linebacker.

"Christian Parker says Jaishawn Barsham has great versatility and will play both inside and outside, but he'll first begin at MIKE for the Cowboys," Walker reported.

Devin Moore

Fourth-round #Cowboys CB Devin Moore pic.twitter.com/Cd6u2L3MLy
— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) May 1, 2026

Moore begins his first rookie minicamp a his focus on cornerback, but it's possible he could branch out to safety, something former Cowboys scout Bryan Broaddus thinks is possible.

"I know it's somewhat of a projection, but you could see by the way the length and the way he moves and all that, hell, (Moore) might be one of your better corners," Broaddus said. "I just kind of saw when I watched him play, I was thinking, 'God, this guy might be a really good free safety that plays with range."

The Cowboys have question marks at both positions, so there may be more than one avenue for Moore to see the field this season.

LT Overton

Cowboys rookie DE LT Overton pic.twitter.com/QxSleswt16
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) May 1, 2026

Before rookie minicamp, Overton touched on his versatility, noting that he's able to play both inside and outside, something we learned about from scouting reports.

“Definitely the ability to play every position. Just that alone, I’ll be able to support from a wide-9 to a 0-tech. Any position that needs that, I’m there. I love that. The versatility part, I’m able to learn not only inside but outside. There’s much more to it, the quickness, steps, all of that.”

Overton also said he prides himself most on his ability to stop the run, which will come in handy for a Cowboys defense that wasn't good in that area last season.

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