The standard preseason analysis of the Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 prospects is simple: If Dallas’ new defense under coordinator Christian Parker, with a number of additions from last year’s mess, can improve to mediocrity, the Cowboys will make the playoffs.
How is that coming? One of the big defensive pieces thinks it’s going quite well, and a prognosticator from ESPN agrees. As if to add fuel to that fire, top draft pick Caleb Downs got his first NFL practice interception.
Dallas has one preseason game left, on Friday, Aug. 28, against New Orleans and here is how they are going into it.
DeMarvion Overshown raves about Christian Parker’s defense
Two of the more intriguing names around the Dallas Cowboys this offseason are linebacker DeMarvion Overshown
and defensive coordinator Parker.
Parker was brought over from Philadelphia to fix what was statistically the worst defense in the NFL in 2025, a big piece could be the return to health of Overshown, who fell into the “excellent when he’s not hurt” category in his first two years in the league.
DallasCowboys.com caught up with Overshown and he feels he is a perfect fit in Parker’s defense.
“He allows us to play fast just by putting us in the right calls, just by testing us in the meeting rooms, making sure everybody knows who they're tied to, what the other 10 people are doing on the field," Overshown told DallasCowboys.com.
"I think he's allowing us to use our skill set, use that run and hit factor that we need to play that certain play style. We're able to play like that because he allows us to play fast. That's one thing when you get a coach like that, that also teaches you the game so you can play fast."
He added that his two knee surgeries are behind him and he’s fully healthy.
"Being healthy is the least of my concern now," Overshown told DallasCowboys.com. "That's just football now. I'm glad I was able to get over that hurdle, but now it's just about winning. I feel confident in what we put together over the offseason, what we're still stacking through this fall camp. Throughout the season, I'm just excited about what we build. This brotherhood is something different. I'm just ready to lay it all out on the line for the other 10 on the field with me."
What are the odds of Dallas Cowboys making the playoffs?
According to odds on all 32 teams for making the NFL playoffs in 2026, the Cowboys are about the most average team in the NFL. On DraftKings’ odds, which lead with the Rams at -460 to make the postseason and bottom out with the Arizona Cardinals at +2000, Dallas checks in at 16th at -105 — a coin flip, in other words.
Going over the rest of the division, Philadelphia has the best odds of making the playoffs of any NFC East team at +186, followed by Dallas, then Washington at +230 and the New York Giants at +265.
ESPN turned these gambling odds into a best bets article, and here Dallas is No. 1. Writer Matt Bowen leads with Dallas as a best bet to make the playoffs on even odds. Note that his point is Dallas is the best bet given its odds and return, not that it is more likely than the Rams (who return $100 on a $460 bet) to make the playoffs.
He writes: “The Dallas offense can score points (26.6 PPG in 2025, tied for fifth most), and they have explosive-play ability on the perimeter with Dak Prescott delivering the ball to CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. This unit can also get downhill in the run game with Javonte Williams.
“But I'm really picking Dallas here because of a defense that will be much improved under new coordinator Christian Parker, who brings Eagles DC Vic Fangio's system to town. Headlined by rookie safety Caleb Downs, who will play the Cooper DeJean role in Parker's game plan, and edge rusher Rashan Gary, the Cowboys went heavy on defense in both free agency and the draft to fix a unit that gave up a league-worst 30.1 PPG and 7.1 YPA last season. Parker's changes, paired with a manageable schedule, gets Dallas back in the tournament.”
Caleb Downs gets first practice pick
The Dallas Cowboys’ first draft pick, No. 11 overall, Caleb Downs, has wowed at practices, though he hasn’t played much in the first two exhibition games. But in what is being described as a “welcome to the NFL moment,” he intercepted Dak Prescott with a diving pick in the end zone in a Tuesday, Aug. 25, night practice, then punted the ball into the stands as the entire defense celebrated.
According to USA Today’s Dallas Cowboys wire writer Ben Grimaldi: “With all the anticipation that’s come with Downs since he was drafted and all the praise he’s gotten since arriving in Dallas, this interception might be his best play and his ‘welcome to the NFL’ moment. It was his first pick in camp, and it’s easy to see Downs' potential.
”This play is exactly what the Cowboys were hoping for when they drafted Downs, and why the team continues to rave about his ability to help change the defense. After his highlight reel interception, the hype train is full steam ahead for Caleb Downs.”
Will Shiyazh Pete make the Dallas Cowboys?
The story of undrafted free agent guard Shiyazh Pete, a former walk-on at New Mexico State, has been one of the most heartwarming of training camp.
After becoming the first Navajo to sign an NFL contract, he got in the win against Arizona to a standing ovation of fellow Navajos in the stands, then broke down the team in the locker room after the game with a viral speech that was the talk of the league on Monday, Aug. 24.
Could that speech maybe earn him a spot on the roster in some capacity? That would probably have to be with the practice squad, as currently there isn’t a projection that has him making the 53-man roster, which will be set Aug. 30 after the final preseason game.
In assessing the offensive line, Nick Eatman of DallasCowboys.com writes: “If there is any pressing question, it would be at the offensive tackle spot, primarily on the right side. Terence Steele didn't have his best camp but it's unclear if the team has anyone on the roster that could unseat him.
“Nate Thomas had a better showing in Arizona but it would probably just help him in the race for a swing tackle. The Cowboys also have decisions to make regarding the backup interior spots, with Nick Leverette competing for a job alongside T.J. Bass, who definitely has one of the backup spots locked up.”
Should Dallas waive Pete Sunday and no other team claim him (that seems likely), he would be eligible to sign with a practice squad on Monday, Aug. 31.
Dallas Cowboys vs. New Orleans Saints
The Dallas Cowboys close their exhibition season with their only home game of the preseason against the New Orleans Saints on Friday, Aug. 28. The 6 p.m. MT/7 p.m. kickoff will be televised on ESPN Unlimited. In Texas, it will be up to local TV affiliates to pick up the game.
Bret Bloomquist can be reached at bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @Bretbloomquist on X.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: How is the Dallas Cowboys defensive rebuild coming? They seem happy
