Dallas had another win within reach, but a fourth-quarter embarrassment ended in a 33–30 overtime loss to Arizona. For the rookie class, LT Overton supplied a takeaway, Malachi Lawrence generated some pressure, and Caleb Downs’ afternoon ended early with a concussion.
But here is how each rookie fared this week, listed in draft order, and any undrafted players worth noting after that.
Caleb Downs
(55 defensive snaps | 4 tackles | 0 TFL | 0 sacks | 0 INT | 0 passes defended | 0 QB hits | 0 pressures)
Downs offered
some resistance against the run and was credited with two run stops, one extremely impressive one on fourth down on the goal line. His coverage was less encouraging with all three targets against him completed for 49 yards.
His day then ended after he suffered a concussion attempting to tackle Tyler Allgeier on the running back’s fourth-quarter touchdown reception. There were useful contributions near the line, but too much production allowed through the air.
Malachi Lawrence
(40 defensive snaps | 0 tackles | 0 TFL | 0 sacks | 0 INT | 0 passes defended | 1 QB hit | 2 pressures)
Lawrence’s pass rush provided more than his empty tackle column suggests. He produced two pressures on 24 pass-rush snaps and registered a quarterback hit, although he could not turn those opportunities into a sack.
Across 40 defensive snaps, Dallas needed more finishing production from its first-round edge defender, especially when it mattered most in the closing portion of the game. He injured his ankle in the game and could miss some time.
Jaishawn Barham
(16 defensive snaps | 1 tackle | 0 TFL | 0 sacks | 0 INT | 0 passes defended | 0 QB hits )
Barham had a limited role behind Shemar James and DeMarvion Overshown. His coverage results were modestly encouraging allowing one reception for six yards on two targets. However, one tackle and no plays behind the line made this another quiet outing. His small workload limits how much can be concluded about the performance.
LT Overton
(39 total snaps | 0 tackles | 0 TFL | 0 sacks | 0 INT | 0 passes defended | 0 QB hits | 1 pressure | 1 fumble recovery)
Overton delivered the rookie group’s clearest positive when he recovered Bam Knight’s fumble after Overshown forced the ball loose late in the second quarter. Securing that possession mattered. His work elsewhere was quieter, with one pressure on 19 pass-rush snaps and no tackles or sacks. The recovery was valuable, but Dallas still needs more consistent disruption from his defensive opportunities.
Camden Brown
(10 ST snaps | 0 targets | 0 receptions | 0 receiving yards | 0 TD)
Brown’s involvement remained almost entirely on special teams. With just one offensive snap and no targets, there was no meaningful receiving performance to evaluate. Staying involved on game day is a step forward, but his offensive opportunity remains extremely limited.
