The 2025 Dallas Cowboys were so terrible on defense, improvement could be measured just by them being competent in communicating and lining up correctly on a regular basis. But Super Bowl aspirations are the way of life for a franchise that is starved for postseason success, and more must be gleaned than incremental steps forward. Jumps must be made by the defensive roster.
Beyond their two biggest defensive studs, rookie Caleb Downs and DT Quinnen Willims, the Cowboys have three players whose stock has clearly skyrocketed through the first two weeks of camp. All three were considered a question mark to begin camp, but now could be clear starters in 2026 to which no one would blink an eye.
Edge Rashan Gary
When Rashan Gary was traded for, most hoped he was one
depth piece of a multitude of edge rushers. Gary would be the run stopper who left the field on pass rush downs after ending the 2025 season without making many impact plays in the final nine games. In camp, he has not only made plays against the best offensive linemen on the team but also been a Dak Prescott-type leader for the defensive side of the football. His effort has been infectious.
CB Cobie Durant
Cobie Durant was the guy the Los Angeles Rams wanted to upgrade from. Dallas signed him to a one-year, $5 million contract, and he was a veteran depth piece who made plays in big games. He has played possibly the best corner anyone has on the team. Whether it’s outside or in the slot, Durant has cemented himself as a starter at cornerback. If it wasn’t for Durant, Shavon Revel Jr. likely makes this list and starts across from DaRon Bland.
LB Jaishawn Barham
Dallas spent a third-round pick on Jaishawn Barham partly because head coach Brian Schottenheimer felt like he was the player he’d be disappointed if he didn’t end up with on the team. He had the look, and people around him said he was soaking up all the info he could. Still he is a rookie, moving back to linebacker. Nobody assumed he would be possibly the best defender in camp. Barham didn’t just blow up runs or blitz well, but he is also breaking up passes. The look, the mentality, and now the on-field impact. Barham said he was coming for someone’s job, and he might just get one.
You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or on YouTube at Across the Cowboys podcast
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Stock Up: 3 Cowboys defenders have turned opinions upside down in camp
