Linebacker Jaishawn Barham
Jaishawn Barham could be the future of the position. If the fanbase wants a linebacker to break out, he should be the guy. If DeMarvion Overshown becomes an All-Pro in 2026, it would be a risk to pay the free agent off a single healthy season. If Dee Winters develops into a sure thing as a starter, his background playing for the San Francisco 49ers successfully and then developing further in Dallas could lead to a bidding war.
If Barham shows he can be the guy, it gives Dallas their star at the cost of a third-round pick. Instead of paying a free agent a top contract, they have their centerpiece on a controllable deal.
Defensive end LT Overton
Dallas did a great job of getting guys who fit what Parker needs from his defense. Two underrated moves were signing Jonathan Bullard and drafting LT Overton. Most teams look for defensive linemen who are pass rushers, but the Cowboys’ new defense needs defensive ends who can hold up to blocks from guards to keep the opposing run game in check. This is what Bullard has done his entire career, but he is older and on a one-year deal.
Overton gives them this for the next four years if he can do for Dallas what he did for Texas A&M and Alabama in college. He also has an extremely high upside at only 21. Dane Brugler had him in his top players going into the 2025 season. Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams can slide outside and play that position, but having someone built to play that role allows both those defensive tackles to be stars at their preferred spots.