Dallas fell to 2–4 with Sunday’s 23–13 loss at Green Bay. Four rookies played on defense and coverage remained a problem, while the rookie defensive linemen struggled to disrupt Jordan Love.
Here is how each rookie fared this week, listed in draft order, and any undrafted players worth noting after that.
Caleb Downs
(75 defensive snaps | 12 tackles | 0 TFL | 0 sacks | 0 interceptions | 0 passes defended | 1 pressure)
Downs stayed busy, finishing with six solo tackles and six assists. However, that production came alongside a difficult coverage night where he allowed six pass completions on six targets for 48 yards. Bringing down those receivers after the catch accounted for most of his tackling stats. He contributed a pressure, but Dallas needs more plays that prevent completions from its first-round safety. Overall, it was a learning night for Downs on the need for tighter coverage in zone and man.
Malachi Lawrence
(39 defensive snaps | 0 tackles | 0 TFL | 0 sacks | 0 interceptions | 1 pass defended | 0 pressures | 0 QB hits)
The pass defended was Lawrence’s only positive contribution on an otherwise quiet night. He registered no pressures across 21 pass-rush snaps. With Dallas needing someone to hurry Love, that was a disappointing return from a substantial opportunity after a week of coaches saying he deserved more snaps and more opportunities. The result was less inspiring this week than his previous week.
Jaishawn Barham
(60 defensive snaps | 4 tackles | 0 TFL | 0 sacks | 0 interceptions | 0 passes defended | 1 pressure | 1 QB hit)
Barham’s performance split sharply between run defense and coverage. He made three very good run stops and had no missed tackles against the run, but he missed a key tackle against the pass on third down that extended a touchdown drive for the Packers. He also allowed five catches on six targets for 82 yards. His work near the line was the most encouraging and was excellent at meeting the run or getting the Green Bay’s backfield. But containing receivers remains an area to much improve.
LT Overton
(22 defensive snaps | 0 tackles | 0 TFL | 0 sacks | 0 interceptions | 0 passes defended | 0 pressures | 0 QB hits)
Overton played after entering the weekend questionable with a foot injury. He generated no pressures on 16 pass-rush snaps and did not register a single tackle. Availability was the most positive takeaway here, but his individual production was limited and the defense really did need more.
