FRISCO — The Dallas Cowboys are wasting no time locking in their future stars. Just ahead of Friday's rookie minicamp, the team announced that five of their six draft picks have officially signed their rookie contracts, signaling a strong start to the next generation of Cowboys football.

Leading the charge is safety Caleb Downs, the team's first-round pick at No. 11 overall. Downs inked a four-year deal worth $28.9 million, with a hefty $17.515 million guaranteed—a clear vote of confidence in the young defensive back's ability to make an immediate impact. As a first-rounder, Downs also has the potential for a fifth-year option, a decision that won't come until after he's completed three NFL seasons.

The lone holdout? Defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence, selected 23rd overall. While his deal remains unsigned, it's not uncommon for top picks to take a bit more time to finalize terms, especially as the league continues to evolve its rookie contract structures.

Interestingly, the Cowboys entered this draft without a second-round pick, which puts a spotlight on how their other selections are being handled. In recent years, some second-rounders have secured fully guaranteed contracts, mirroring the first-round trend. The NFLPA has long pushed for more guaranteed money for later-round picks, but for now, third-round inside linebacker Jaishawn Barham's deal reflects a more traditional structure—his signing bonus is the only guaranteed money on the table.

As the rookies hit the practice field for the first time, all eyes will be on Downs and the rest of this class to see how quickly they can adapt to the pro game. For Cowboys fans, the early signing spree is a promising sign that the team is serious about building for the future, one contract at a time.