Team Needs pre-draft

[Cowboyny]

Thats going to be Thompson. He has played alot of snaps in the slot over the last three years. In 2023 he even played more snaps in the slot than at S

He is penciled in at the moment, but probably best used as Free Safety.

 

[Cowboyny]

You can have any defensive player at 12 not named Bailey or Reese, who are you taking and why?

Out of that group next group: Downs (perfect fit for that nickel role), Styles (fills the MIKE LB where he excels in coverage), Bain (high-floor edge that should make an immediate impact), Delane (gives you inside/outside corner help)

 

[Cowboyny]

They will fill every hole before training camp. I am interested in seeing how they do it. Linebacker or two is a red blinking light right now. Styles is probably their number 1 player on their draft board.

Styles most definitely is a trade up target. I think they will consider a move if it means moving that 20th pick and getting a 2 in return only. They aren't going to give up next year's 1 in any scenario. Broaddus mentioned the Browns at 6 giving up 20 and getting 39 back as an example.

 

[Cowboyny]

Delane has to run for me and Downs knee is concerning. We really need to hit on these picks. I think they are hunting the front seven.

Downs is good right now, question is his long-term health. With two 1st rd picks, I think the Cowboys would take that chance. Still don't think he makes it out of the top 10 though.

 

[darthseinfeld]

He is penciled in at the moment, but probably best used as Free Safety.

I think they are keeping Hooker at FS

 

[baltcowboy]

Styles most definitely is a trade up target. I think they will consider a move if it means moving that 20th pick and getting a 2 in return only. They aren't going to give up next year's 1 in any scenario. Broaddus mentioned the Browns at 6 giving up 20 and getting 39 back as an example.

Why would the Browns do that. You gotta give the Browns a reason to trade back. They already have two first round picks. BB, the fan, and the draft show talk about like the Cowboys are doing the Browns a favor. If you want to move up from 12 to 6 why am I giving you a top 5 second day pick in return for the 20th pick. The Browns traded back a few spots with Jacksonville and got the 5th pick, a second round pick, and a 1st round pick for 2026. That was an offer they couldn’t refuse.

 

[baltcowboy]

Downs is good right now, question is his long-term health. With two 1st rd picks, I think the Cowboys would take that chance. Still don't think he makes it out of the top 10 though.

What is frightening if he makes it to 10 what is up with the knee.

My issue with Delane is Tennessee, New York, Washington, and KC all need a corner or two. If they pass on Delane something is up.

 

[darthseinfeld]

He is penciled in at the moment, but probably best used as Free Safety.

I think they signed him with the intention of him being a big slot, thats a key part of his skill set. I dont think they make that expenditure with the idea of just playing him at FS. Big slot was the idea with Thompson imo

Conspicuously absent from there combine meets was Thieneman. Two guys they did interview McNeil-Warren and Kilgore. Both of those guys are rangy box guys, with Kilgore having significant slot experience. And they are bringing Ramsey in for a 30, who is more of a pure box guy. McNeil-Warren and Ramsey dont really have the skillset to be big nickel guys, whereas Ramsey was built for it.

I think there is some flexibility in how they can and will play Thompson, but I think signing him was them checking big slot off the list of needs

 

[JBS]

Out of that group next group: Downs (perfect fit for that nickel role), Styles (fills the MIKE LB where he excels in coverage), Bain (high-floor edge that should make an immediate impact), Delane (gives you inside/outside corner help)

Yes, that’s question. So who is your top choice

 

[Cowboyny]

Yes, that’s question. So who is your top choice

Downs, Styles, Bain, Delane would be my order.

 

[baltcowboy]

Downs is good right now, question is his long-term health. With two 1st rd picks, I think the Cowboys would take that chance. Still don't think he makes it out of the top 10 though.

Do you think Styles or Downs is worth a trade up?

 

[cnuball21]

Do you think Styles or Downs is worth a trade up?

Not directed at me but I am only moving up a slot or 2 for those guys...give up one of our 5ths.

Only player I would make a big move for is Bailey. Checks all of the boxes at a premium position and arguably our biggest need.

 

[baltcowboy]

Not directed at me but I am only moving up a slot or 2 for those guys...give up one of our 5ths.

Only player I would make a big move for is Bailey. Checks all of the boxes at a premium position and arguably our biggest need.

Your opinion is always appreciated. CowboysNY was trying to sucker Cleveland into making such a move. I posted you are going to have to give Cleveland a 2027 first round pick at least along with 12/20 for them to even consider the deal.

 

[Verdict]

I think the Cowboys think highly of players like Styles, Bailey, Bain, and Reese. If they are there at 12 the Cowboys would draft them no questions asked. I don’t think those 4 get out of top 10 so I looked at what the Cowboys have done in free agency, started listening to CP, watched top 30 visits/school visits, and most importantly came to the realization how the front office feels about free agency. I think the Cowboys are hunting front 4 players. They want to be deep along the defensive line and will rotate players. I see the Cowboys trying to trade back every chance they get to accumulate more 2nd day picks. They have already meant with several defensive end and defensive tackles in the first, second, and third down range. I think they feel good about their top 3 corners, and like their current safety room. Linebacker is an enigma but I don’t think they will reach for a “Mike”. I don’t think they are looking to pay another player so the rumors of Sweat, Crosby, and the Minnesota end are probably fools gold. The Cowboys are a draft and development team. They brought in these young defensive coaches to develop the young players.

I’ve been beating this same drum for a while. The Cowboys will be looking to trade down aggressively. If they can get trade partners and reasonable trade value I think you will see it happen several times. The meat and potatoes of this draft is on day 2. The top of day 3 won’t be bad either for what we need.

Keep an eye on Kendal Daniels. He’s a rapid riser and I think Parker may have a special interest in how to use him.

 

[Verdict]

They still need that big nickel

Kendal Daniels.

 

[baltcowboy]

I’ve been beating this same drum for a while. The Cowboys will be looking to trade down aggressively. If they can get trade partners and reasonable trade value I think you will see it happen several times. The meat and potatoes of this draft is on day 2. The top of day 3 won’t be bad either for what we need.

Keep an eye on Kendal Daniels. He’s a rapid riser and I think Parker may have a special interest in how to use him.

Tell me more about Kendall Daniels…..

 

[cnuball21]

I’ve been beating this same drum for a while. The Cowboys will be looking to trade down aggressively. If they can get trade partners and reasonable trade value I think you will see it happen several times. The meat and potatoes of this draft is on day 2. The top of day 3 won’t be bad either for what we need.

Keep an eye on Kendal Daniels. He’s a rapid riser and I think Parker may have a special interest in how to use him.

Trading down is more appealing than trading up for me...

I am optimistic someone will slide to 12 but if not most of the next tier of players are 2nd rounders for me so I want more darts to throw.

 

[morasp]

Keionte Scott could also be in play for the NB position. According to Joe Hoyt he was another player that had an official meeting with the Cowboys at the combine.

Scott’s football character should make him a team favorite as a starting nickelback.

Scott’s play style and tackle production resemble that of a Will linebacker.

• Blitzes off the edge with plenty of heat.
• Brings culture-changing mentality and leadership.
• Posted 64 tackles during the 2025 season, including 13 for loss.

 

[Cowboyny]

Trading down is more appealing than trading up for me...

I am optimistic someone will slide to 12 but if not most of the next tier of players are 2nd rounders for me so I want more darts to throw.

I believe it was mosher's podcast they were talking about a hypothetical trade:

Cowboys use both 12 & 20 for # 3, Josh Sweat and flipping their 3rd rd picks. They were saying Reese would be their target.

It is an interesting trade as you can play Reese off the ball and also find ways for him to rush the passer. Sweat gives us more depth at edge.

 

[cnuball21]

I believe it was mosher's podcast they were talking about a hypothetical trade:

Cowboys use both 12 & 20 for # 3, Josh Sweat and flipping their 3rd rd picks. They were saying Reese would be their target.

It is an interesting trade as you can play Reese off the ball and also find ways for him to rush the passer. Sweat gives us more depth at edge.

Sure, that would be awesome.