Indianapolis – With just over eight weeks until the first pick is made in Detroit, on-field drills will officially begin at the NFL Combine on Thursday as the league's annual scouting event moves the draft process full speed ahead.
More than 300 prospects will flock to Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts, throughout the weekend to showcase their skills to scouts and media in attendance.
Here are players to keep an eye on at each position in terms of potential draft picks for the Cowboys.
Quarterback: Michael Pratt (Tulane) — The chances of the Cowboys drafting a quarterback this year are about as unlikely as drafting a specialist, but something even more surprising has happened in recent memory. There could be even more competition in the quarterback room next season with Cooper Rush and Trey Lance, and several players could fit that mold on Day 3. Tulane product Michael Pratt stands out with his 6-foot-3, 220-pound frame that fits the mold of the position and his efficiency, throwing for more than 9,000 yards in three and a half seasons as the Green Wave's starter. And 90 touchdowns.
Other players to watch: Spencer Rattler (South Carolina), Sam Hartman (Notre Dame), Devin Leary (Kentucky)
Running back: Braylon Allen (Wisconsin) — Regardless of what happens in free agency, the draft seems likely for the Cowboys to acquire a running back bruiser, and Braylon Allen's 6-foot-2, 245-pound frame and downhill ability make Tony – Could be the perfect complement to either Pollard or Tony Pollard. If it's less than that, he goes back to free agency. Allen also entered the draft after just turning 20 in January, so he could be around for longer than expected at his position. In three years as the Badgers' starter, he had 3,494 yards with 35 touchdowns and 5.9 yards per carry.
Other players to watch: Bucky Irving (Oregon State), Trey Benson (Florida State), Isaiah Davis (South Dakota State)
Wide Receiver: Brenden Rice (USC) — Dallas is expected to take a wide receiver in the draft, but it remains to be seen how quickly the Cowboys will take a wide receiver off the board. If they select a first place finisher on Day 2, using a big body like Brenden Rice, son of Jerry Rice, would be a good idea on the outside to definitely complement CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks. It makes sense to put it in Free agency will be a big deciding factor in the Cowboys' flexibility in when they can draft a receiver threat.
Other players to watch: Ricky Pearsall (Florida), Jamari Thrush (Louisville), Jalen McMillan (Washington), Jordan Whittington (Texas)
Tight end: Tanner McLachlan (Arizona) — Jake Ferguson emerges as the clear TE1 in 2023, while Luke Schoonmaker continues to develop, John Stevens Jr. awaits his return from a torn ACL, and Tanner joins the tight end room. -Adding a playmaking receiving threat like McLachlan could be an option in the draft. McLachlan's speed is expected to put him at the top of his position group, but it's his receiving practice that will raise his stock heading into this week.
Other players to watch: Jared Wiley (TCU), Brevin Spanford (Minnesota), Ben Sinnott (Kansas State)
Offensive tackle: Jordan Morgan (Arizona) — Almost every reputable mock draft out there has Dallas taking an offensive tackle in the first round to replace Tyron Smith or add some reliable young depth behind him, but Jordan Morgan One of the more interesting options. A handful of quality tackles are expected to be available when No. 24 takes the field, and Morgan's experience playing left tackle in Arizona, combined with his elite play closing down the edge, has made his name on various message boards. It is highly rated. Showing off his mobility this week could be a big deciding factor in his future projections as a potential slide inside guard, but in any case, which team will play in April? Regardless of which team chooses him, he will have flexibility at the position when he arrives at training camp.
Other players to watch: Amarius Mims (Georgia State), Tyler Guyton (Oklahoma State), Troy Fautanu (Washington State)
Offensive guard: Christian Haynes (UConn) — Taking an interior offensive lineman with a high pick would be a reasonable scenario for the Cowboys, with Christian Haynes also an option and could provide versatility if selected. He played guard for the Huskies, but there's no doubt he's just as likely to play center. If the Cowboys decide to move Tyler Biadasz, Haynes would be a plug-and-play option in the middle of the offensive line. If he stays, Haynes could serve as a reliable depth option early in his career both behind the guard position and at center.
Other players to watch: Cooper Beebe (Kansas State University), Christian Mahogany (Boston University)
Center: Graham Burton (Duke) — When it comes to positional versatility, it's hard to argue that any player in the draft has as much flexibility as Graham Burton. He is probably projected to be best played at center at the next level, but his extensive experience at tackle and guard at Duke gives him the ability to play all five positions up front. . As a center, if the front office decides to pull the trigger on drafting a center with a high pick, it could open up running lanes by bringing the nasties that Dallas may be looking for at the position. Masu. Barton will be limited this week as he deals with a torn labrum, but his interview process could provide some clarity on his best position at the next level.
Other players to watch: Jackson Powers-Johnson (Oregon), Tanner Bortolini (Wisconsin), Cedric Van Plan-Granger (Georgia)
Edge: Jayrix Hunt (Houston Christian) — With Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorrance Armstrong hitting free agency, adding more quality players in the draft could be a priority on Day 3. Jayrix Hunt burst onto the scene with a great season for the Huskies in 2023 after transferring from Cornell University and converting from cornerback, adding over 30 pounds to his long frame. His long wingspan and defensive back-type agility make him a weapon off the edge, making him a valuable third-day selection for Mike Zimmer and Jeff Zgonina in Hunt's first few seasons. It could be the perfect project to maximize. Look for that speed to show this week after shining in that area at the Senior Bowl.
Other players to watch: David Ugwuegbu (Houston), Marshawn Kneeland (Western Michigan), Darius Robinson (Missouri)
Defensive tackle: T'Vondre Sweat (Texas) — The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year is a popular second-rounder for the Cowboys on social media, and his wide frame could be a solution to ensuring they stop giving up runs on the inside defensive line. This is because there is. Perhaps no prospect will garner more attention than Sweat, who steps on the scale this week as he was unofficially listed at 363 pounds as a senior at the University of Texas and declined to weigh in at the Senior Bowl. His bench press and power display may also impress those in attendance this week.
Other players to watch: Gabe Hall (Baylor), Michael Hall Jr. (Ohio State), Leonard Taylor III (Miami)
Linebacker: Peyton Wilson (North Carolina State) — Few prospects will have more weight on their medical reports this week than Peyton Wilson, who enters the draft with two major knee injuries and a major shoulder injury, but the 2023 Dick Butkus Award winner will hope to allay those concerns upon his return. Strong Senior Bowl. His sideline-to-sideline coverage ability and versatility in coverage make him a legitimate second-day linebacker, and if the Cowboys decide to target the position early, he could be a 56-year-old. There is a possibility that he can be used in his turn. He'll likely record an impressive 40-yard dash time again this week.
Other players to watch: Edgerrin Cooper (Texas A&M), Junior Colson (Michigan), Curtis Jacobs (Penn State)
Cornerback: Kyrie Jackson (Oregon) — Regardless of whether the Cowboys bring back Stephon Gilmore or Jordan Lewis, acquiring a cornerback in the draft stands out as a potential Day 3 need for the Cowboys. Mike Zimmer's history of developing tall pressing corners makes Kyrie Jackson fit the mold of potentially fitting the 6-foot-3, 210-pound frame that solidified the outside during his time at Oregon. Having an option like Jackson behind Gilmore, Trevon Diggs and Daron Brand could mean Dallas is looking for depth at the position this offseason.
Other players to watch: Kamari Lassiter (Georgia), TJ Tampa (Iowa State), Malik Mustafa (Wake Forest)
Safety: Tyler Nubin (Minnesota) — While the Cowboys don't necessarily need to draft a safety, a successful free agent could open the door to acquiring a promising player at the position, and Tyler Nubin is one of the top prospects in the class. He shines as a safety. His run defense stands out on tape from his time playing in the Big Ten, but his defensive coverage in the secondary and elite pre- and post-snap instincts make him a unique prospect. This week we'll be looking at his proven speed and change-of-direction coverage practice.
Other players to watch: Jaden Hicks (Washington State), Beau Blade (Maryland), Evan Williams (Oregon)
