The Dallas Cowboys are preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft and one important scouting stop along the way is the Senior Bowl. The game will be played this Saturday (Feb 1) at 2:30 PM ET. Here are 10 players the Cowboys should keep tabs on during the game.
OT, Josh Conerly Jr
Oregon
Conerly has elite foot speed, lateral agility, and good technical skills in pass protection. His ability to mirror edge rushers and manage complex blocking schemes would be beneficial for the Cowboys’ offensive line that certainly had its bad moments last year. He’s best described as effective as a run blocker with versatility in both zone and gap schemes. His background as a high school running back helps him understand the requirements to be an upfront blocker.
CB, Azareye’h Thomas
Florida State
With the Cowboys needing depth at cornerback, Thomas’s connection to Juanyeh Thomas as his younger brother makes him an interesting prospect. His size and fluidity suggest he could be a good fit, though he’ll need time to develop.
RB, Ollie Gordon
Oklahoma State
Dallas has an obvious need at running back, especially under the impending Brian Schottenheimer scheme. Gordon is a Fort Worth native, which adds a hometown appeal, but he’s also a versatile back capable of thriving in both zone and gap schemes, huge check marks at this stage. His patient running style, vision, and ability to make defenders miss in the hole would complement the Cowboys’ offensive strategy, which has historically valued a robust running game. His size (6’2”, 225 lbs) also allows him to be a power runner when needed, potentially replacing the production lost with Rico Dowdle if the coaches opt to not bring him back.
Gordon’s does carry some off-field red flags issues (like a DUI arrest), which could be a cause of concern for some teams. But his on-field talent and fit within the Cowboys’ scheme make him a compelling prospect.
QB, Jaxson Dart
Ole Miss
Dart’s arm talent is evident, but his inconsistencies make him a later-round pick. If he performs well at the Senior Bowl, he could be an intriguing developmental quarterback for the Cowboys to sit behind Dak Prescott. At this stage, Cooper Rush and Trey Lance are both free agents, leaving the QB2 spot up for grabs.
DE, Mike Green
Marshall
As a potential complement to Micah Parsons, Green’s performance in the Senior Bowl could see him rise up draft boards rapidly. His skills as a pass rusher are notable, though he needs to work on his run defense. He would be an excellent fit for the Cowboys due to his explosive pass-rushing abilities and high football IQ. Green has demonstrated he can be a game-changer off the edge, which would add significant pressure from the Cowboys’ defensive line. His list of accolades, which includes All-American honors, suggests he can step in and contribute immediately, enhancing the Cowboys’ pass rush and potentially elevating the defense once again.
DT, Deone Walker
Kentucky
With Osa Odighizuwa’s free agency looming, Walker represents a strong, if not yet polished, interior lineman option. His size and strength are his biggest assets. At 6’6” and 348 pounds, Walker offers the physicality needed to bolster the Cowboys’ run defense, which was a point of concern last year (again). His versatility to line up in various alignments, from nose tackle to 3-technique, aligns with the Cowboys’ need for a flexible defensive line under Matt Eberflus.
OG, Willie Lampkin
North Carolina
Willie Lampkin’s fit with the Cowboys would largely be based on his potential as a developmental player with immediate depth capabilities and the strong possibility of him growing into a more prominent role as he gains NFL experience and physique. His wrestling experience will translate well to the physical endurance required in trench warfare in the NFL. This type of background has often seen players perform above expectation due to having an understanding and natural rhythm when it comes gaining leverage and hand fighting. Both of which are seen on tape with Lampkin.
WR, Jayden Higgins
Iowa State
Incorporating Higgins into the Cowboys’ offense could provide them with a physical presence at receiver, adding another layer to their passing game. Higgins has demonstrated a knack for making difficult catches, with a notable catch radius and body control. His ability to win in contested situations and his high-point ball skills make him an attractive target for quarterbacks, especially on crucial downs. The Cowboys have CeeDee Lamb as their primary receiver, but they could benefit from a possession, X-type receiver like Higgins who can move the chains on third downs and provide a different kind of threat than what’s currently on the roster.
DE, Shemar Stewart
Texas A&M
Stewart’s versatility and size make him a candidate for the Cowboys to consider, particularly if they’re looking for a player who can adapt to multiple defensive roles. Stewart’s physical attributes, potential to improve both the run and pass defense, and his local ties make him an intriguing prospect for the Cowboys. His fit would particularly shine if the Cowboys aim to build a more robust even front that can control the line of scrimmage while also contributing to the pass rush.
DT, T.J. Sanders
South Carolina
Sanders needs to work on his anchor and physical development to become a more complete player. If the Cowboys can nurture his raw talents into a more polished game, he could significantly enhance their defensive line. His quickness off the snap and ability to affect quarterbacks, particularly when given freedom in reduced alignments, could help the Cowboys improve their interior pressure, which is about to lose players that once provided that. Look for Sanders stock to level out as a second- to third-round pick, which aligns where the Cowboys might look to address defensive line needs. And to top it off, Sanders won’t even be 22 years of age by the time training camp ends.
Mike Poland
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