Best of Cowboys: The latest NFL Draft buzz
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In this episode of 'Shan and RJ,' the hosts dive deep into the latest NFL Draft buzz with a focus on the Dallas Cowboys' potential moves, especially around the 12th overall pick. The discussion centers on Caleb Downs, a safety from Ohio State, who is seen as a perfect fit for the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator’s versatile, high-energy scheme. Despite concerns over his sub-31-inch arms and smaller stature, the hosts and guest David Hellman argue that Downs’ intelligence, instincts, and elite coverage skills make him a steal at 12. The conversation also explores the broader draft narrative—how teams overthink positional value, especially with safety, and how the league has historically undervalued players like Kyle Hamilton and Derwin James. The hosts debate whether Dallas should trade up for Downs or wait, with a strong consensus that the Cowboys should avoid the 'landmines' of the draft by letting others overthink and pass on Downs. They also consider alternative scenarios, including trading down, rescinding George Pickens’ tag to free up cap space, and targeting players like Colton Hood, Akeem Mesidor, and Keldrick Falk. The episode closes with a breakdown of Dane Brugler’s top 100 rankings, highlighting Downs at #5, Stiles at #4, and Falk as a high-upside, high-risk pick.
Caleb Downs is the ideal fit for the Cowboys' new defensive scheme due to his versatility, intelligence, and elite coverage skills, despite concerns over arm length and size.
The Cowboys should consider waiting at 12 to let other teams overthink Downs, then draft him when he slides, avoiding the 'landmines' of the draft.
Trading down or rescinding George Pickens’ tag to free up cap space could allow Dallas to target multiple high-value players, including Max Crosby.
Keldrick Falk and Akeem Mesidor are high-upside, high-risk picks that could pay off if the Cowboys are willing to take a calculated gamble.
The draft process is overly long and prone to groupthink—shortening it could lead to better, more efficient team-building decisions.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Opening Hodgepodge & Draft Countdown
The episode opens with a mix of local sports updates, including a high school soccer game and a Masters golf preview, before diving into the NFL Draft countdown. The hosts set the stage for a deep dive into the Cowboys' draft strategy.
Caleb Downs: The Perfect Fit for Dallas
“The draft community at large is overthinking, but you can't overlook the history here. And the NFL has let more physically gifted players than Caleb Downs slip because of positional value over the years.”
Trade-Up vs. Wait: The Cowboys’ Dilemma
“I hope the rest of the league overthinks this so the Cowboys don't have to.”
Alternative Scenarios: Pickens, Crosby & Cap Space
“If I'm going to move on from George, I can't just get a comp pick. Yeah, I mean, I would rather have George Pickens here than Crosby?”
Dane Brugler’s Top 100 Breakdown
A detailed review of Dane Brugler’s top 100 rankings, with Downs at #5, Stiles at #4, and Falk as a high-upside, high-risk pick. The hosts analyze the projections and their implications for the Cowboys.
“I hope the rest of the league overthinks this so the Cowboys don't have to.”
“The draft community at large is overthinking, but you can't overlook the history here. And the NFL has let more physically gifted players than Caleb Downs slip because of positional value over the years.”
“I think if we just lopped like two or three months off of the draft process and we'd all be better off.”
Hosts
Guest
Dallas Cowboys
other
Caleb Downs
person
NFL Draft
other
George Pickens
person
Ohio State
other
David Hellman
person
Akeem Mesidor
person
Dane Brugler's Draft Guide
other
Dane Brugler
person
Keldrick Falk
person
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