Hour 3: David Pollack Previews Cowboys Draft Strategy at 12 and 20 and we predict who the Cowboys will draft tonight
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In this episode of Shan and RJ, the hosts dive deep into the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on the Dallas Cowboys' potential moves at picks 12 and 20. They welcome guest David Pollack, a former college football Hall of Famer and defensive analyst, who breaks down the evolving landscape of NFL defenses, emphasizing the rise of hybrid players like Sonny Stiles and Caleb Downs. Pollack advocates for the Cowboys to stay at picks 12 and 20, targeting a top-tier corner like Delane at 12 and a versatile edge rusher like Akeem Mesidor or Malachi Lawrence at 20. He also discusses the strategic value of trading back to accumulate more picks, especially given the perceived depth in rounds two and three. The hosts and fans weigh in with dream scenarios, including trade-ups for David Bailey or Arvel Reese, while debating positional needs, player value, and the impact of injuries on draft boards. The episode also features lighthearted banter about the Rangers' game, Mike Vrabel’s sudden counseling announcement, and the absurdity of skipping draft day three for therapy.
The Cowboys should prioritize defensive upgrades at 12 and 20, with a focus on elite corners and versatile edge rushers.
Hybrid players like Caleb Downs and Sonny Stiles are increasingly valuable due to the NFL's shift toward multiple, positionless defenses.
Trading back to gain additional picks (like 28 and 59) could be a smart strategic move, even if it means sacrificing a first-round pick.
Delane from LSU is widely considered a top-tier corner and a likely target at 12, despite some teams favoring Downs.
C.J. Allen from Georgia is a high-intent, high-character linebacker who could be a perfect fit at 20 if available.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Opening Recap: Stars Win, Draft Hype Builds
The episode opens with a recap of the Dallas Stars' Game 3 win in Minnesota and a brief mention of the Rangers' dramatic home run, setting a high-energy tone for the draft preview.
David Pollack Joins to Break Down Draft Trends
“You've got to be physical enough to play the run. You've got to be fast enough to play in space and to coverage. And the third element of being a great linebacker is or you're a blitzer. Well, you've got to have two of those three.”
Cowboys' Draft Strategy: Pick 12 and 20 Focus
“I like Mesidor the most because he's not a small sucker. You know, that dude's 275 pounds. And I just like the way he's developed, and I like his versatility probably.”
Fan Dream Scenarios and Trade-Up Debates
“If they could trade up to three tomorrow or tonight, tomorrow's a funeral. A funeral? It's a funeral. I mean, you're going to get a great player, cool.”
Mike Vrabel's Counseling Announcement Sparks Mockery
The hosts roast the Patriots' announcement that Mike Vrabel is skipping draft day three for counseling, calling it a bizarre PR stunt with no real impact on the draft process.
“You've got to be physical enough to play the run. You've got to be fast enough to play in space and to coverage. And the third element of being a great linebacker is or you're a blitzer. Well, you've got to have two of those three.”
“I like Mesidor the most because he's not a small sucker. You know, that dude's 275 pounds. And I just like the way he's developed, and I like his versatility probably.”
“If they could trade up to three tomorrow or tonight, tomorrow's a funeral. A funeral? It's a funeral. I mean, you're going to get a great player, cool.”
Hosts
Guest
Dallas Cowboys
other
David Pollack
person
Caleb Downs
person
Delane
person
Akeem Mesidor
person
C.J. Allen
person
Mike Vrabel
person
Arvel Reese
person
David Bailey
person
Malachi Lawrence
person
The Cowboys sign DL Jonathan Bullard and Brian Schottenheimer spoke at the owner's meeting
Shan and RJ • 13m • 3/31/2026
Hour 1: NFL Owner's meeting recap and more Pro Days today
Shan and RJ • 40m • 3/31/2026
The Rangers' offense continues to roll except for Josh Jung
Shan and RJ • 14m • 3/31/2026
Hour 2: Dan Hurley got too close to the ref and Josh Jung has been BAD to start the season
Shan and RJ • 47m • 3/31/2026
Below the Belt: What is the most Cowboys thing they've ever done?
Shan and RJ • 11m • 3/31/2026
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