COWBOYS SQUAD SHOW: A FULL breakdown on the Cowboys draft, plus the very latest on George Pickens.

Summary

Locked On Cowboys: Cowboys Squad Show

Episode Air Date: April 28, 2026
Hosts: Jeff Bigs, Marcus Mosher, Aisha Morrison, Glenn “Stretch” Smith
Main Theme:
A full breakdown of the Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 NFL Draft, deep-diving into their draft selections, post-draft moves, and the ongoing George Pickens contract saga. The panel discusses roster needs, draft philosophy, the developmental outlook for key picks, the evolving linebacker and tight end room, and the latest on team culture.

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Episode Overview

This jam-packed Cowboys Squad Show gathers the Locked On Cowboys’ hosts to dissect the 2026 Dallas Cowboys draft: what worked, what questions remain, and how the new additions stack up. The hosts deliver insider nuance on Dallas’ strategies, personnel upgrades, and looming distractions like the George Pickens standoff. Throughout, there’s candid optimism about the rookies—especially first-rounder Caleb Downs—tempered by realistic takes on team-building and execution under new and developing leadership.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cowboys 2026 Draft: Did Dallas Do What They Needed?

[03:12–05:29]

• Marcus Mosher:

  • “Do I think the Cowboys did well this weekend? I do.”
  • Dallas targeted key needs:
    • Nickel defender: Caleb Downs
    • Pass rusher: Malachi Lawrence (pick 23)
    • Linebacker: D. Winters and Jayshawn Barham
    • Added depth at DL and OT
  • Flexible, structured approach—“smart business all weekend.”

• Aisha Morrison:

  • Trades were executed cleverly, with comp picks leveraged to move up.
  • “Probably one of the more structured draft weekends that I've seen them run since I’ve started even getting into the process.”
  • Observes strong communication and a “united front” in Dallas’ draft room.

• Glenn “Stretch” Smith:

  • Draft addressed needs “without making any real knee jerk moves.”
  • Giving up a compensatory 5th for day-one starter D. Winters at linebacker was a coup.
  • Perspective: Too early to grade a draft fully—“Let’s talk about this a year from now.”

2. Big Picture: Defensive Upgrades & Ongoing Needs

[08:40–13:32]

• Are the Cowboys notably better on defense?

  • The panel agrees: Yes, the defense improved.
  • Stretch Smith: Personnel-wise, “they are better off than they were one year ago... but this process of turning over personnel needs to continue.”
  • Advocates for Dallas remaining aggressive—“What does it hurt to pick up the phone and call Cleveland and ask what they want for Myles Garrett?”
  • Still cautious about a new playcaller: “I have confidence in the personnel—not sure about a coordinator who's never called a defense.”

• Aisha Morrison:

  • “They’ve definitely risen the level of competition, the level of talent across the board when it comes to the defense.”
  • Emphasizes the importance of coaching—“clipboard warriors are what are going to be the difference makers.”

3. Linebacker Room Revamp

[13:32–16:15]

• Marcus Mosher:

  • “They’re in much better shape than they were five days ago.”
  • Still, “feels like they’re one veteran away.”
  • Names brought in: D. Winters, Jayson Barham, Curtis Robinson (special teams), with Overshown and Shemar James in the mix.
  • “If you go out and get a Jordan Brooks, now we’re talking.”

• Aisha:

  • Happy with additions, expects Dallas to not give up more future draft capital for a vet.
  • Lays importance on coaching to finalize the LB room’s potential.

4. Latest in the George Pickens Contract Drama

[17:05–29:44]

• Status Roundup:

  • Franchise tagged, but conflicting reports about whether he’s signed it.
  • Marcus: “I caution everybody not to get into this daily content of George Pickens stuff... let this thing play out.”
  • No teams seem eager to trade for Pickens on a costly tag, especially with no one wanting to give up 2027 capital.

• Stretch:

  • “He is not getting the hammer... Jerry and Steven saying we’re not negotiating anymore.”
  • On cost: “You can’t pay [Pickens] more than you’re paying your one (CeeDee).”

• Aisha & Marcus (on the standoff):

  • Speculate Dallas might promise not to double-tag Pickens if he reports, but see little urgency.
  • “I think they want to date him rather than marry him right now.” (Marcus, 26:16)
  • Cowboys want accountability and professionalism before a long-term commitment.

5. Post-Draft Signings: “Just Bodies” and Special Teams Depth

[29:44–31:37]

• New WR signings: Marquez Valdez-Scantling, Tyler Johnson—described as “just bodies” for camp competition.
• Real WR depth would be addressed via major acquisition (not these signings).

6. Undrafted Free Agent Standout: Michael Trigg (TE, Baylor)

[34:35–46:09]

• Marcus Mosher:

  • “This is a guy that probably should have been a second round pick legitimately.”
  • Pure athletic marvel—“best hands I’ve ever seen at the tight end position,” 85-inch wingspan.
  • Red flags: Consistency, maturity, sometimes “lazy,” but huge upside.
  • He’ll likely redshirt (practice squad) behind veterans Ferguson, Schoonmaker, Span-Ford.

• Aisha & Stretch:

  • Dallas keeps seeking a “freak athlete” TE—Trigg fits the bill if coached/directed right.
  • “If he does tap in, you talking about a weapon over the middle of the field and in the red zone that is... unstoppable if he decides to be.” (Aisha, 44:38)
  • Stretch: Blocking deficiencies can be taught; “I can teach him how to block, I promise you I can... What you can’t teach is athleticism.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If he’s not a day one starter, then I may lay off for two weeks and quit this all together.”
  —Stretch, on Caleb Downs’ readiness (54:47)

• “I think they want to date him rather than marry him right now.”
  —Marcus, on Dallas’ approach to the Pickens situation (26:16)

• “Probably one of the more structured draft weekends that I’ve seen them run since I’ve started even getting into the process.”
  —Aisha, on the Cowboys’ 2026 draft war room (04:26)

• “Personnel-wise, they are better off than they were one year ago. I firmly believe that.”
  —Stretch, on the retooled defense (09:14)

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Important Timestamps

• [03:12–08:40] —Main draft recap: needs addressed, process praised, and early takes on key picks
• [09:12–13:32] —Upgrades to the defense, ongoing roster churn, and the importance of coaching
• [13:32–16:15] —Linebacker room review, veteran needs, and new additions discussed
• [17:05–29:44] —Deep dive: George Pickens contract saga, trade rumors, and Dallas’ negotiation posture
• [34:35–46:09] —Undrafted free agent focus: TE Michael Trigg, big risk/reward acquisition analysis
• [48:44–54:47] —Spotlight: Caleb Downs, what makes him special, what Dallas expects
• [55:28–58:02] —Second rounder Malachi Lawrence breakdown; playstyle, scheme fit, Saban’s criticism addressed
• [58:22–end] —Quick-hits: Other late-round picks, personal favorites, and panel’s closing thoughts

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Player Spotlights

Caleb Downs (S, Rd 1)

• “Special, special player...coached by Nick Saban and Ryan Day, moved to OSU to pursue a better championship chance.” —Marcus ([48:44–49:46])
• Versatile (punt returner, box safety, deep safety), high football IQ, immediate tone setter.
• “He’s expected to step into the quarterback-of-the-defense role day one.” —Whole panel

Malachi Lawrence (EDGE, Rd 2)

• Violent playstyle, explosive motor, needs better technique and decisiveness.
• Raw, “but if you’re gonna miss, miss on somebody that can run. He can run.” —Stretch ([57:22])

Michael Trigg (UDFA, TE, Baylor)

• Supremely gifted but “inconsistent, sometimes lazy.” Upside is “best tight end on your roster,” if unlocked.
• “You can work with somebody who’s got that motor...I can teach him how to block.” —Stretch ([39:11])

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Panel Tone and Final Takeaways

• Cautious optimism: Panelists love the increase in team speed, effort, and structure—but stress the real test is on the field and in the locker room.
• Coaching, not just talent, is central to defensive progress: “Clipboard warriors” could make all the difference.
• Process over instant results: Early grades are secondary to player development and culture change.
• George Pickens standoff: “Let it play out”—team has leverage, and there’s little urgency.

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For Next Steps

• Tune in to Locked On Cowboys daily for player-by-player schemes, advanced stats, and further breakdowns (see [47:57]).
• Watch for news on continued depth signings and how the defense gels in voluntary workouts and OTAs.

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Summary prepared for listeners who missed the show or want a comprehensive, timestamped overview of the content and insights delivered by the Locked On Cowboys panel.

Transcript

[A]

I am Jeff Bigs and I was super excited about the draft and now I am excited about this show.

[B]

I am Marcus moser and my seven round 2027 mock draft comes out tomorrow.

[C]

I am Aisha Morrison and I am excited to talk about this amazing draft the Cowboys just had.

[D]

Glenn Stretch Smith and I can't wait to put it behind us.

[C]

How about them Cowboys? It's the Cowboys squad everything. Dallas Cowboys every week covering all the big hits and game changing plays from America's team the way only the Locked on podcast network can get ready and squad up. It's the Cowboys squad show starting now.

[A]

Ah, the 2026 NFL Draft officially in the books and now we get to break it all down and only a way that the squad show can because we have another edition of the Cowboy squad show. It is great to be back with you. Hope you enjoyed the weekend. I hope you can recover like Marcus and Aisha and Landon and coach can and we can just enjoy this hour and talk about everything. There is so much going on. We may not have time to get to everything on the show tonight. I mean that sincerely. But we start with a welcome to the co host of the daily Lockdown Cowboys podcast, Crushing it all weekend with Landon McCool. That would be Marcus Mosher. You guys did outstanding. I mean that sincerely, not flattery. She is back with us. Had a huge week of her own last week. You saw her all over the place. Aisha Morrison with two eyes, don't forget those. And former Cowboys coach was right about so many things. The one and only Glenn Stretch Smith. All right, we've got coming up on the show just to give a quick little tease what we got coming up. Very latest on the Cowboys. They made some moves post draft. We got a surprise signing this afternoon and just when you thought the George Pickens saga drama couldn't get any weirder, it just did. So we got all that coming up and if that's not enough today, by the way, in case you didn't know it, it's kind of buried like down below everything. The first day of voluntary workouts. Where do those come from? How do we miss that? So we are jam packed. All right, let's get to it. Marcus, going to start with you, you and Landon all over the Cowboys draft all weekend long. Just content videos, updates galore. So great job by you and I would encourage everyone to go back and look at those shows, all the different episodes. Right. So we, we've you've had a chance little 24 hours, 48 hours to soak everything in decompress a little bit, process everything. My question to you and everybody on the squad tonight. Did the Cowboys, how did they really do in the draft, and did they do what they needed to do in the draft?

[B]

First of all, Jeff, this is always a little bit of a depressing time for me because you put in all this work for the last five, six months, you know, researching and talking about all these players, and then it's over in an instant. Right? And now we've got this long stretch before the Cowboys, you know, actually, you know, in Oxnard on the practice field. But it's also really fun because now we get to talk about how we think these players are going to get fit into the offense, going to fit into the defense, and that's the part that I really enjoy as well. But to answer your question, do I think the Cowboys did well this weekend? I. I do. They needed to get a nickel defender. They got that in Caleb Downs. They needed an impact player. He obviously can be that. They needed a pass rusher. They got Malachi Lawrence at pick 23. They needed somebody else at linebacker. They got two guys between Barum and D. Winters, and then they added depth at key spots, including the defensive line and at offensive tackle. I think we could debate on some of the picks that they made, but I think all in all, the process was good. I think we like a lot of the players that they. They selected. Good weekend for Dallas.

[A]

Aisha. A lot of positive grades. Mel Kuiper giving the Cowboys an A for their draft. What did you think?

[C]

Yeah, I mean, I agree with Marcus. I. I think that they hit a lot of key points. I mean, one of the biggest things that stands out is obviously what they had to do to get a Caleb Downs and, and trading up and, and giving away those two fifths that were comp picks from the year before, I thought that was very smart. And then to get two fourths back and to use those to get some bridge players or some guys to develop. Like Marcus mentioned it, it just was smart business all weekend. And I, I think as we look at this process, we've heard some in the, in the, in the press, press conferences. There's a very united front, and it could just be a front. I know coaches told us plenty of times about that stuff, but seems like a pretty united front, that the communication was really good between the scouts and the coaches and what they were looking for, and they really just executed this weekend and let things kind of come to them. But they had contingency plans, and I was Very appreciative of that. Probably one of the more structured draft draft weekends that I've seen them run since I've started the pro, since I've started even getting into the process.

[D]

I, I mean I, they went into this draft and they addressed, I felt like what they needed to address without making any real knee jerk moves, without getting themselves in position where they couldn't recoup the picks that they traded to move to and with Miami in order to get, you know, the guy that obviously they. I think the biggest deal for me was after kind of letting this marinate was getting a linebacker who is a day one starter in winter. I mean they didn't give up a whole lot for him. Marcus was saying it was a compensatory five that they gave up to get a day one in my mind starter. Now that doesn't mean that Barham can't come in here and compete or whoever else they may see put in that position. But I think he's a true bubble backer. I mean he's a 511 guy. That's not going to, he's not going to be that overhang guy. You don't expect him to come in there and set the edge and do those kind of things. But what you do have, if you got that they're in a tight end and 11 personnel and maybe they want to take him and displace him from the line of scrimmage, he can walk out and cut the difference with that guy and still give you the run support you need where you're not showing a true five man box. So I think there's a lot of pluses with how the Cowboys navigated through this draft. I think it's a little bit too early and I've always thought it's too early when you see guys try to make place a grade on a draft. Hell, how do you know, how do you know how Ty Simpson is going to be? We don't know what kind of quarterback he's going to be in Los Angeles. So the fact that you want to step out and say one way or the other, I mean let's talk about this a year from now and then really have a feeling of what and how productive the draft was. But when you look single handedly at the Cowboys so much like we do, they went out and got what they needed and, and they got players that all have immense upside and that to me that's exactly what you want to do.

[B]

Oh yeah, you can, you can grade the process of the draft. We don't know exactly how these players are going to turn out. Malachi Lawrence, Lawrence might turn out to be an all Pro. And we're completely grading this draft differently. Right. But I think for the Cowboys, we knew that they wanted to get one of the top defenders in this class. They traded away a couple fifth round picks. Nobody missed them. By the time we got to day three to go get, go get a player that in their mind was a top five player on their board. And then at pick 20, they had an edge rusher that they really liked. They were going to take them. They were able to slide down, pick up some more. Day two, excuse me, Day three, capital and still get that player. I think they accomplished their goals. Now it's up to the players to live up to those expectations and for the coaches that, to get them to play well. But in terms of the actual process, I think they did very well.

[A]

Have you been able to think at all about how much better the defense is now compared to where we were at the end of the season? I know, coach, you said it. The main objective was, or at least one of them was to try to get at least two starters in the draft. Feel like they've done that. But, but again, big picture with some of the smaller moves they've made and other moves that they made. Are they close to where they need to be?

[B]

Stretchy? They're close.

[D]

I mean here's, here's what do I think this is going to take them from a 26th or 28th ranked defense to a 15th rank deep? No. Do I think that they've gotten better to put themselves in position to get a critical stop or some critical stops in football games? Yes. Do I think this process of turning over personnel continues, needs to continue? Hell yeah. I mean I, I'd be, I'd be on the phone right now seeing what, what, what is it going to take to see if I could get myself again? What does it hurt to pick up phone, call Cleveland and ask what they want from Miles Garrett? What does it hurt to pick up phone and call the Raiders and say what do you want? What do you want for Max Crosby? What does it hurt to be on the phone with Bose's agent to say what's it going to take to get him in here under a one year deal? Or you know, lining up yourself where you might bring Clowney back? There still needs to be this, it's not over with. So that's why I'm saying to sit here and say, do I think the Cowboys defense is better today? Than they were week 17 a year ago? Hell, yeah, I do think they're better, but that doesn't mean that I have confidence in a coordinator who's never called the defense to come in here and call it. I have to say we're going to look and see. Personnel wise, they're better off. They are better off than they were one year ago. I, I, I firmly believe that.

[B]

Stretch, let me ask you this. How many, how many starters or even key contributors. Contributors do you think they are away from being a top, let's say 16. Defense, top half.

[D]

I mean, if they stay healthy with this secondary. So what, what is it? Revel Bland, Hooker, free agent they signed from Arizona. T. Thompson, Caleb Downs. Right.

[B]

Yep.

[D]

Okay, so if you, if you insert overshone and D winners.

[C]

Yes.

[D]

And you put Picket, Quinn and Williams or Sean Gary and just say clowning. Let's just say they go get clowning. I mean, gota, yeah, that's pretty good defense, man. To me that you, you've upgraded yourself. And so I, I'm, I'm hesitant to say do I think this is going to be some sort of, again, leaps and bounds in statistical category defense? I, I don't know that because I don't, I'm not real sure that I, that I understand exactly what the coordinator is going to want to do, but I, I, they're better from a just sheer personnel standpoint and that, that's what you got to hang your hat on right now.

[C]

Yeah, yeah, I mean, I feel the same way. What's up? What's your question?

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, go ahead. What were you gonna say?

[C]

I feel the same way in regard to them, them being better. I mean, let's just, let's just be honest here. They've definitely risen the level of competition, the level of talent across the board when it comes to the defense. And as coach said, you know, we're still, it sounds like Christian Parker is taking, taking a lot of the things that he's learned in other places and kind of making his own situation here in Dallas. So there's a lot to be seen even from what the scouts said as they were interviewed with the draft show, to be seeing some new things. We might see some, you know, variations of things that maybe he did in Philly or in Denver that we maybe didn't see here. Well, that he didn't even do. So we're gon, But I feel like I'm also in a place to where I think the talent has already been risen. I think you have guys that are obviously Stars and stuff at different levels. Some potential guys to rise. But the coaching for me is going to really be what takes you. If you were to try to get into the low teens early. Like, I think the clipboard warriors are what are going to be the difference makers. And we won't know much about that until we'll see.

[A]

Good answer right there, Aisha. I like that. Good stuff from all of you. So, real quick, before we move on, just a final thought. Talking specifically. I know one of the big ones was the linebacker room. You've already kind of hit on it already. The winners with the 49ers. There's rumors that they could maybe still make a run at Jordan Brooks with the Dolphins. Possibly. I thought they made it. As you pointed out, Marcus, a really sneaky, solid selection in getting Jayson Boreham from Michigan. So seems like they're. I mean, just about right there with the linebacker room. What do you think?

[B]

Yeah, they're. They're in a much better shape than they were five days ago. Right. Like, there's no doubt. It still feels like they're one veteran away now if you go out and get a Jordan Brooks, I mean, now we're talking. Now De Winter slides back into a rotational role. Barum can be more of an edge rusher. But I don't know if they're going to do that because I think they want Winters.

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

And I think they want Winters to start. I think they want Overshot to start, and I think they want Barham to be a guy that plays multiple spots. And let's not forget about Shemar James, who was 20 years old last year when they drafted him out of Florida. On the flip side, like. Yeah. On the flip side, would I be feeling a lot better if they would have, you know, closed the deal on the Kobe Dean in free agency? Absolutely. I still think there's room in this linebacker room to have one more veteran that you feel better about.

[C]

Sure. And I mean, didn't they bring a gentleman in today from. Was it from San Fran? San Fran, Yeah.

[B]

Robinson. I think it's Curtis Robinson.

[C]

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, it seems like people in the building at Curtis Robinson seems like people really like him as a special team member, but also be another depth piece in that linebacker room. I. Coach, I know that you. You were saying that they need to continue to go look. I. I think they're going to continue to go look in some of these other small places. But as far as at the top, I can't see them giving up any capital for anybody else. Their Capital for next year. What about you, Marcus? I think they're going to ride with what they have. We knew that this was going to be a multi year thing. Like coach said, everything wasn't going to be fixed overnight. I think this is a very good position to be in. They checked a lot of boxes in free agency with being bringing in PJ Lock and Kobe Durant and Thompson and some of those guys as well. So for what we have right now, I'm, I'm, I'm cool with it. I'm cool with it. There's like coaches got a coach too, so I'm really. I think that that's going to be the cherry on top of what this defense is going to look like moving forward.

[A]

I like that. Coaches got a coach. I like that.

[C]

Okay. I'm excited. I'm excited. I know coaches curious to see.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

What it is, what their vision is for the defense. And when you looked at the scouts talking about. We got to hear from the scouts this weekend, Marcus. I don't know if you got to tune in, but they are typically. Our scouts are really chill. They seem there were little hints and pockets of how excited they are about what the vision that Christian Parker has and how they bring that to life for this defense.

[A]

That's pretty cool. I mean, if not only that there is a vision, but the fact that they can all see it and they're all behind it and are all. Are all wanting to be a part of it, that's really cool. That's a beautiful thing. All right, good stuff there. We'll leave it there when we come back, though. Got to get to the latest with George Pickens. It's just, I look, I'm not trying

[B]

to bring it up.

[A]

I'm not. I'm not looking for it. It's finding me. It. It. I'm not looking. We'll do that when we come back. This is the Cowboys square. All right. Well, you've heard it discussed before and you know the NFL draft was here. It was a great weekend. But as you know, with the draft, it's preparation, meeting, opportunity, and every decision matters. And it's all about being ready when your moment comes. And that same mindset applies off the field, too. That's where rug yet comes in. Rougyette offers treatments designed to help you feel ready and confident when it matters most. Their top option, Rougiet Ready is a mint that dissolves under your tongue with clinically proven ingredients. It works quickly, often in about 15 minutes, and it can last up to 36 hours. And they also offer Go long. Designed to help you with both performance and control. It's all about showing up at your best whenever your moment is. So head to rougiet.com lockedonnfl and get 15% off your ED treatment. That's Rougiet. R u g I-E-T.com lockedonnfl for 15% off Rougiet Performance Medicine for Men. Great to be back with you. The Cowboy Squad show. That's Aisha Morrison with two eyes, the co host of the daily Locked on Cowboys podcast, Marcus Mosher and four Cowboys coach, the one and only Glenn Stretch Smith. All right, last week, after Stephen Jones dropped the hammer and said that they were not going to negotiate a long term deal with George Pickens, it was just going to be the tag. Since that time there was a little rumor that maybe something would go on that seemed like a lot of just Internet chatter of just people jumping at conclusions that maybe they would trade him during the draft and get a receiver. We talked about that, but really nothing was there. Well, since that time there have been conflicting reports that Pickens signed his tag. I think Ian Rapaport said he was going to. Adam Schefter came out and said that, no, he had not done so yet. Todd Archer said that. And then Schefter today Talking to Pat McAfee said that Pickens doesn't want to play on the franchise tag and wants either a new contract or to be traded.

[D]

So here, hold on a minute here because you missed about four chapters of the deal. Okay, so Wednesday, Wednesday it was, it was reported that there were multiple people talking about the Cowboys taking Arizona State receiver Jordan Tyson. Yes, 12. That Dallas had a big grade on Jordan Tyson, that this stuff started leaking out about Jordan Tyson. Then it come around Thursday and all of a sudden the posture changed from Pick inside. Whether that was Mulaguetta or Pickens or whoever saying, hey, no, no, no, I'm, I'm happy here. Here's where I want to be. And in fact, I'm willing to sign this franchise tag. Well, then the Cowboys don't take him. And now we're back to playing this same pickleball game that's so boring to watch. Well, you lob one over here and I'll lob one over there. And you say this and I'll say that. Hey, at the end of the day, how many times do I say you're either the hammer or you're the nail? And he is not getting the hammer. He, he not Getting the hammer. So however they decide to go about this is in my mind it's just Jerry and Steven saying we're not, we're not negotiating anymore. And oh by the way, you might get the franchise tag next year which if this year it's 23, next year it's 30 something million. Now you got it. One a receiver for less than an average of 30 something million a year. Why does, why does Jerry, Steven or anybody in the Cowboys front office need to have a sense of urgency for any of it?

[B]

They don't. And that's just the truth. And that's why I, I caution everybody not to get into this daily content of George picking stuff. Now I think there's some people at four letter networks that are really trying to push this to make sure that they have stories to talk about all off season long to make sure that they get ratings. You don't want that. Our latest report comes from Jeremy Fowler who said that the Cowboys got an email from George Pickens's representatives last week that he intends to sign the franchise tag. He just hasn't actually put pen to paper or done a docusign. I don't know how they actually do that now, but I think the plan is for him to still sign that deal and Pickens can want a long term contract or to be traded, but he can't be traded until he signs the franchise tag. And I don't see any team coming in and giving Pickens a long term deal and then turning right around and giving the Cowboys everything that they're asking for in terms of compensation. So if you just let this thing play out, I think the most likely outcome is that he signs a tag at some point, hopefully soon, but probably by the summer he plays in the franchise tag with the idea of hitting free agency next year and either getting a long term deal from the Cowboys or some other team. I think if you go with the, if you try to stay up with this news cycle day in and day out, you're gonna drive yourself crazy.

[C]

Yeah, I mean I'm not really wasting much of my time with it. I mean there's a lot of other stuff going on. I think I feel the same way that Marcus feels about it, especially when it talk talk, when you talk about the financial ramifications of it is that I definitely see him coming and showing up, playing what he needs to do. What's up Marcus?

[B]

I also want to put this out there right?

[C]

Huh?

[B]

George Pickens has been on the non exclusive franchise tag now for a month and a Half. Okay. That means that he's been able to negotiate a contract with other teams. We've heard zero about other teams being interested. Right. And I think it's going to be even less enticing now for other teams to come in and give him a deal assuming, you know, he hasn't signed the franchise tag because they just don't want to give up 2027 picks. We saw teams in the draft like Nobody was trading 2027 draft capital because we know how that strong that draft is going to be. I think you're talking about now post draft. There's just not going to be a team in the world that wants to give up a 2027 pick and pay George Pickens 37, $38 million a year on a, you know, a, a four year deal with 75 of it guaranteed. Like he can want a long term a deal, but unless it's coming from Dallas, he's not getting it anywhere else.

[C]

Yeah, it's in his best interest to just play, play again. It sucks. I'm sure that it seems like it sucks for him in several different ways, but that's just where it is. I really.

[B]

Can I put my tinfoil hat on? Aisha? Yeah. This is just me wildly speculating, so don't aggregate this or anything. I wonder if Jerry Jones and Steven Jones maybe made a pitch to David Molaguetta like, hey, sign the franchise tag now, come do all the voluntary stuff, don't miss training camp, don't miss the off season workout and we promise we won't tag you next year. You can get a long term contract. We'll negotiate with you then. But come sign it now so we can avoid all this off season drama. That I would not be surprised if something like that shakes out.

[A]

Can you do that?

[B]

Sure, why not?

[C]

I mean, from my understanding is they're firm on the not wanting a long term deal.

[B]

Understandably so.

[C]

So, I mean, I, I, I get what you're saying and I guess that would. This is a big year for Dallas. This is a big year for Dallas, which, that's why we're talking about it. That's why we talk about the defense and all this stuff. Like I, I do think that there's other gentlemen that can step up, but you mean a lot of your offensive success was because of those two receivers out there. You need him. And whether that is to help bridge for the next guy next year and next year's draft, whatever the case may be, you need him this year. So let's try to keep the Peace as much as we can. And I don't know what's gonna happen, but I think he's gonna end up playing and hopefully he's peaceful when he does it.

[D]

I mean, if they're, they're saying they don't want a long term deal because they don't want a long term deal at the number that's been put out there. Yeah, that, that. So, okay, so if they went at him, said, hey, what. We'll give you, we'll give you, we'll give you three here at 95. I don't, I don't think he would take that.

[C]

I don't think it's just about the money, though.

[B]

I don't think I, I think they want to date him rather than marry him right now.

[C]

Yeah, but, but, but then it's like a constant situationship. Like, oh, like I'm not, I'm not ready to commit. Like it, that's what I think. I think it's more. We are not sure and we don't know when we're going to be sure. And the safest thing for us to do is franchise tag you. But I don't think. It just doesn't seem like there's real interest in being tied to this person for a extended, extended period of time.

[B]

And it's very understandable. I mean, he's had a very rocky high school, college and NFL career so far. And I think they want to see another year, not only a production, but another year of being a professional. Show up on time, don't miss practices, make sure you're making these meetings. And I'm not saying that he wasn't doing that, but we kind of hear whispers that sometimes maybe George needs to set his clock back a couple minutes so he. Or forward a couple minutes so he's on time to meetings. Right. And I think that's all part of. If you want to earn a big contract and you want to be one of the highest paid receivers in the NFL, it's not just about being the top receiver on the field and putting up numbers. It's about doing the things day in and day out that make you a reliable teammate. I think that's what the Cowboys are waiting to see here.

[A]

Let me ask you this. If, if, if he were to. Let's say he does sign the tag. If it, let's just say they wanted to do a trade or they got an offer to trade, does the other team still have to give the picks with it as well? If they trade him or once he signs it, then they can do whatever.

[B]

So once he signs the franchise tag, he can't openly negotiate with another team. Now, the Cowboys can allow another team to negotiate with him, but right now he catches. Can still go out and negotiate with any other team, and the Cowboys don't have a say. But if, if that team signs him to a contract offer, then they would be giving up two first round picks.

[A]

Now, like you said, nobody's.

[B]

Yeah, if he signs the tag, then it becomes a situation a little bit like Micah last year where the Cowboys let Micah talk to the packers before eventually agreeing to the deal.

[A]

Okay, but, but if he, if they were to trade him, the team would no longer be on the hook for

[B]

the two first round picks. Yes, yes. But you, you'd still obviously have to agree to whatever compensation there.

[A]

Right. So, I mean, conceivably, conceivably, Mulaguetta has until July 15 to sign the tag. He could spend the next two months calling teams and saying, hey, if we sign the tag, you know, let's try to get a deal done. And will you talk to the Cowboys and let's try to get them over here.

[B]

Yes. Yeah.

[A]

Okay.

[D]

What, what is CD making right now?

[B]

I think it's 34 million a year, roughly.35.

[D]

Yeah. And Pickens wants north of that, correct?

[B]

We haven't heard for sure. But that's, that's the expectation. Yes.

[D]

I mean, you just, that's, that's the point. You can't, you can't, you can't pay him more than you're paying your one. I just. Yeah, like that. I think, I think that's where the posture of all this kind of, you know, gets, gets. Gets taken out of context.

[B]

I'm with you.

[A]

So let's add this, this little layer, right, Just to have some fun while we're talking about it. Well, in the meantime, you mentioned the Cowboys today signing former 49ers linebacker Curtis Robinson, but they also signed two wide receivers today. They signed Marquez, Valdez, Scantling, and also Tyler Johnson, former Jets receiver. So I know MVS hasn't quite looked the same since he stopped playing with Aaron Rodgers, but he's a veteran. Had a couple of good moments, a couple of good drives with the Chiefs, but these are just, just bodies to bring in, just kind of push and have a little fun.

[B]

They're just bodies. I mean, they're warm bodies that can run routes during OTAs and mini camps and training camps. You need a lot of receivers to, to run practices. These are two guys that know how to run routes that have Been in multiple systems. If one of these guys makes the roster in late August, there's been some very bad things that have happened to the Cowboys wide receiver core.

[D]

That's.

[B]

That's about all I could say. Like, I would. I would be shocked if either of these guys played a single snap for Dallas this year.

[C]

Yeah, I mean, I. I think Dallas just wants to put themselves in position again to have some adequate depth and just have some guys there. Tyler. But I will say Tyler Johnson can burn. And I don't. I mean, obviously Turpin is like who Turpin is, but still competition with return game and stuff like that. So I think that's important. Yeah, I didn't really think too much of. Of what they did. They got a couple guys in undrafted free agency that are interesting to me. Did any of. Just you, Marcus. Sorry, I'm cheating.

[A]

It's okay. It's okay. No, it's. You're. You're right on, though. I issue.

[B]

They signed somebody interesting in free agency, but it wasn't a receiver. It's a tight end. We can talk about him later.

[C]

Oh, gosh. Here you go. There you go.

[A]

I like that. Marcus, how about this? Before we go to break, can you just give us a quick plug for the everydayer club?

[B]

Yeah, A.B. yeah, absolutely. Don't forget to check out the Everyday Club. You're going to get ad free episodes of the lot on Cowboys podcast. You can join our exclusive Discord server access with Landon and I and other listeners of the show. Just tap the link in the show notes or go to Loton Cowboys.Supercast.com to join the club.

[A]

All right. Thank you, Marcus. And the Everyday Air Club. Much better than some of the other clubs that people go to.

[D]

It's Carmine. Is Carmine one of the Everyday Club guys?

[B]

I think so. If not, he needs to be part of it.

[D]

It. Well, if he's not, he ought to be. Magna cum laude in the class.

[B]

I. I know it's maybe great. Come and join us, Carmine.

[A]

You gotta do it. All right, we'll be right back. Cowboy squad show. Gotta talk to you though, about indeed. Because you know it. Workplace chaos, deadlines stacking up, inbox overflowing. And the one position you have to fill is still sitting open when the pressure's on and you need the ride higher. This is a job for Sponsored Jobs. Indeed. Sponsored jobs helps reach the people who actually fit what you're looking for. Skills, experience, location. So you're not just hoping the right candidate stumbles across your post. So if you're hiring. Spend less time searching and more time interviewing candidates who check all your boxes with Indeed sponsor jobs. Right? That's it. That's the ticket right there. Less stress, less time, more results when you need the right person to cut through the chaos. This is a job for Indeed sponsored jobs. And right now, listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsor job credit to help get your job the premium status it deserves@ Indeed.com podcast just go to Indeed.com podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Indeed.com podcast terms and conditions apply. Need to hire. This is a job for Indeed sponsored jobs. Indeed it is. And indeed we are back. Cowboy Squad show Aisha Morrison, Two Eyes, Marcus Mosher, co host of the daily Locked on Cowboys podcast and former Cowboys coach Glenn Stretch Smith. All right, you mentioned Aisha. Good tease. Thank you for that. In addition to the seven players that the Cowboys selected in the draft, they also signed 10 undrafted free agents, including Baylor tight end Michael Trigg, who some people had with like what, like a fifth round, maybe higher grade.

[C]

This is a very talented player.

[A]

Yeah, guy's a baller.

[C]

Crazy.

[B]

Do we want to get into it because this, he is a fun player.

[C]

No, no, we can, we can get into it. I spoke to Lunda Wells last night for a little bit about him. So go ahead. Go ahead, Marcus.

[B]

This is a guy that probably should have been a second round pick legitimately.

[A]

There you go. That's, I like the fact.

[B]

But, but that's the fact that he was an undrafted free agent kind of tells you where he's at in terms of the character and the maturity. Because I, the, the, some of the catches that he makes on tape are unbelievable. Like he has some of the best hands that I've ever seen at the tight end position. He's got a ridiculous wingspan, almost an 85 inch wingspan. That's like what you dream of your offensive tackles looking like. He moves incredibly well. He looks like a power forward out there. Not sure he's a great dude, though. That's, that's, that's the issue here at Baylor. Come on now, that's never happened before to a Baylor player.

[D]

So what you're saying is you don't want him doing your taxes.

[B]

I want him out there in the red zone catching touchdowns because that's what he does really well. And you see it on tape. Like they put him in the slot and he could beat guy. Like he could beat safeties one on one. He can make plays after the catch. He, he is One of the best tight ends in this class at making plays up the seam. But I. He's got to work at it. Like the, the vertical jump that he did was so disgusting to watch because he put no effort into it. And I know he says he was banged up, but then he was running routes. And I know there were some scouts that saw him during the season, but didn't like the work ethic and thought he was a little bit lazy. The London Wallace is going to have his hands full with this one, but if he can unlock the talent there, this is, this is the most talented tight end on your roster.

[C]

I mean, seriously, they, they're. They are. I mean, I mean, just to talk about the player, I mean, this isn't a guy that is like, I mean, coach, if you're looking for a guy that's going to block in line really cleanly, cleanly and all that stuff, like, he still needs to work some of the technique and the refining and stuff, but just as a pure athlete, like even to like line awareness and stuff like that, he's advanced in that way and he's just naturally gifted. But as Marcus was talking about, there are some character things. But in speaking to Luna Wells last night, Dallas has been trying to find this type of tight end for a while. Am I tripping, Marcus? Yeah, they have been, They've been, they've. They've had a lot of experiments with not similar personalities, but kind of risk taking risk on guys at this position trying to look for this athletic, you know, crazy, freakishly guy that can do it all or whatever. And so this is them kind of doing that again. But Lunda, he's up for the task. He's already met with Drake. He's very excited about the opportunity to change the narrative about this kid. And this wouldn't be his first rodeo. He has dealt with some other tight ends that even though the media might not know that these, some of these guys a little wild. But there seems to be some optimism from them going forward with working on some of the stuff that he needs to work on. And I agree with Marcus. If you can unlock him, it's gonna be really tough to cover, you know, all that grass. Well, especially Pickens is there as well.

[B]

His wingspan is an inch longer than any other tight end in NFL combine history. Like that's how long he is. Like, honestly, if you put him at offensive tackle, his arm length would be among the top five offensive tackles in the NFL right now. So this is a guy that is a freak show athlete who has Unbelievable ball skills, but dropped 7 passes last year when he only caught 50. You mentioned not the best blocker.

[C]

Concentration is concentration issues. So what, what, what I think is going to take a coach and I'm coach, I'm sure you know and you can probably speak to that is like what makes him tick and then also too what is his why you know, I'm saying like he's, he's so incredibly talented and guys like him kind of frustrate me to be honest because like you, you lose out on so much like you lose out on so many things and he is trying to like reshape his story. But coach, what is your experience in having a. Maybe having a guy come in that has some character flaws, has some stuff. How would you approach trying to get the best out of them?

[D]

I mean I, I like to thug it up a little bit.

[C]

I do too. I like about.

[D]

Here's, here's the thing. When you know, people start talking about blocking, inline blocking, people start talking about most tight ends in the NFL. The really good blocking tight ends in the NFL are guys that are just 50. 50 guys just go out and tie the guy up. I, you are not. I don't give a crap how good you are. You're not. And I don't care how good your technique is. I don't care about any of that. You are not going to win in position where you're playing in a defensive end or an outside linebackers lined up against you. It's not. So now what do I do to get some gas in his. Give a shitter to get him out there to where I know he's at least going to fight. He's at least going to get me a 50, 50 scenario. Because that again, I'm telling you, I don't care who you're talking about. You, you are not gonna, you're not whipping a nine technique. That's a, that's guys lined up on your outside eye. What you're trying to do is 50, 50 him and get him to widen a little bit for running outside zone running toss. We're running some sort of anything that would come outside of him. The days of a tight end going out and hooking anybody are over with. That, that, that, that never happens. So what I got to have him do is I got to teach him the best technique to where if he is, let's just say he's on the right side. I want to take him. I want to take a 6 inch drop step with my right foot. I want to immediately get My left foot back in the ground so that my. That's my power foot. Now I. Now I'm moving. Guess what he's doing. He. He's paid to fight outside. He's going to fight outside. You're not getting outside of him. But if I can fight him and get him to widen a little bit and then if I could press with my right side and just get my head to where maybe I'm outside of him, Okay, I got a 50, 50 win right there. And those are the things. It takes a lot of work and it takes a lot of want to. And that's the thing that I think from what I understand happened was when they worked him out, he showed a lot of want to, like you said. I mean, he, he got. He got. He. They went to test him in the vertical and it was about, it was about like mine. It was about three credit card, three Visa cards stacked on one whoop. You just slid them up under there. That was about it. But when you look at him watch turn s and you game on and watch him how he can run and watch you, you. Those are things that you can't teach. I can teach him how to block, I promise you I can. But I can't. I can't make him any faster. I can't make his wingspan any bigger. I can't make him any better there. I can get him to concentrate and play better with his eyes. We can work on his hands a little bit and I can get him to where I can get him in position to be a 50, 50 guy. When you battle as an in man on the line of scrimmage.

[C]

Yeah, go ahead.

[B]

I said two things, Stretch. They've been wanting this guy for a while in terms of like, remember John Stevens the last couple years, who just hasn't been able to see health. Yeah.

[C]

Rico Gathers that comes to mind.

[B]

Yeah, I mean, that's true, but then

[C]

it comes to mind. I'm just saying that these.

[D]

Oh, you're right, you're right. He was a basketball guy that. Yes, they, they wanted a guy that they could get in there, that could body position in red zone situations, in tight area throws. But the point I'm making is now you got a guy who has been playing football who is. And showed he's a football player.

[C]

Yes, sir.

[D]

You. You can work with that.

[B]

The other part of this is he's in a really good spot in Dallas. Not only does he have one of the best tight end coaches in the league coaching him in London Wells, but he's also not going to be asked to play a bunch early. I mean, because the Cowboys have their top three tight ends with Jake Ferguson, Luke Skoonmaker and Brevin Span Ford. He's likely to spend this year on the practice squad and honestly, that's what he needs. He needs a year of development with hard coaching, learning how to get in and out of his stance, learning how to sink his hips when he's at the top of the routes. And I think the fact that he's not going to be pushed onto the field is going to be great for his development. Nobody's going to steal him off the practice squad because he wasn't a fifth round pick. He was an undrafted free agent that the entire NFL had a chance to sign. I think Trig is in a really good spot here.

[D]

Did the number come out, what they gave him?

[B]

I believe it was 187, 000.

[D]

Yeah, that's. I mean. Yes, that's. That. That tells you the list of importance of where they wanted him right there.

[B]

Yep.

[C]

Yeah, no, I'm. I agree with. With Marcus. I think it's going to be a really good spot for him. As we talk about the tight end room a little bit more, you know, they. They added a couple guys that you can tell they want some competition there. So he will get the time that he needs to sit and to, you know, just become more of a professional and all that good stuff as well. So I'm. I. But if he does tap in. If he does tap in, I mean, you talking about a weapon over the middle of the field and in the red zone, that is. Is all but unstoppable if he decides to be. So I'm ecstatic about seeing what happens for him, y'.

[B]

All.

[D]

What is his character issue? What. What. What was. Does anybody know that?

[B]

I think there's some. He just needs to be more consistent on and off the field. I know there was a scout who was Talking to Bob McGinn over at Go Long and they just thought he can be kind of lazy sometimes and.

[C]

Lazy attitude? No, like just the. Just a very. I just feel like he's just a more of a. Like a. Like a shrug type guy where, you know, nothing's too. Nothing's gonna really get him too high, too low or whatever. But he does like to compete. So like what. Let's figure out what does it for him. But yeah, it's just the consistency there. That's what I've heard. Not my understanding.

[D]

I mean, it's hard for me to imagine because I Mean, just in today's nil world, if you're not, if you're not motivated by, by the almighty dollar, then what are you motivated by? What, what, what gets that gas going in your shiva getter? What is it that needs you to, I mean, get, get, get to where you can, you know, you can get it done.

[B]

I don't like to be yelled at by Stretch. So that's. For me, that's what it is.

[D]

What.

[B]

I don't like to be yelled at by coach. So that's why I, I try harder.

[D]

I hadn't raided my.

[C]

No, I think you like taking him off at this point. Yeah,

[D]

he don't tick me off. I just, I, I, I, I. Instead of talking to Marcus, I'd rather, I'd rather have a full fledged conversation with Carmine.

[C]

Who is that?

[D]

One of the guys over here to put some comments in. He's, he's magna cum laude in the.

[B]

I know. We're gonna have to get him a mic.

[D]

Yeah, we need to get him a mic.

[C]

Oh, the person that's talking in the comments.

[B]

Yes.

[D]

Yeah, There you go. Yeah.

[C]

Oh, hi, Carmine.

[D]

He just sent you a Kool Aid grin right there.

[A]

He was not, he was supposed to leave. He said he was not gonna be in the show and he stuck around. So. Thank you, Carmine.

[D]

I think quit his, I think he quit his job in that.

[A]

Sit.

[D]

The hell with it.

[A]

All right, let's, let's come back. I want to circle back to the draft. I want to talk about some of these picks and specifically I want to, to, I want, I want to get you guys to weigh in. Just a, just, just give me a little more. I need a little more on Caleb Downs and just how special this player can be and what, what you guys individually, what you like about him and what you think he'll bring. I, I just, I don't want to bury the lead and I think that's such a big story. And I, I was so excited that they were able to select him. So we'll do that final segment coming up. Great to be with you on this Monday night final Monday night show of April. We got voluntary workouts getting underway and before we know it, OTAs schedule will be out, training camp, the whole thing. This is the Cowboys squad show. That was quick. We're back. Welcome back, Cowboy squad show. Marcus, before we, we finish this segment, I want to give you an opportunity to give a little plug to you and Landon. Good to see Landon jumping in a little bit. What do you guys got coming up this week after the monster weekend on the daily Locked on Cowboys podcast.

[B]

Yeah, we're going to continue to dive into all these draft picks, how they fit their current scheme, where we envision them playing, what their expectations are as rookies, scouting reports, comparisons, advanced stats, all that kind of stuff. So make sure you guys tune in for it.

[A]

Outstanding. All right, so let's just want to start at the top with. With Caleb Downs and the selection of him in round one on Thursday night, that was so cool. And just the way that that played out just seems like such a great guy. And we know what he was able to do on the field at Ohio State. But. But from your perspective, after all the research and everything and all the mocks and all the process, tell us, what do we need to know about Caleb Downs?

[B]

I mean, he's a special, special player. I mean, there's so many different stats I could give you about how great he was, but this is somebody that was coached by Nick Saban. Ryan Day,

[D]

here's. Here's what I want to ask. Why would you leave Alabama?

[B]

Because Nick Saban left.

[D]

Okay. And so you decide, just for craps and giggles, let's take off to Columbus, Ohio. I mean, you're in the. You're in one of the best programs in the country. You think it. It's just from a position coach standpoint,

[B]

I think that's part of it, Right. The coaching staff and I mean, he just had a much better chance of winning a national championship at Ohio State. And he did. Right. He left in 2023, joined Ohio State in 2024. They win the national championship in 2024, 2025, back in the college football playoffs, and they got upset by. By Miami. But he was just a much better situation for him. And honestly, it was great for his draft stock because he got to play in different schemes. He got to play in the box. He got to play as a free high safety.

[A]

The.

[B]

Jeff, one of the things I was going to mention, there's so many. He's so intelligent. But whenever you average 18 yards per punt return in your college career as defensive player means you're a special athlete. Now, you might not be a. The best tester, but Nick Saban and Ryan Day aren't putting back, you know, bad football players to catch punts. They've got a lot of talent over there at Columbus. And this is a guy that averaged last year 21 yards per punt return. Just a special, special player.

[A]

I love it. I love it. Aisha, what about you?

[C]

I mean. Yeah. What I would say about him is that he's a tone setter on the field and off the field. I mean, we've heard people talk ad nauseam about like the person he is. And I personally just think he is a probably the best foundational player to have for Dallas to be trying to. Not only for his skill set, but his mindset. And you know, you trying. You're trying to shift the defensive culture. He ain't scared of. I almost cussed. He's not scared of nothing. He's not afraid of anything. And he likes to take on challenges, which is why he even said that's why he went to Bama, because he wanted to be coached by saving. He understood that that's like one of the hard places to play and that he coaches DBs harder than any other position if you ask somebody up there so well down there. So I think, you know, you're getting a gentleman that's going to foundationally stick if he. If he sticks around, if these coaches stick around, you know, really set the tone for what you want to do defensively moving forward. As far as the skill set, he is going to make it. I can't wait to see his usage because I think it's going to really cause havoc for a lot of offensive coordinators and the ways he's going to be used and they're how they're going to manipulate the defense with him.

[D]

I had George Teague on my radio show to do just to ask him, you know, George, when you first came to Dallas and. And when we got George, obviously we had. We had Dion, we had Woodson, we had Pup, Kevin Smith. I mean, we had really experienced guys in the secondary. And I asked him, when you got here and you obviously had been in Green Bay and you'd been around good players there, right? Terrell Buckley and. And Leroy Butler. I said, how, how did you. When you got here and you knew you were going to be the quarterback of the defense, you knew you were going to make the checks, you knew you were going to have to get guys lined up if there were certain shifts or motions. And he was just talking about how he went through that process and how everything that he's heard, because obviously he went to Alabama and still has contact with those guys. Is this young man's a really smart football player. He's got a really big football iq. So I think all of those things add up to why Dallas moved up a spot and tried to, you know, not let the Giants get in position to get him was because they needed this guy. That can be the quarterback on the defense and you know, Lord willing, he stays healthy. You know, I think you got your guy that can. Can do that for a while.

[A]

And realistically, I mean, is it, is it. Can you expect him to. Can. Can he step into that role this season? I guess, is what I'm trying to say bluntly.

[C]

Absolutely. Because he, he's expected to.

[D]

You see that. Did you watch the secondary a year ago?

[A]

Okay,

[D]

if you watch a secondary a year ago, you, you. I mean, I mean, again, you don't need to be magna come law to figure out they were horrible. Man, that bunch couldn't cover anybody.

[B]

I think the, the question is, is he's going to be a starter. He's going to play 99 of the snaps. It's. How good can he be right away? Is he going to be just a average player, which is not. Not uncommon for a rookie, or is he going to walk onto the field and be a Pro bowl caliber player the way that, like, let's go back to 2002, the way that Roy Williams was for the Cowboys? I actually, I expect him to be one of the best safeties in the league because of his versatility. He doesn't miss tackles. He's so good in coverage. And I think Christian Parker is going to design a defense to maximize his strengths. I think I expect him to be the focal point of the secondary. So I do expect him to have a monster rookie season.

[C]

Yeah. And, and just to add on, I think the addition of Jalen Thompson allows him to be everything he needs to be as well. I'm excited about that because I feel like they're opposite in a lot of ways. And I, I didn't want you asking Jalen Thompson to do certain things if there was another safety. And I, I like that. I like that Caleb is going to be able to do things close to the line of scrimmage and be versatile. And Jalen Thompson's not gonna have to

[D]

do if day one starter, you picked the wrong guy.

[C]

Correct. And he's probably the most day one starter out of all the day one starters.

[B]

He'll be a day one starter.

[D]

Yeah, but I mean, you, you put him in there and you know what? You. There's not. This is not like a situation where you're worried about the guy being a quarterback. You're. You're talking about. You, you throw him in the fire right now and, and you say, buddy, it's your job now. Now let him. You, you gotta water that. You gotta water that plant. You got to fertilize that plant. You got to make sure that you are always on top of what. Exactly what you expect out of him. But shoot, if he's not a day one starter, then I may lay off for two weeks and quit this all together.

[C]

Oh, lordy.

[A]

Can't. Don't quit, coach. We don't want to bother you.

[B]

Twist our arms.

[A]

All right. Hey, one more. Speaking of Nick Saban, I, I gotta ask you that, you guys, is. Because I, I confess, I, I didn't. I didn't get to see a ton of Malachi Lawrence. But as you know, it was reported Nick Saban was caught on the hot mic saying that the Cowboys selecting Malachi Lawrence at 23 was a reach.

[B]

What does he know anyways?

[A]

Tell me something good about Malachi Lawrence. What do you guys think of him?

[C]

Play style? I mean, playstyle. His playstyle. I think the playstyle and the violence that you are getting from him and A J. Sean Barham is just. I felt like going into this draft, a lot of the guys that they picked were going to be like temperament picks. And this, this guy's. He has a pass rush plan. I think that he has a pretty wide range of pass rush ability. A lot of people kind of talk about him playing the run, but I, I think that I still see a guy that has enough power to do it. I just think that he needs to get a little bit more decisive with his decision making sometimes. But like, I don't know, guys, and understanding his leverage. But this is a fun player. A lot of upside. The motor's crazy. Motor's insane.

[B]

I mean, and that's the thing.

[C]

It's like, yeah, yeah, go ahead.

[B]

You've got a. He's a phenomenal athlete with a great motor. If not, if he doesn't improve a lick, you can be a valuable player in the NFL just having those two things. If he can become more technically refined, you can get a guy that can be a, you know, a high end pass rusher. But just being athletic and playing hard will keep you in the league for a long time.

[D]

I mean, he's extremely raw. I mean, but, but if you, if you, if you understand again, he, he. He's. There's a lot of upside to him and there's a lot of upside. And you can work with somebody who's, who's got that motor that runs. And again, if you're gonna miss, miss on somebody that can run. He can run.

[C]

Yeah. I mean, his first step is crazy. I mean, he gets off the ball really fast and then I think he obviously has enough to bend the corner as well, so size is good as well. So I, I think. I think Dallas really took this guy for a lot of traits, reasons and stuff, but there is. I mean, there's. He's just enough tape seeing him pass rush the passer and be violent and be disruptive, that he's very interesting for them. So.

[B]

And we should mention that I don't think UCF scheme did him a lot.

[C]

They.

[B]

They did not line him out wide very often, and.

[C]

Which is why I think he'll succeed.

[B]

Yep. And I think in Christian Parker's defense, when you put him out wider, you can let him use the athleticism more. I. I think that's going to help him out a lot.

[C]

Yeah, I agree.

[A]

All right, talk to me about the real. Our final thoughts here. Anybody else that you really like in the other four picks? You got Drew Shelton, Devin Moore, L.T. overton, Anthony Smith. Excited about any, Any one of those four excite you?

[C]

I'm excited about a lot of them, but I'm most excited about Jayshawn Barham because I have been talking about him for months now. So for Dallas to pick him, I thought was awesome. I. I initially felt like he would be a bit of a cheat code given Dallas. As we talked about before, Dallas is in a position to where they're trying to get as many pieces as possible. And with him kind of being coming out this past season because of, you know, guys having to move on in injuries and stuff and having that year at the end and Dallas already having ties to Michigan, I thought he would be a good fit again, play style. As we hear the coaches talk about a lot of these guys, their attitudes and their relentlessness and their motor played a big role in some of their. Them choosing some of these guys. So for Jean, I just can't wait to see him be, you know, somebody that they kind of use as a Swiss army knife. Like you were talking about Marcus and what he ends up, you know, being for this defense, but just the violence that he plays with is something that I like on that defensive line and the linebacker core.

[A]

Love it. Good stuff. All right, Marcus. Coach, any final thoughts before we go? You guys good?

[B]

I'm already sad that the draft's over. This is the depressing time of the year for me.

[C]

How are you sad? How are you not tired?

[B]

Yeah, I just. It's. We spend all this time watching these players, and now it's over. It's just. It's. It's like the day after Christmas, you

[D]

know, I'm so glad it's over. I might go get drunk.

[C]

I be happy. That's what I'm saying. What's wrong, Coach? Coach, you drink.

[D]

I don't. I don't.

[C]

Okay, let him go.

[D]

I don't drink at all. But now that this thing's over, I might go do it till the damn world looks flat.

[C]

Okay, just let. Let. Let's let him go, y'. All. He seemed like he been through some things.

[A]

All right, Aisha, what do you got coming up this week real quick?

[C]

Nada. I have my. I think our last episode covering the draft is going to be with the Stack with Brian Broadest and Zach Woolchuck will be reviewing the draft, kind of talking a little bit about it tomorrow. That'll probably air either tomorrow on Wednesday, I don't know. And yeah, that's it, man. I'm not like Marcus, so I'm about to take time off.

[A]

All right, well, enjoy. Thank you for jumping on with us tonight, Marcus. We'll look forward to you and Landon. Looking forward to having Landon back on Thursday. And coach, keep crushing it on the radio and keep swinging. Well, you got the color.

[D]

Sorry to bother you.

[A]

It's okay. We'll do it again on Thursday night, but hope you enjoyed this episode. Again, this has been the Cowboys squad show.