Locked On Cowboys Podcast Summary

Episode Title: DREAM PICK: Caleb Downs or Reuben Bain—Who Should the Dallas Cowboys GRAB at No. 12?
Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool
Release Date: February 25, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode explores the Dallas Cowboys’ outlook for the 12th overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Marcus and Landon break down dream, but realistic, first-round options likely available at No. 12—focusing on safety Caleb Downs and edge rusher Reuben Bain. The hosts also debate the logistical and strategic implications of trading up for a talent such as Arvel Reese and close the episode with a discussion on low-cost free agents the Cowboys might consider keeping.

1. Dream (But Realistic) Picks at No. 12

[01:11–10:22]

Key Discussion Points

• The hosts agree that while a player like Arvel Reese will go in the top five, there is real debate between Caleb Downs (S) and Reuben Bain (EDGE) as dream picks who might be realistically available at No. 12.
• Marcus and Landon express high enthusiasm for both players, citing their fit and “sprint to the podium” caliber.

Deep Dive: Reuben Bain

[02:35–07:17]

• Marcus admires Bain’s film:

  “I got giggle watching his tape because it’s so fun to watch him play. He gets so low, he’s so powerful.” (03:14, Marcus)

• Concerns about Bain’s arm length are raised, but Landon suggests it's not an issue based on production and comparison with undersized pass rushers like James Harrison:

  “…you watch them throughout the season and … when they got into the latter part of the season and then the playoffs and they just dominated…The arm length, whatever it is, it’s clearly not a problem for him.” (04:25, Landon)

• Notable stats (Marcus):
  • 9 pressures vs. Ohio State
  • 34% win rate vs. Ole Miss
  • 27% win rate vs. Indiana (05:19)
• Possible Cowboys fit is discussed, considering the team’s willingness to gamble on traits in the past (e.g., Micah Parsons with short arms).

Deep Dive: Caleb Downs

[07:17–09:07]

• Downs is considered an elite talent, but could fall due to positional value (safety) and the depth of the safety class.
• Marcus jokes about how good Downs is:

  “…a sprint to the podium from Erie, PA, in negative degree weather because that’s how good of a player he is.” (07:39, Marcus)

• Landon chimes in on the realism of Downs falling:

  “Would I be shocked if he made it down to 12? I would be shocked in the sense that I can’t believe the Dallas Cowboys got him…But I don’t know that like a top end safety that doesn’t have, you know, super uber elite athletic traits…necessarily shocks me.” (08:18, Landon)

Other Names Mentioned

(09:07–10:15)

• The hosts also mention Sonny Styles, Mansoor Delane, and Javon McCoy as prospects they'd be satisfied with at No. 12 or No. 20, highlighting the likely availability of at least one high-quality defender with their first pick.

2. Would the Cowboys Trade Up?

[10:22–21:38]

Trade-Up Feasibility

[13:46–21:38]

• Trading up is unlikely due to lack of second/third round picks and the need to maintain pick volume for numerous roster spots.
• Any trade would likely involve both first-rounders (12 and 20) in exchange for a top-five pick plus an early second from a team like Tennessee.
• The only player worth trading up for, in the hosts’ view, is linebacker Arvel Reese because:

  “…he’s just a perfect fit in Christian Parker’s defense because he can brush, he can blitz, he can cover, he can do everything you need. But maybe they think he’s the next Micah Parsons…” (14:34, Marcus)

• Possible trade partners are discussed:

  “I think the Titans are the team here, Landon, that make the most sense to trade up with.” (15:21, Marcus)

Trade Value and Strategy

[16:44–20:19]

• The draft’s plateau in talent means it may be easier—and cheaper—than usual for Dallas to move up:

  “…it is cheaper to trade up. You may be able to make up the difference just in the mutual pick swap…” (18:44, Landon)

• Suggest a deal with the Titans: Cowboys’ 12 and 20 for Titans’ 4 and 35, with minor additions to balance standard trade value charts.
• The hosts stress only Arvel Reese or (possibly) David Bailey are worth such aggressive moves, based on their unique skillset and scheme fit.

Hypothetical Pick at 35 Post-Trade-Up

• If the Cowboys make a blockbuster move for Reese at No. 4, they speculate on optimal targets at 35—likely a DB like Colton Hood or Avion Terrell.

3. Low-Cost Cowboys Free Agents Worth Re-Signing

[22:59–27:38]

Notable Players Discussed

• Dante Fowler Jr. (Edge):
  Preferred by both for a one-year deal in the $5–6M range as a reliable veteran rotational pass rusher.

  “He’s just…every year he’s come out and he’s given you decent production, it never feels like you regret paying him.” (23:22, Landon)

• Sam Williams (Edge):
  Marcus and Landon would consider bringing him back as a fifth pass rusher if the contract is at the league minimum.

  “I think he still has some talent to him. Like, if it’s like a fifth pass rusher, special teams situation, I could see that…” (25:15, Landon)

• Jalen Tolbert (WR):
  Both believe mutual parting is best to allow Tolbert to find playing time elsewhere.

  “I think for Tolbert’s sake he probably needs to go elsewhere.” (26:18, Marcus)

• Robert Jones (OL):
  Sleeper candidate for a return as a backup interior lineman coming off injury.

  “I would bring back Robert Jones…on a veteran minimum contract, which is what he got last year, and maybe he could step into one of those roles assuming he’s relatively healthy.” (27:07, Marcus)

4. Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Reuben Bain’s Game Tape:
  “…I got giggle watching his tape because it’s so fun to watch him play.” (03:14, Marcus)
• On Cowboys and ‘Thresholds’:
  “I just can’t believe the Cowboys are size queens when it comes to pass rushers. When they drafted Micah Parsons, who had 31 inch arms…it didn’t matter.” (07:17, Marcus)
• On Caleb Downs as a Dream Pick:
  “This is like a sprint to the podium from Erie, PA, in negative degree weather…” (07:39, Marcus)
• On the Nature of this Draft:
  “…it is cheaper to trade up. You may be able to make up the difference just in the mutual pick swap that would be happening if you go up with one of your picks and down with the other.” (18:44, Landon)
• Valuing Veteran Rotational Guys:
  “…you’ve got to find ways to kind of get some veteran, you know, experience here, some leadership…You need guys who can come in and play right away.” (24:19, Landon)

5. Segment Timestamps

| Timestamp | Discussion Topic | |:----------:|:---------------------------------------------:| | 01:11–10:22 | Dream realistic picks at 12—Bain, Downs, others | | 10:22–13:46 | Possibility of trading up? Draft capital constraints | | 13:46–21:38 | Trade-up logistics, strategy, and value calculation | | 21:38–22:59 | Post-trade draft hypotheticals | | 22:59–27:38 | Low-priced Cowboys free agents—who to bring back? |

Conclusion

Marcus and Landon exit the episode in agreement: Unless the Cowboys become unexpectedly aggressive for an elite, multi-dimensional defender like Arvel Reese, the smart path is to patiently select from a strong pool of defenders at 12—particularly Reuben Bain or Caleb Downs. Value veterans like Dante Fowler and Sam Williams on prove-it or backup deals, and aim to patch holes economically where feasible.

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