PRO DAY UPDATE: Could Cowboys Target Texas LB Anthony Hill In The First Round of NFL Draft?

Summary

Locked On Cowboys Podcast — Episode Summary

Episode Title: PRO DAY UPDATE: Could Cowboys Target Texas LB Anthony Hill In The First Round of NFL Draft?
Date: March 25, 2026
Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool

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Episode Overview

In this episode, Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool break down the Dallas Cowboys' approach to the 2026 NFL Draft following their attendance at key college pro days, most notably Texas and Auburn. The discussion centers on the Cowboys' interest in Texas linebacker Anthony Hill as a potential first-round pick, the value of drafting linebackers high, and the comparative merits of Keldrick Falk and TJ Parker as potential edge rusher selections. The hosts analyze positional value, team fit, and player evaluation with signature candor and football expertise.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cowboys' Interest in Anthony Hill (Texas LB)

[01:22 - 06:53]

• Cowboys’ presence at Texas Pro Day: Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer was seen interacting with agent David Mulligetta, and the organization had dinner with Anthony Hill.
• Fit and Value Analysis:
  • Landon: Hill fits the Cowboys' gap-and-a-half scheme well but isn’t a perfect fit for every NFL system. "If I had to value him, I would probably put him somewhere between the two picks the Cowboys have at 20 and 94." — Landon McCool [01:57]
  • Concerns: Landon and Marcus agree Hill's draft value may not justify pick 20 but could be a great selection with a small trade back or at a later spot.
• Consensus Draft Rankings:
  • Marcus lists several expert rankings, all placing Hill roughly in the top 50.
  • "Daniel Jeremiah, 37th. Jordan Reed, 34th. Dane Brugler, 56. ESPN... 42nd. ...They all like him in that top 50 range, you know, kind of mid second round." — Marcus Mosher [03:23]

Quotes & Memorable Moments:

• On value fit:
  • "I think if they picked him at 20, I wouldn't be upset. But I'd be much happier with him at 94, to be honest." — Landon McCool [01:57]
• On consensus rankings:
  • "If the Cowboys drop back from 20 to 30 and they drafted him, I don't think anybody would put up a big stink about it." — Marcus Mosher [03:23]

2. Draft Strategy: Positional and Economic Considerations

[06:01 - 06:53]

• Linebacker as First-Round Pick:
  • Both hosts note that LB is not one of the league’s "money five" premium positions.
  • "It's more understandable if you're reaching on a corner or you're reaching on an offensive tackle. Linebacker is where it gets a little tough." — Marcus Mosher [06:01]
• Economic argument:
  • "The way that these guys get paid in their fifth year, it's even less of a reason to want to go get a linebacker." — Landon [06:19]
• Longevity and Second Contract Stat:
  • "There's been 29 linebackers, off-ball linebackers drafted in round one since 2009. ...How many do you think signed a second contract with their team?... Five." — Marcus Mosher [06:34, 06:53]
  • Memorably, Leighton Vander Esch included, but only on a short-term deal—underscoring the risk.

3. Auburn Pro Day & Edge Rusher Discussion: Keldrick Falk vs. TJ Parker

[09:59 - 13:06]

• Keldrick Falk’s Pro Day:
  • Ran 4.67-4.69s 40-yard dash at 6'5", 275 lbs.
  • Not an elite speed rusher ("not Micah Parsons") but versatile, can bolster run defense and play multiple D-line positions.
  • “He’ll never be a 12 sack guy probably, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he ends up being a 10, 15-year, 6 to 8 sack guy…There’s value with those kind of guys who give you great run defense and offer that kind of pass rush pushing the pocket.” — Landon McCool [10:34]
• Draft Slot Value:
  • Falk makes more sense in the lower half of round one, not at pick 12 or 20.
• Debate: Falk vs. Parker:
  • Marcus: Falk is bigger and more athletic; Parker is the more proven pass rusher.
  • Landon: For Dallas, prefers Parker—Cowboys need pass rush more than additional run defense.
  • “I still think they need more pass rushers, so give me the pass rusher right now.” — Landon McCool [12:48]
  • Both agree it’s closer than they initially thought.

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Anthony Hill's value:
  • “If I had to value him, I would probably put him somewhere between the two picks the Cowboys have at 20 and 94.” — Landon McCool [01:57]
• On consensus draft rankings for Hill:
  • “They all like him in that, like, top 50 range, you know, kind of mid second round.” — Marcus Mosher [03:23]
• On drafting linebackers in Round 1:
  • “There's been 29 linebackers off ball linebackers drafted in round one since 2009. ... [Only] five signed a second contract with their team.” — Marcus Mosher [06:34, 06:53]
• On positional value:
  • “Linebacker is where it gets a little tough.” — Marcus Mosher [06:01]
• On Falk’s value:
  • “He’ll never be a 12 sack guy probably, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he ends up being a 10, 15-year, 6 to 8 sack guy.” — Landon McCool [10:34]
• Preference between Falk and Parker:
  • “For the Cowboys, I think I would choose Parker... I still think they need more pass rushers.” — Landon McCool [12:48]

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Important Timestamps

• 01:22: Start of discussion on the Cowboys’ interest in Anthony Hill.
• 01:57: Landon's analysis on Hill’s fit and draft value.
• 03:23: Consensus NFL draft media rankings for Hill.
• 06:01: Positional value—reaching for a linebacker at pick 20.
• 06:34 - 06:53: Marcus’ stat on first-round linebackers and second contracts.
• 09:59: Discussion shifts to Auburn Pro Day and Keldrick Falk evaluation.
• 10:34: Landon’s perspective on Falk’s long-term value.
• 12:28: Marcus and Landon compare Keldrick Falk and TJ Parker as draft options.
• 12:48: Landon’s conclusion—prefers Parker for Dallas.

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Summary Table

| Time | Topic | Key Takeaway/Quote | |-------------|------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:22-03:23 | Anthony Hill Pro Day & Cowboys' Interest | Cowboys’ staff met with Hill; debate on his value at pick 20 vs. later rounds | | 03:23-04:24 | Draft Media Consensus | Hill is generally rated in the top 50 by major analysts | | 06:01-06:53 | Value of Drafting LBs in 1st Round | Linebacker not a premium position; only 5/29 first-round LBs sign 2nd contracts | | 09:59-12:28 | Auburn Pro Day, Keldrick Falk | Strong run defender, versatile, potential long NFL career | | 12:28-12:48 | Falk vs. Parker for Cowboys | Landon prefers Parker for pass rush upside |

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Final Thoughts

The episode offers a nuanced look at how the Cowboys are evaluating draft prospects at key defensive positions, balancing scheme fit, draft value, and positional importance. The conversation around Anthony Hill illuminates the challenge teams face when a player's ideal value may not line up with their draft position. The comparison of edge rushers further fleshes out how teams consider both athletic profile and proven production when making critical first-round decisions.

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For more insights, follow Landon McCool (@mccoolbcb) and Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) on Twitter and check out future episodes for evolving Cowboys draft analysis.

Transcript

[Landon McCool]

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[Landon McCool]

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[Marcus Mosher]

The Dallas Cowboys were at the Texas Pro Day. We'll tell you what that means for their draft plans next.

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You are Locked on Cowboys, your daily Dallas Cowboys podcast, part of the Locked On Podcast network your team every day.

[Marcus Mosher]

Welcome back. I am your host Marcus Mosher. He is Landon McCool and on today's show we're discussing the pro day updates. As the Dallas Cowboys were at the Texas Pro Day on Tuesday, Brian Schottenheimer was there chatting it up with David Mulligetta, which I found fascinating. But I want to talk about some of these players at the Texas Pro Day because the Cowboys had dinner with Anthony Hill, the talented linebacker who a lot of people think could go somewhere late round one to even somewhere in the 70s. What do you think about their interest in Anthony Hill?

[Landon McCool]

Well, if you remember when we talked, you know, about his evaluation, I thought that he was specifically a really good fit for what the Cowboys want to do in this kind of gap and a half scheme. And I think it fits his skill set really well. I wondered about his skill set kind of writ large across the NFL like, like I wondered how much value he would have for teams that are just looking for a simple 43 will linebacker. Right. I, I think that there's a lot of other guys that kind of probably would play that position maybe a little bit better. And I don't know that he's necessarily a great fit as a mike linebacker in those systems either. So I did wonder like, is there where, where his draft stock would land, right. And I think he came out and showed that he was, you know, elite athlete. He was a, you know, coming into the college, right. And so I, I, I think, or at least he was a four star. He might have been a four star. But I, I think he, you know, he, he's shown you enough that for the Cowboys, I think he has real serious value. I think my problem right now with him is that if I had to value him, I would probably put him somewhere between the two picks the Cowboys have at 20 and 94. I. And I think that if they picked him at 20, I wouldn't be upset. But. But I think, you know, I would be, I'd be much happier with him at 94, to be honest.

[Marcus Mosher]

I struggle with Anthony Hill, but let me tell you some other people's opinions on him. If you look at like, let's call them big draft media. Right. You guys know the names right now. Daniel Jeremiah, Dane Brugler, Mel Kuiper. Listen to these rankings. Daniel Jeremiah, 37th. Jordan Reed, 34th. Dame Brugler, 56. ESPN. This would be Scouts Inc. 42nd. Eric Edholm, 42nd. Nate Tice, 37th. Matt Miller, 38. Todd McShay, 38. They all like him in that, like, top 50 range, you know, kind of mid second round. Yeah, and you're right, like that's, that's a far stretch from where the Cowboys are drafting at 20. But I think if they drafted him, if the Cowboys draft, you know, drop back from 20 to 30 and they drafted him, I don't think anybody would put up a big stink about it. I think we'd all say, okay, hey, they identified a player that fits their defense well. He's a supreme athlete, and let's go from there. I just think it gets a little hairy when we talk about him as a top 20 player in this class.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah. And. And, you know, maybe the Cowboys have some sort of. Maybe the Cowboys have some sort of handshake deal to pull to trade down from 20, you know, because it's starting to feel more and more like they might. Right. Just simply like, because if they did and it opened things up for them, you know, first of all, you feel great. Like you said, you feel great. Trading back a little bit and taking a guy like Hill, I think you would feel okay. Would feel much better about taking someone else at, you know, one of these other corners or edges that you can get kind of maybe closer to the second round depending on where you are. And then that also potentially opens up, you know, if you have a deal like that, it opens things up for 12. And that would make sense for some of the other stuff that we are here. We're seeing and hearing about some of the folks that are. That are coming through the Cowboys halls and interviews. So, yeah, I, I think to me it's, the interesting thing about hill is that C.J. allen is a name that you've heard other teams been kicking around as a first round pick. So when the Cowboys talk about taking him a 20, it's like, okay, I get it. But when Anthony Hill's name comes up, it's like, that's it. Again, I wouldn't be mad about it because I get it. Especially if they thought that this was their guy. But it does feel like there could have been another player at 20 that you, that you could have picked that would have been of better value. And if you pick him at 20, it's like, it really feels like a strong, a strong reach, you know, and,

[Marcus Mosher]

well, not only are you reaching on the player, but you're also reaching on a position that's not, it's not that linebacker is not important, but it's not one of the money five positions. And I think it's more understandable if you're reaching on a corner or you're reaching an offensive tackle. Linebacker is where it gets a little tough.

[Landon McCool]

Well, and again, there's the economic issue that we talked about in previous episodes. You know, it's not as pronounced at 20, but still, like, you know, the way that these guys get paid in their fifth year, it's like it's even less of a reason to want to go get a linebacker. Right.

[Marcus Mosher]

I got a, I got a stat for you. There's been 29 linebackers off ball linebackers drafted in round one since 2009. How many do you think signed a second contract with their team? 29, first round off ball linebackers since 2009.

[Landon McCool]

10.

[Marcus Mosher]

Five. And that is including, that's including Leighton Vanderash who signed a, basically it was like a one or two year deal because the Cowboys just didn't know what they were getting at that point. It's just not a position that lasts very long in the league. And more often, these guys, not, they're not, these guys move on. So it's tough. Let's talk about another pro day that happened on Tuesday, one that is very close to Landon's heart. That would be the Auburn Pro Day. Discuss Keldrick Falk next. This episode is brought to you by Robinhood. What if sports were traded like markets? Now you can put your sports IQ to work in real time with Robinhood Prediction Markets. It's not you against the house. It's you participating in a live market. You can buy or sell your positions live all game long. Use your sports knowledge in the moments that matter. Robinhood Prediction Markets changes the game. It's people moving the action so when the momentum shifts, you can move with it. I've always known the game, but never had a dynamic way to apply that knowledge. Now I can actually take part. Live in a market that is powered by the people. You're no longer just a spectator. Play by play, you decide. Trade every play with Robinhood now available across the U.S. download the Robinhood app now to begin Futures and cleared swap trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives llc, a registered future commission merchant and swap firm. This episode is brought to you by Home Chef as the new year gets going, a lot of people are trying to simplify their routines and dinner is a big one. Between busy work days, cold winter nights and packed schedules and having an easy and reliable dinner plan makes a huge difference. And that's where Home Chef comes in. Home Chef takes the stress out of cooking by delivering fresh pre portioned ingredients right to your door with easy to follow recipes that actually taste great. They're rated number one by users of other meal kits for quality, convenience, value, taste and recipe ease. And it's easy to see why the meals come ready to fit your schedule. 30 minute recipes, oven ready trays or quick lunches and with over 30 weekly options including family sized meals and different dietary choices, it's so easy to enjoy Home Chef. So for a limited time only, Home Chef is offering our listeners 50% off your first box with free shipping and free dessert for life. Just go to homechef.com lockedon that's homechef.com lockedon or for 50% off your first box with free shipping and free dessert for life. You must be an active subscriber to receive free dessert. Welcome back to the Loton Cowboys Podcast. We'd like to thank you for making us your first listen every single day. There was another pro day that happened on Tuesday that I at least think we should mention. Keldrick Falk who I again I know there's a lot of cowboy fans that don't want him at 12 or 20, but been waiting on his 40 yard dash number. It's not official but according to Jordan Reed between 467 and 469 for a guy that is 65275 pounds, he's not a perfect fit as this outside edge rusher. That's going to bring pressure, you know, quickly, but I think at least he went out there and Gave us some good numbers.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, you guys are so down on what is a very, giving him credit look. Yeah, this is a good football player and I, I understand folks that don't like him at 12 totally understand that. I think that, you know, look, his skill set is, is not, he's, he doesn't, hasn't have an elite pass rushing tape. He doesn't have the kind of elite, athletic, athletic profile that you want from your bendy right defensive end that we've all been chasing forever and ever. He's not Micah Parsons, right. He's just, that's, that's, he's not even that style of player. But there is a lot of value in this kind of player when they don't disagree. And I think having a guy like this on your defense would raise the floor of this defense. Just having another body who could play in several different spots and give you better than competent play at, you know, anywhere from three all the way out to seven. Right. And I think he can do that. And so I don't think he's a guy that you want as the top of your, of your pass rush. I don't think he's the guy that you want as the crown jewel of your defense, but as like a guy that is like part of a rotation, part of a pass rush group, he is a force multiplier because you can move him all over and he can be effective on a bunch of different fronts. And if you want to identify a problem area, he can be used at a couple different spots to attack that problem area on the offensive front. I, I just think that he's not gonna, he'll never be a, a 12 sack guy probably, but I wouldn't be shocked if he ends up being a 10, 15 year, 6 to 8 sack guy, you know, and, and so I, there's value with those kind of guys who give you great run defense and, and offer that kind of pass rush pushing the pocket. And I think it's probably closer to the bottom half of the first round, to be fair.

[Marcus Mosher]

There. Really quickly, before we go, the two guys that I'm struggling with a little bit are Keldrick Falk and TJ Parker. Falk is the better athlete. He's also bigger, he's longer. Parker is the more proven pass rusher. If it came down to those two players at 20 for the Cowboys, which one would you prefer?

[Landon McCool]

I, I, for the Cowboys, I think I would choose Parker because again, the Cowboys have a specific need now more than, more than run defense. I think where I think that they've got the correct talent. They can still add more obviously, but they've got enough at this point. I still think they need more pass rushers, so give me the pass rusher right now.

[Marcus Mosher]

I think it's closer than I thought. I think I'm there with you as well. But we'll see. Let's. Let's see how this process shakes out over the next month. Maybe our opinion will change. That is it. For today's show. We'd like to thank you for making us your first listen every single day. Make sure you subscribe and follow the podcast so you get all of the latest episodes and and if you never miss an episode, the everyday club is built for you. Get Locked on Cowboys ad free plus members only, Discord Access and so much more. Head over to locked on cowboys.supercast.com to join the club. And for those of you on video, we can send you the first ever 24. 7 national NBA YouTube channel and on audio, make your second listen the Lockdown NFL Draft podcast. Follow Landon on Twitter @mccoolbcb. Follow I'm arcusMozier and we will see you right back here tomorrow.

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[Marcus Mosher]

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