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Locked On Cowboys - Daily Podcast On The Dallas Cowboys
UNDRAFTED GEM: Dallas Cowboys TE Michael Trigg Could Be STEAL OF THE DRAFT!
00:26:59
The Dallas Cowboys gamble on unconventional talent: can undrafted tight end Michael Trigg become the next offensive weapon in Dallas? With a record-setting wingspan and elite athleticism, Trigg’s journey is a rollercoaster—marked by college transfers, inconsistent play, and off-field questions.
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Michael Trigg could be the steel of the 2026 NFL Draft. We'll tell you why next. You are Locked on Cowboys, your daily Dallas Cowboys podcast, part of the Locked on podcast network your team every day. Welcome back. I am your host Marcus Moser. He is Lana McCool. And on today's show, we're turning our attention to the offensive side of the ball. We've talked about defense a bunch over the last two months. We're going to talk about Drew Shelton, the Cowboys fourth round picket offensive tackle. We'll talk about any other needs they currently have on that side of the ball. But Lane and I actually want to skip over some draft picks and go to an undrafted free agent signing in Michael Trigg, a tight end kind of out of Baylor who I don't want to spoil my thoughts. I want to give you the floor. What did you think of Trig when you watch his tape at Baylor?
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A
He's. Well, I didn't have to watch his tape at Baylor because unfortunately I am an Auburn Tiger fan and I watched him, you know, destroy the Auburn Tigers when Baylor played Auburn. So I was very familiar with him already. And then when I go in and watch, you see a guy that is just a unique athlete and you see these guys kind of come in, you know, every once in a while and they're sort of hybrid wide receiver, tight end body types. Their skill set maybe belong to one side, but their body type may belong to the other side. And this is just a guy that, you know, as a receiver, as a receiving threat was extremely dangerous, you know, and, and could operate out of the slot, had some deep route to him, you know, had enough athleticism to create separation, has Incredibly long arms. Like, I'm pretty sure he had something like the. The widest wingspan in. In. Was it in the history of tight ends for NFL at the combine or something?
- [03:18]
B
Yes, it is the. The largest wingspan ever for a tight end. Yes.
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A
That's just wild.
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B
By almost a full inch, by the way.
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A
And he's not like, exceptionally tall. Like, that's the thing. Like, he's. I think he's like six. Three and a half, maybe.
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B
Six, three and a half. Yeah.
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A
And so, like. Yeah, to get like, that kind of, you know, width and length to a guy that's only six three and a half, which is kind of traditionally short for a tight end. Right. It just makes for an unusual watch. And then you add in the fact that he has these incredibly strong, you know, big hands, and he makes these absolutely ridiculous over the rim and everywhere really catches, and then he mixes them in with, like, the stupidest drops I think I've ever seen. Like, and then you read the profile about this guy, and it's just like, it's everything. It's like. It's like you're reading a profile of a player that. That's just a bunch of arrows pointing in different directions because there's like, all this incredible stuff and then there's all this stuff that you read and you're like, really? And so it's just a very confusing watch, to be honest.
- [04:23]
B
Yeah. And when there was a lot of buzz on Michael Trigg, it's like a early or, sorry, late day two, early day three pick. And I just. I never could get behind that for all the reasons you just mentioned. He's going to be 24 years old. He's bounced around to multiple schools. He has some injury history, including multiple surgeries. The production really wasn't very good until you year five, he was at USC in 2021, two years at Ole Miss and then two years at Baylor. And 2025 was the first season that he had over 400 yards. But he also led college football in drops. And yet you put on the tape and he just moves differently. Going back to the size really quickly, his wingspan would be in the 90th percentile among all offensive linemen at the NFL since 1999. His 76 percentile arm length would be 76 percentile arm length for offensive tackles, 84 percentile arm length or hand size for offensive lineman. So you're. You're talking about a guy that has offensive line size that's 238 pounds. And he moves so effortlessly. And you and I Were talking pre show, but there was a play where the ball was thrown low and behind him. He just scooped it right up off the ground without ever really having to use much effort. And the Cowboys have not had a tight end like this in forever. And in fact I went back and looked. They had not had a tight end on their roster who was invited to the NFL combine who was under 245 pounds in the last two decades. Like, yeah, they don't have this type.
- [06:02]
A
They just don't have this. This is a different body type. And, and I'll go even further too. Like usually the tight ends that they get are like, you know, I mean think Jason Whitten, right? Captain of the football team, like hard workers, smart guys like.
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B
Or even like Luke Scudemaker, right?
- [06:19]
A
Yeah.
- [06:19]
B
66250. You know, more straight liney but like, hey, that type of the tight end.
- [06:26]
A
Well, and I guess the other thing I was going to say is that to me the thing that's even the more fascinating than his body type and everything is, is like what's going on between his ears too. Like he's bounced around between schools. I mean he was, from what I heard, kicked out of Ole Miss, which is pretty darn hard to do, man. Like, that's pretty.
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B
Guys that have been there.
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A
Yeah, yeah, it's monsters have been in Ole Miss. And so, yeah, like, I just, I feel like there's just a lot of unknown. I think there's a lot of athletic, you know, components to kind of form together to maybe create this crazy kind of mismatch, move f h back type player. And I think that if you could figure it out and unlock it, like, I think as you teased the beginning of the episode, I mean he could be a difference maker in a way that, you know, Fannin was at the end of the year last year. Right. But there's a lot you got to work through and it's not just his athletic, you know, kind of weird profile. It's a lot of his football character about his, his, you know, his ability as want to, to be coached. And, and so there's just a lot to sort out there. But if you can figure it out, you've got a very, very unique athlete who kind of does things that not a lot of other players in the NFL are going to be able to do.
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B
Now he had an interview with Dallas Cowboys.com where he kind of acknowledged some of the mistakes that he made in the past. So again, I'm hoping that the fact that he went undrafted, maybe humbled Him a little bit because there's no way, there's no way a player of his talent should be undrafted. I believe he was the fourth ranked tight end recruit in his class. In a class that had Brock Bowers. He was one spot behind Brock Bowers. He was in the same recruiting classes like Darnell Washington. Like he was in an unbelievable tight end class. He should have been a top 60 pick. Like honestly he should have been like he, he can move that well. The fact that he went undrafted I think is pretty eye opening. My guess is it's not going to work but if it does, you are getting a real weapon. Now he's not a blocker. He's pretty inconsistent. The effort is up and down. Yeah, but my pre draft comp for him. Do you remember Jordan Reed who played for Washington?
- [08:47]
A
Washington, yeah.
- [08:48]
B
He came out of Florida kind of that tight end that you can play in the slot but also wins with quickness. He's got a monster, you know, reach where you can snag the ball out of the air. You see one handed grabs on his tape all the time. They were running like back shoulder fades and throwing the ball to the back of the pylon and he was grabbing all those balls like there is a diamond that can be mined here.
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A
Yeah. And, and if you want to be optimistic about it, like who better to try to mine that diamond than Linda Wells, you know. So I think you've got the right tight end coach to kind of that and I clearly, I think he has a vision from what we've heard for the player. So I mean again I probably, you know, wouldn't bet on the player just because it's a lot of weird things normally. But in this situation with Linda Wells, like I think he has a better chance than he probably would going undrafted and going someplace else really quickly.
- [09:42]
B
What do you think happens this year? Because the Cowboys have their top three tight ends. Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, Brevin Span Ford. It's going to be really hard to crack the top three unless they move on from Schoonmaker. Does Trigg make the roster as that last tight end but he's a healthy scratch. Does he, is he spend the season on the practice squad? What do you anticipate here?
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A
I think it depends on, on trig. You know, it depends on like what kind of skill set outside of being a receiving tight end can you develop? If you can make yourself useful enough to, to be a blocker on occasion, maybe run down on some special teams, then I, I think we could Figure out a way that you, you run four tight ends or you, you bring four tight ends to the, the game day roster and you work it out, disperse his, his abilities a little bit. But if, and if not, then yeah, I think that easily, you know, practice squad, that certainly seems like the most likely route. But I mean, I think you also have to prepare for success. Right. Like, so if he does well, that means you're gonna have to try to figure out a way to get him on the game day roster. And, and I agree, like, unless he's planning on playing a bunch of special teams, which I'm not sure that he's done previously, I don't think he's ever played special games. And he's been a really bad, you know, not a great blocker, not necessarily someone you'd feel comfortable out there. Then, you know, he makes it really difficult to put him on the roster if he doesn't have an alternate skill set.
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B
I predict that there's going to be at least three days this summer where we're talking about Michael Trigg dominating a training camp practice, at least.
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All right, mark it down, everybody. Here we go.
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B
Yeah, I'm very, very intrigued because I think Dak Prescott has never had a tight end like this. And I mean, you want to talk about a guy that can stretch the scene but also can make plays after the catch that can win out of the slot. I just. How far away is he? That's what we're trying to find out.
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That's it. Yeah.
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Yeah, we'll see. All right, let's talk about Drew Shelton, the Cowboys fourth round pick at offensive tackle who some believe that they wanted to draft in the third round. We'll talk about him next. This episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA playoffs are here and every possession matters. And if you're looking to get even closer to the action. And FanDuel has a great offer to get you started right now. New customers can bet just $5 and get 150 in bonus bets if your first bet wins. That's right. Turn 5 bucks into 150 in bonus bets for just getting started. I like using FanDuel during the playoffs because everything I need is right there in one place. You can check stats, trends and matchups before making your picks, which makes the whole experience just feel a lot more informed. Whether you're looking for player props or just following your favorite stars, it adds another level of excitement to the game. I love it because this postseason has been unbelievable. We've got some great Matchups here in round two. It should be even better as we get further along in the playoffs. So head over to FanDuel.com to get started. FanDuel, play your game.
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Hey everyone, this is Ross Jackson, one of the hosts of the Locked On Podcast network. If your group chat's been a little quiet lately, I want to invite you to come and join ours. If you sign up for the Everydayer Club, you get access to the members only group chats for your favorite teams, plus national chats for every sport. Personally, I love watching folks talk a little smack in the NFC south trash talk chat. You also get an ad free version of your favorite Locked on chat show and a whole lot more. You can check it out by tapping the Everyday Club link in the show notes.
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Welcome back to the Lockdown Cowboys Podcast. We'd like to thank you for making us your first listen every single day. Don't forget to check out the Everyday Club where you can get ad free episodes of the Locked on Cowboys podcast. Just go to lockdown cowboys.supercast.com to join the club. All right, Landon, let's talk about Drew Sheldon. I picked that confused us a little bit. Not the position we, we knew the Cowboys were going to draft an offensive tackle at some point, but why Drew Shelton?
- [13:47]
A
It's a good question, you know, and I think it's something that we've been trying to explore a little bit since, since the pick was made. I mean, I think the reasons that we were confused is, is because, you know, we've just seen them kind of trend towards strength more, especially since Clayton Adams has come in and, and trend towards guys that come with a little bit more ready made strength and, and it can play in kind of a power gap scheme. And, and that just wasn't really Shelton's game, you know, Like, I mean, I think if you, if you said that he had one kind of defining weakness at this point is that his play strength is not where it needs to be. I think some of the other elements kind of line up a little bit better. Like, I think he's good on the move. I think he's a pretty decent athlete. I think, you know, if you're asking him to pull across formation and hit a target on the second level, that he can do those things. But I think, you know, as far as physically moving guys off the ball, being an asset in the run game, especially like in down blocks or digging out a defensive tackle, you know, I think he's going to struggle early on and I think that that's really the reason I'm confused is because to me it felt like the NFL as a whole had been kind of trending towards more getting these ready made players that have the strength that you need ready to go as opposed to kind of dealing with projects that, that still need to get stronger. Like, it just feels like that's something that the NFL has not had a lot of success in doing, you know, is getting guys stronger once they, once they come into the league. So, yeah, I think that's where my confusion is. I, I think. But if you look at it and you look at the timeline of where they are right now, I, I think if, if the, if the idea is that he's coming in and he's gonna, you know, be a project and then potentially work on being, coming to swing tackle this year with the, with the thought that you know, hopefully by next year he's, you know, ready to compete for a starting job on the right side or something, I think that makes some sense. If the idea is that he's coming in here because you don't like Tyler Guyton or what he's done and you're trying to replace him right away, I think you're gonna have a bad time.
- [16:01]
B
If you read Dame Brugler's bio on him, he's a former basketball player. Boy, does that make sense when you watch his tape. But he also, he wanted to be a tight end in high school, but he was so big that they had to move him the offensive tackle. And again, that makes sense when you watch his tape. He is such a good mover. And actually the Ohio State game is on YouTube if you want to go check it out. It's a, it's a pretty rough game for Shelton as a pass blocker. Yes, but, but you see the athleticism. They're running like slip screens where he's getting down the field, they're running some stuff where he's, he's the polar and he's blocking guys like 25 yards down the field and he, he's not even really having to sweat to do it. So that's, that's where I thought like he would be a perfect guy for like a wide zone scheme like that. Ask these guys to move horizontally rather than vertically. That's why I think it's such an interesting fit. But I gotta believe that Clayton Adams, who has a lot of say in that war room, wanted this guy. And I think that's what we're trying to figure out. Why did Clayton Adams and Connor Riley target this guy? Said, do they believe that the offensive line coaching at Penn State wasn't very good? Do they believe that they can get him stronger? Do they think he could be a potential left tackle down the road? I don't know. I can't wait to see it in training camp, though.
- [17:21]
A
Yeah, because, I mean, honestly, it almost makes more sense if he was playing, like, center or guard. Like, almost. Yeah, because he's just, like, he's such a good mover, and he's so quick, you know, if you wanted to pull him out and some center stuff, some guard pull stuff, some. You know, I think he could do that stuff really well. And I agree as far as, like, run blocking and being effective in your block, it does feel like he would be a better fit for his own blocking scheme, where he's kind of just getting horizontal and displacing guys and just getting in the way, as opposed to, like, you know, being someone who's down blocking as someone folds over you, or being the person who's engaging with the defender and the second level on the move. So, yeah, I just. I'm. I think we kind of need to see more of the vision of what the coaching staff has in mind for him. But, I mean, as it stands right now, and I know he's been working with Duke, and we trust Duke a lot, obviously, but I just. Based on what we saw on the tape, it just feels like it's a real reach to kind of think that he would be ready to play tackle this year, like, on a starting basis or. Or even compete for a starting position.
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B
And speaking of reaching, that's one of my biggest issues with his tape. It looks a lot like Tyler Guyton, like, at Oklahoma and during his first year of the NFL, where he's constantly trying to overreach to grab to get to the pass rushers, and these guys are able to kind of swim by him, and he's lunging at these guys rather than just staying put and letting them come to him. I. He is a work in progress. There's absolutely no doubt. But I guess my question is, do they think he's somebody that could challenge Nate Thomas for a swing, you know, that swing tackle job this year, or are they looking at him as, like, let's have him be our fourth tackle. Let's really work with him in the weight room, getting him stronger, and then we'll kind of reevaluate where he is in 2027?
- [19:21]
A
Yeah, I mean, I. I'm hoping it's that, like, I'm hoping that there isn't, like, A thought that he's gonna come in right away and, and have a role like. Or should be handed a role. I mean, I, I just feel like he's a year away probably from being where he's gonna be, you know. Well, I mean, I don't know about that. Like, I do think that if you can get him in a weight room and find a way to kind of add some good weight to him, get some strength on him and just get it to a spot where, you know, I mean, he doesn't necessarily. I'm not asking you to change the way he plays football because I don't know that he's ever going to be a guy that's digging a defensive tackle out of, out of a.
- [19:58]
B
No, it's not his game. The idea for him is he's going to be a pass blocking left tackle that you just hope is a net neutral as a run block.
- [20:07]
A
Yeah, yeah. And, and I, and I mean, again, like, yeah, that would be, that would be a good step for him. I don't even think he's there yet necessarily, but.
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B
Well, can I give you a comp?
- [20:18]
A
Yeah.
- [20:20]
B
To me there's some like Chuma Udoga to his game, which again, you remember the Chumba Udoga was a talented player out of usc. Not a dominant run blocker, but actually filled in okay as a swing tackle.
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A
I think that's kind of a mover, a unique mover is what I think you're pointing out. I think.
- [20:38]
B
Yeah, yeah. I think that's probably the path here for Shelton.
- [20:42]
A
Yeah. If you remember, Dova was a sprinter in high school. He ran the 100 meter dash, if I'm not mistaken. And that's the kind of thing you're getting here with Shelton is that, you know, it doesn't look good, he doesn't look strong, doesn't look right. But man, you could tell he's a really, really good athlete and he moves very comfortably in that £310 he's at. So if you feel like, if you. We'll see. But if you feel like you can get him into, you know, an NFL weight room and increase, you know, get his grip strength a little bit stronger so that he latches on and stays on blocks a little bit better, I think maybe you could get yourself to a point where you feel comfortable with playing him more.
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B
By the way, he's not like Matt Walesko, who the Cowboys drafted out of North Dakota, I believe a couple years ago. Like, he's so much further along. That was a you. That was a real athlete that you were hoping could develop into a swing tackle. I, I think Shelton, just playing, you know, at Penn State, he, he's, he's seen so many better pass rushers. It's just, can he be a low end tackle, his starting tackle? Is he going to be a swing tackle? Is he going to be a reserve player? I think that's all up in the air, but if you're comparing him to Will, that's going, I don't think that's fair.
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A
Yeah, no, I, I, I think he's like, I don't think he has to redshirt. Like, if he played in a game this year, it wouldn't be the end of the world. I just think that he needs an off season before I think I'm ready to have him competing for any starting positions or even looking at that. Even really the swing tackle position, it feels like he needs some work there.
- [22:15]
B
I'm with you. All right, let's talk about the rest of the Cowboys offense. They need to go out and sign some guys in free agency. What is the status of that group? We'll get to that next. This episode is brought to you by Indeed. Workplace Chaos. Deadline stacking up, Inbox overflowing in the one position that you have to fill is still sitting open when the pressure's on and you need the right hire. This is a job for Indeed. Sponsored Jobs. Indeed Sponsored Jobs help you reach the people who actually fit what you're looking for. Skills, experience, location. So you're not just hoping that the right candidate stumbles across your post. And here's a stat that says it all in the minute that I've been talking to you. Companies like yours have already made 27 hires on Indeed according to Indeed Data Worldwide. So spend less time searching and more time actually interviewing candidates who check all of your boxes. Just go to indeed.com podcast right now and you'll get $75 towards a sponsored job credit. They'll help give your job the premium status that it deserves. That is indeed.com podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Need to hire. This is a job for Indeed. Sponsored Jobs. Welcome back to the Loton Cowboys podcast. We'd like to thank you for making us your first listen every single day. All right, L let's talk about the offense. They brought in Trig to kind of round out the tight end position. We'll talk about DJ Rogers at some point, a big, highly priced free agent tight end that they signed. They signed Jordan Hudson from smu. Do they need anything else?
- [23:58]
A
They also drafted Anthony Smith in the seventh round. I mean, if we're going to talk about undrafted free agents, like he's, he's in there as well. But yeah, I mean, I think. And then obviously we like Mark, Mark Marquez, Van de Valdez, scantling mvs, let's just say, let's call him.
- [24:12]
B
Yes.
- [24:13]
A
Got signed as kind of the Paris Campbell role, if we'll call it that, where you're coming in as a, just another veteran body to kind of fill out the room a little bit. You know, look, we've talked a little bit about what's happening at running back, you know, backup running back. We, they still haven't really done anything there. You know, they, they, they clearly have the guys returning back Jaden Blue and Phil Mafa and then Malik Davis is still hanging around. They got an old, the guy that we were kicking the tires on a while ago in Israel. Abacanada. Abaconda. I'm sorry. Abane. Sorry. Yeah. And, and so I, I, they have a couple different guys. But none of that's really like super inspiring. I mean, beyond what you've, we already were aware of. I, I think right now the plan seems to be to like, let's see what Jaden Blue did in the off season. Right? Let's give him a little bit of a Runway because clearly, you know, look, if Phil Moffat took a step and looks really good this year and looks like he's ready to take on the running back two role or at least take on a nice share of carries to kind of give Williams some relief, that would be fantastic. It still doesn't take away from the fact that you, you still need that kind of change of pace back in this offense and that's really a role that only Blue can fill at this point. And since you didn't do anything in the draft, it's basically come down to Blue and you know what you get in free agency and, or trade for. So yeah, I'm a little surprised that they didn't do anything in the draft about it. But at the same time, like, you know, looking around, it wasn't like there were a ton of great options for them either. So, you know, it is what it is.
- [25:57]
B
I, I still feel like the running back is a spot that they could address like in August, like if we just get to camp and it's clear that like Blue and Mafa haven't taken a big enough step, maybe that's when you start calling around the teams like, I'll give you a name. Like, I could see them going after someone like James Connor in Arizona after the Cardinal strapped to Jeremiah Love after they signed Tyler Algier. And James Connor's not a big flashy name or anything like that. But he said NFL veteran running back that can play on all three downs, those kind of guys will be available. But the guys that you really. The guy that you really need, that explosive play guy that can take it to the house, I don't know if that guy's going to be out there. That's. And there really wasn't any of those guys in this draft unless you're spending the number three pick on them. It's just a kind of a tough position to find.
- [26:48]
A
Yeah. So the question now becomes like, do they. I mean, look, we've talked about it before. Running back is definitely one of those positions where you can get it almost any point of the calendar year. You know that if you need one. But it is that kind of specialty. You know, change of pace back, that is rare and more difficult to get. So the question that now becomes like, can they trust Blue to handle that role? And if not, then you're probably giving up assets to trade for somebody that. And, and even then, like, it's not a guarantee that, that that player is available. So you'll have to figure out something to kind of cobble it together. It's not like Javante Williams isn't a good receiving back. It's just adding that level. That other angle of dynamic play from your running back position I think is really important.
- [27:33]
B
I'm still holding out hope that Tony Pollard returns at some point. We saw the Titans draft Nicholas Singleton. They have Taj Spears holding out hope that Pollard makes his return. Because I could see Pollard in a smaller role. Still being really effective.
- [27:46]
A
Yeah. I mean, certainly in that ability to kind of, you know, take a dump off pass and get up field. And I think he certainly could do that. Really will.
- [27:53]
B
All right, that is it for today's show. We'd like to thank you for making Lockdown Cowboys your first listen every single day. Make sure you subscribe and follow the podcast so you get all of the latest episodes. And if you never miss an episode, the everyday club is built for you. Get locked on Cowboys ad free members only, discord access and so much more. Head over to lockboys.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 Lane and on Twitter @mccoolbcb I'm @marcus Underscore Moser. We'll see you right back here tomorrow. Liberty Mutual customizes your car and home insurance to save you money. That's it. That's the ad. No bells and whistles. No, guys. I said no bells and whistles.
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A
No.
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B
Trombones are fine. Visit libertymutual.com and make the switch today.
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A
Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.