Talkin’ Cowboys: 2… 1… 0?

Podcast: Talkin' Cowboys
Date: October 21, 2025
Summary By: Dallas Cowboys Crew (Kyle Yeomans, Patrick "No C" Walker, Isaiah Stanback, Josh Rodriguez, Chris Beam)
Location: The Star, Frisco, TX

Episode Overview

In this lively Tuesday edition, the Talkin’ Cowboys crew breaks down key updates surrounding the Dallas Cowboys, including significant roster health news, debates around returning players, and in-depth positional analysis. The hosts field passionate listener calls about offensive depth charts, potential trades, and the overall direction for the team as the season approaches a crucial stretch.

Key Topics & Discussion Highlights

1. Roster and Injury Updates

Time: 05:11 – 13:45

• Trayvon Diggs remains in concussion protocol despite efforts; not yet cleared and sent home after assessment.
  • “They looked at him and said, you know what? You still don't look quite great, my friend.” – Chris Beam (05:28)
• Demarvion Overshown (Linebacker):
  • 21-day practice window opens tomorrow, giving Cowboys until Nov. 17 (post-bye) to activate.
  • Returning from two major knee injuries—described as “a ball of positivity and hope.”
  • “He’s coming back to give us exactly what we want: that vocal leader on defense.” – Chris Beam (08:38)
• Savone Revel (CB, third-round rookie):
  • Also opening his 21-day window; first time practicing since ACL tear in Sept. 2024.
  • Team managed his return carefully, waiting for him to feel comfortable with a knee brace.
  • “If he’s 100% or even close... he’s going to be a massive uptick from what you have currently at that position.” – Patrick No C Walker (10:23)
• Cooper Beebe (Center):
  • 21-day window also opening; reportedly moving well, no extra support needed for ankle.
  • “Big man looks good. Ready for Cooper Beebe to get back out there.” – Chris Beam (11:32)
• Jonathan Mingo (WR):
  • Activated from IR; team must make a corresponding roster move soon.

2. Return Impact: Skepticism & Expectations

Time: 13:45 – 17:27

• Skepticism exists around rookie Savone Revel:
  • Jumping straight from small-school competition to NFL receivers post-injury is a big leap.
  • Caution urged: "Give the young man some grace... you cannot look at him making his debut for the Cowboys in any way, shape or form equivalent or near Demarvion Overshown returning." – Chris Beam (16:59)
• Long-term vision for Cowboys DBs:
  • The front office’s dream: Diggs and Revel on the outside, DaRon Bland in the slot.

3. Receiver Depth Debate: Tolbert vs. Mingo vs. Flournoy

Time: 22:19 – 34:22

• Listener question initiates debate: Should Jalen Tolbert or Jonathan Mingo or Ryan Flournoy be the team’s WR3/4/5?
  • Tolbert: Reliable, good hands, “sixth-best offensive option,” does the dirty work (blocking, contested catches). Lacks explosiveness after the catch.
  • Flournoy: Explosive, better YAC, versatile, offense looks energized when he gets touches.
    • "For me, I think the conversation is rightful with Mingo and Tolbert, but I think Flournoy kind of moved up that notch." – Chris Beam (30:23)
  • Mingo: Big-bodied, potential YAC machine; intrigue due to limited NFL film so far.
• Team philosophy:
  • Different receivers serve different situational needs—no “either-or” unless it’s a matter of roster math.
  • “You got seven capable wide receivers and pass-catchers... this is a great problem.” – Patrick No C Walker (33:31)
• Long-term contracts matter:
  • Mingo and Flournoy seen as future assets; Tolbert likely not re-signed post-rookie deal.

4. Defensive Upgrade: Trade Targets and Philosophy

Time: 34:25 – 43:51

• Could Cowboys make a ‘Pickens-like’ defensive addition before the trade deadline?
  • Names withheld, but DT Christian Wilkins is a fan favorite (if healthy); DTs on bad teams like the Titans are attractive for trade.
  • Some want a pass rusher, others prioritize run defense; consensus leans toward interior DL being the quickest way to dominance.
    • “If you can have two sure, dominant interior defensive linemen, run stoppers… you change the entire dynamic of your defense.” – Kyle Yeomans (40:10)
  • Edge rush need is debated; pass rush remains a concern despite recent improvements.
• “If you're close to being dominant in one spot, finish the job there.”
  • Don’t overpay in draft capital for something that’s just a depth improvement.

5. Linebacker & Defensive Structure: Strengths & Adapting Scheme

Time: 47:01 – 50:03

• Returning healthy LBs (especially Overshown) gives the defense true sideline-to-sideline speed.
  • “With the return of Demo and Marist Liufau, there are two linebackers you can’t outrun sideline-to-sideline.” – Chris Beam (49:37)
• Emphasis for improvement: If the interior DL is fortified, speedy linebackers can clean up and force more passing situations, where Dallas’ secondary could excel.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Savone Revel’s readiness:
  • “He was playing at East Carolina against Appalachian State. Next man he’ll cover is Devonta Smith. That's a little bit different.” – Patrick No C Walker (15:55)
• On Ryan Flournoy’s rise:
  • “Receivers have to be able to block and willing to block. Flournoy has proven more so to me… willingness and the physical stature.” – Chris Beam (28:33)
• Best defensive philosophy:
  • “If you're close to being dominant on the interior [defensive line], then become dominant.” – Kyle Yeomans (43:51)

Key Timestamps

• 05:11 – 13:45: Extensive injury/roster windows update and impact of returns.
• 13:45 – 17:27: Discussion of rookie expectations, especially for Savone Revel.
• 22:19 – 34:22: Listener-initiated WR depth chart debate (Tolbert/Mingo/Flournoy).
• 34:25 – 43:51: Defensive trade targets, run defense vs. pass rush debate, ways to maximize the roster.
• 47:01 – 50:03: Defensive scheme identity; LB athleticism; how a fortified DL enables aggressive defense.

Tone & Energy

• Upbeat, familial banter with running inside jokes and friendly ribbing.
• Passionate football debates, but grounded in film study and practical roster management.
• Frequent references to relationships within the team and mutual respect among panelists.

For Listeners New & Old

This episode is dense with valuable updates for any Cowboy fan:

• Injury returns could transform both defense and offense.
• Debate continues about optimizing roles at wide receiver and on the D-line.
• Team is positioned to improve as key pieces return—just don’t expect rookies to be superstars overnight.
• There are no easy personnel answers — but the roster’s depth is a “great problem to have.”