Talkin’ Cowboys: Stick or Pick?
Podcast: Talkin' Cowboys | Date: April 9, 2026
Hosts: Kyle Youmans, Patrik "No See" Walker, Isaiah Stanback, Josh Rodriguez
Episode Overview
In this lively and candid afternoon episode, the Talkin’ Cowboys crew dives deep into the Dallas Cowboys’ offseason strategy, focusing especially on the approaching 2026 NFL Draft. The central theme: Should Dallas “stick and pick” at their assigned draft spots, or aggressively maneuver—whether by trading up or down—to secure cornerstone talent? The team debates needs at linebacker, edge rusher, and corner, discusses the risks and rewards of trading draft picks, and evaluates possible targets. The episode features a blend of detailed roster analysis, insightful draft strategies, and the group’s trademark playful banter.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Welcome Back, Banter, and News Updates (02:01–07:00)
- Isaiah Stanback returns from vacation in Oregon, sharing his love for the outdoors and recommending Cowboys fans visit the region for some "touch grass" moments.
- Lighthearted ribbing about scheduling confusion and tardiness.
- Rosters & Transactions Update (06:00–07:00):
- Cowboys' offseason has been "pretty dry" on transactions, particularly at linebacker.
- Jonathan Bullock (OL) noted as the latest signing; linebacker remains a glaring need.
- Donovan Eziraku, new safety, switches to No. 6 jersey; Donovan Wilson has not been re-signed.
- Schottenheimer and the Joneses indicate Cowboys “are not done in free agency” and want linebacker help pre-draft.
Notable Quote:
"It’s been pretty dry. Cowboys did have the league meetings... Schottenheimer... specifically drew a circle around Bobby Wagner as a guy."
— Kyle Yeomans (07:03)
2. Draft Priorities: Positions of Need (07:15–24:00)
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Identifying Needs:
- Linebacker: “Still a glaring box that needs to be checked off.”
- Edge Rusher: Questions about Rashan Gary’s health, lack of proven depth.
- Cornerback: Injury uncertainties (e.g., DaRon Bland's foot), though addressed in FA with Cobie Durant.
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Host Priorities (12:18–13:26):
- Josh: Corner, Edge, Linebacker
- Kyle: Edge, Linebacker, Corner
- Isaiah: Linebacker, Corner, Edge
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Draft Strategy:
- All hosts agree best available at those three positions are justified at picks #12 or #20.
- Debate: Double dipping at linebacker vs. distributing picks across positions.
Notable Quotes:
"You have a void at corner right now... but at least you went and got a Cobie Durant, right?"
— Kyle Yeomans (10:47)
"If you’re telling me the best player available at those positions is on the board at 12 or 20, I’m taking any of those."
— Josh Rodriguez (12:03)
3. Stick, Pick, or Trade? Exploring Draft-Day Scenarios (15:06–24:50)
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Trade-Up Scenarios:
- Candidates to target if falling: David Bailey (Edge), Sonny Styles (LB), Caleb Downs (S).
- Will consider moving up (12 to 6) if one of those “game-changing” defensive talents falls.
- Jerry Jones quote confirms Cowboys "will entertain improving" via the draft, including trades.
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Risk/Reward Calculus:
- Concern over giving up two first-rounders or mortgaging future picks.
- Others see the value in ensuring at least one day-one difference maker.
- Alternative: Stand pat at 12, maybe trade up from #20 rather than both picks.
Notable Quotes:
"If any of those three names are at six [Downs, Styles, Bailey], I would get on the phone and just call and see."
— Josh Rodriguez (17:36)
"'Absolutely. The Cowboys will— we will entertain improving on an end draft.' ... the Cowboys are as we're entering the draft, they're open for business..."
— Kyle Yeomans quoting Jerry Jones (19:44)
4. Mock Drafts & Evaluating the Talent Pool (31:13–36:52)
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How Many Year-One Difference-Makers?
- The hosts agree: this class contains only a handful of “pro ready” defensive stars, intensifying the stick-or-pick debate.
- Top defensive prospects likely gone before #12: Bailey, Styles, Downs, Bane. Delane (CB, LSU) might fall.
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Internally Debating Prospects:
- Ohio State’s Sonny Styles vs. CJ Allen: Styles is the athletic freak/positional flex; Allen is cerebral, perhaps better for green-dot responsibilities, but lacking in versatility.
- Reason for urgency: The existing roster lacks cornerstones at all three key defensive positions.
Notable Quotes:
"There are six names that I think can make your defense immediately better.... Reese, Bailey, Styles, Delane, Downs, and Bane."
— Josh Rodriguez (31:29)
"[Sonny] Styles is a freak... he's freakish athletically, but he doesn't top CJ in every single category."
— Kyle Yeomans (35:31)
5. Philosophy: Cornerstones vs. Depth (38:12–49:56)
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Cornerstone Players vs. Depth:
- Debate around prioritizing acquiring "a dog" (i.e., elite starter) even if it costs opportunities to flesh out depth.
- Counterpoint: Avoid concentrating resources into one prospect, risking thin roster if injury strikes.
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Critique of Free Agency Approach:
- The draft needs could have been less urgent if more had been done in free agency.
Notable Quotes:
"You [the Cowboys] don't have cornerstone pieces to build around and... six names."
— Josh Rodriguez (38:13)
"What we tend to do... is we want to get that one dog... but in order, sometimes... you got to give up some of your other pieces that would have allowed for you to spread the talent out evenly."
— Patrik Walker (46:45)
6. Trade Packages: The Price of Moving Up (45:22–49:30)
- What's the Price?
- Moving from 12 to 6: the value gap is about a high second rounder.
- To make a deal, must avoid "wagering your future" (future firsts), but a swap of picks this year might suffice, especially with a motivated trade partner like Cleveland.
Notable Quotes:
"The conversation starts at...I want your second round pick. That's the starter of the conversation."
— Kyle Yeomans (46:06)
"If it's within realm of possibility...go get yourself a dog. That's where I'm at. I'm not just wagering everything to wager."
— Josh Rodriguez (49:29)
Memorable Moments & Quotes
- Classic Quote:
"Stick it, pick it, and lick it. — My mom used to tell me that... that means go on about your business."
— Patrik Walker (16:54) - Host Banter:
- A playful dig at Isaiah for vacation tardiness and bee farming:
"Bee farmer Isaiah Stanback, everybody. Welcome in."
— Kyle Yeomans (14:19)
- A playful dig at Isaiah for vacation tardiness and bee farming:
- On Defensive Needs:
"You don’t have cornerstone pieces to build around."
— Josh Rodriguez (38:13) - Draft Strategy:
"Scare money don’t make money."
— Josh Rodriguez (20:42) - Roster Realism:
"You were never going to fill all these needs in the draft, which is why you needed to attack free agency a certain way."
— Kyle Yeomans (49:40)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- News & Cowboys Roster Update: 06:00–07:00
- Draft Order and Priorities Debate: 12:10–13:26
- Discussion of Game-Changing Draft Targets: 17:36–18:48
- Jerry Jones “Open For Business” Quote: 19:44
- How Many Year-One Defensive Starters? 31:13–32:43
- Sonny Styles vs. CJ Allen Debate: 34:46–36:52
- Cornerstone vs. Depth Philosophy: 38:12–49:56
- Trade Up Logistics and Value: 45:22–49:30
Summary/Takeaways
- The Cowboys’ biggest draft needs: linebacker, edge rusher, and corner, all with severe questions or lack of proven talent.
- Draft philosophy division: Josh favors risking picks for a game-changing star, while Patrik and Kyle lean toward maximizing total talent and avoiding overpaying for one player.
- There’s consensus that the lack of aggressive free agency maneuvers has forced Dallas into a “must-win” draft room situation, and creative thinking (including trading up) is both on the table and increasingly tempting.
- The team agrees: The draft will be critical, and Dallas must both find cornerstones and patch depth. However, sacrificing too many assets for one player may not be prudent.
For those who missed the episode:
This installment is an in-depth, energetic roundtable mapping out Dallas’ draft-day chessboard. It’s a must-listen for Cowboys fans eager for insight into the team’s thinking, especially if you’re ready for some spicy debate, real roster talk, and candid urgency about what Dallas must do to return to contendership.