Talkin’ Cowboys: The Blind Draft Test

Podcast: Talkin’ Cowboys
Date: March 24, 2026
Hosts: Kyle Yeomans, Isaiah Stanback, Josh Rodriguez (Patrick Walker out for surgery)

Episode Overview

In this engaging pre-draft episode, the crew focuses on draft strategy, recent Cowboys roster moves, and runs through a fun “Blind Draft Test” where hosts compare anonymous draft prospect profiles to analyze fit for the Cowboys' evolving defense. The discussion is lively and honest, combining insight on front office decisions, in-depth player analysis, and Dallas's approach to team-building as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Draft Guide Sneak Peek & Draft Talk Begins

• [01:21] The team reveals the new Cowboys Star Magazine NFL Draft Guide, giving listeners a sneak peek at the featured prospects, including Dylan Thienaman, Ruben Bane, David Bailey, Caleb Downs, Mansour Delane, Sonny Styles, and more.
• Insights into which of these prospects may be available past the top 12 picks, with a specific mention of arm length concerns on some players.
• Quote:
  "Thienaman probably is the other guys probably not. Bane, maybe because of the short arm. Somebody might get a little worried about 12, I think." – Kyle Yeomans [03:05]

2. Roster Updates & Free Agency Frustrations

• [05:15] Recap of outgoing Cowboys: Jalen Tolbert to Miami (now a potential starting WR), Brock Hoffman to Pittsburgh, Rob Jones and Peyton Turner leaving as well. Only Corey Ballantyne was re-signed recently.
• Candid reaction to front office strategy: frustration over lack of linebacker signings or experienced depth.
• Quote:
  "I have felt like that the last two weeks. Because you have still not addressed linebacker in any form or fashion. ... You just need consistency there and you don’t have size to speak of at linebacker. So I’m just very confused at the approach there." – Josh Rodriguez [12:23]

3. Free Agency Approach & the Need for Veterans

• [13:05] Discussion of the Cowboys’ tendency to rely on the draft rather than free agents, with concern that the team is left thin at key positions (especially linebacker, edge rusher).
• Isaiah emphasizes the urgency of trading a first-round pick (pick 20) to acquire additional draft capital, believing the Cowboys lack enough picks to fill all their needs:
  "With the lack of acquisitions that they’ve had this offseason, I can’t foresee them utilizing both picks and being okay with the remainder of the picks they have." – Isaiah Stanback [12:33]
• Debate on whether free agency strategies have left the roster vulnerable heading into the draft.
• Criticism of the team failing to close on targeted veterans in free agency and the challenges of negotiating after years of inactivity in that market.

4. Bobby Wagner & Veteran Leadership at Linebacker

• [20:06] Passionate advocacy from Isaiah and Josh for signing Bobby Wagner, addressing the need for leadership, wisdom, and sure tackling at linebacker.
  • "Please just go get Bobby ... You should have had him three years ago ... Now he’s done. Bobby’s still going, on year 37, still balling." – Isaiah Stanback [20:16].
• Discussion covers the value of having Wagner mentor draft prospects, but uncertainty whether Christian Parker (new DC) wants Wagner’s specific skill set.

5. Draft Capital & Planning

• Reviewing the Cowboys’ 8 draft picks, with 4 in the first five rounds after the OSA Odighizuwa trade.
• Debate on the (low) probability of late-round picks filling immediate roster needs, and baseline belief that the NFL is trending towards valuing proven player trades over waiting for rookie development.
• "Teams are tired of waiting … Go get you a guy that you know." – Isaiah Stanback [24:49]

6. Coaching & Pro Day Activity

• Praise for the retention of tight end coach Linda Wells amid outside offers — called perhaps the best “offseason retainment.”
• Cowboys have been active on the pro day circuit, especially at Miami, Baylor, and Texas.

7. Draft Strategy: BPA vs. Needs

• Lively debate about targeting “best player available” (BPA), but with the caveat that serious defensive needs (linebacker, edge, corner) force the board in specific directions.
• Some willingness to consider strong value at defensive tackle but general reluctance to spend high picks on perceived “strengthening strengths” rather than filling roster holes.
• "When you have holes on your defense, you are limited in what the best player available pool looks like." – Kyle Yeomans [36:14]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Bobby Wagner's Value:
  "When you guys are questioning whether or not this is somebody that the Dallas Cowboys should be considering, you might want to just check the rap sheet. … Because this dude can still ball. And if you got one year out of him with half of that productivity, you’re winning." – Isaiah Stanback [30:09]
• On LB/FA Frustration:
  "I'm not saying, you know, he needs to be a world beater or anything like that, but you just need consistency there and you don't have size to speak of at linebacker. So I'm just very confused at the approach there." – Josh Rodriguez [12:23]
• On Coaching Retainment:
  "Probably one of the best offseason retainments. ... Give a nice little hand clap to the front office for finding a way to retain him [Linda Wells]." – Isaiah Stanback [35:06]
• Draft Preparation Excitement:
  "Let's freaking go, Kyle. ... This is the best lead-in in the NFL calendar for me other than training camp." – Isaiah Stanback [44:32]

Blind Draft Test Game (Draft Prospect Comparisons)

Segment Starts: [44:46]

• Kyle presents “blind resumes” of two closely-ranked draft prospects at linebacker and cornerback for the crew to pick without the distraction of player names or schools.

LB Blind Test:

• Linebacker 1: Slightly smaller, green dot potential (“cerebral,” calls the defense), less athletic testing, but consistent production.

• Linebacker 2: Bigger and faster, “downhill” play, athletic, but sometimes over-aggressive.

• Josh prefers Linebacker 1 for the green dot/cerebral factor. Isaiah leans Linebacker 2 for athletic upside and coachability.

• Reveal:

  • Linebacker 1: CJ Allen, Georgia
  • Linebacker 2: Anthony Hill Jr., Texas

CB Blind Test:

• Corner 1: Bigger, long arms, high vertical/broad jump, physical “box safety” type.
• Corner 2: Slightly smaller, versatile, strong bloodlines, high reps on bench, played inside/out.
• Both hosts choose Corner 1 for length, physical upside.
• Reveal:
  • Corner 1: Colton Hood, Tennessee (viable pick at #20)
  • Corner 2: Xavion Terrell, Clemson (ideal nickel, “Daron Bland 2.0”)

Additional Insights and Fun Exchanges

• Inside jokes and running gags throughout (“Confident” stands for the “C” in Patrick “No C” Walker) [05:06].
• Ongoing playful banter about traveling “PJ” (private jet) vs. driving to pro days [33:46].
• Food metaphors (seasoned broccoli!) as stand-ins for unexciting draft options [40:55].

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Draft Guide Reveal: [01:19]
• Jalen Tolbert & Departed Players: [05:31]
• Free Agency Strategy & Frustration: [11:12]
• Bobby Wagner Discourse: [20:06], [30:09]
• Draft Picks & Planning: [24:03]
• Coaching/Pro Day Updates: [34:25]
• Draft Strategy Debate: [36:14], [37:29]
• Blind Draft Test Game: [44:46] – [53:16]

Takeaway

This episode of Talkin’ Cowboys blends sharp draft acumen with candid critiques of the front office’s roster-building strategies. The “Blind Draft Test” segment is a highlight, revealing how the team’s needs and coaching philosophy shape their preferences beyond surface-level traits. Through all the uncertainty, the hosts convey urgency and hope, making this a must-listen for Cowboys fans as draft season kicks into high gear.