Talkin’ Cowboys: The Grand Scheme?

Podcast: Talkin' Cowboys
Episode Date: February 3, 2026
Hosts: Kyle Youmans, Patrik “No Ce” Walker, Josh Rodriguez (Isaiah Stanback absent)
Recording Location: Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters, The Star, Frisco

Episode Overview

This offseason episode centers around the Dallas Cowboys' coaching changes, potential schematic shifts on defense, personnel evaluation, and early draft strategies. The hosts dive deep into the impact of new coaching hires, what fans should expect from the upcoming draft and free agency, and how the Cowboys might approach a possible move to more multiple or odd-man fronts (i.e., a 3-4 defensive look). Lively banter, fan calls, and reflections on the Shrine Bowl and Senior Bowl rounds out the show.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Returning From Senior Bowl & Early Offseason Vibes

• Kyle returns from the Senior Bowl, highlighting the value of meeting prospects and getting a feel for their character, not just watching film.

• Quote:

  "Everybody's got the film at this point, ...But our access within the building and within the organization is different. We get to kind of get to know these guys a little bit." — Kyle (03:00)

• The crew jokes about Texas' dominance in football, Southern football rivalries, and how Texas, Georgia, and Florida are prime “farm states” for NFL talent.

2. Cowboys Coaching Staff Overhaul

Notable New Hires & Candidates

• Christian Parker (New Defensive Coordinator) building his staff with:

  • Ryan Smith: Officially hired as defensive backs/secondary coach (from Arizona).
  • Derrick Ansley: Former Packers pass game coordinator—pending official confirmation, but widely reported.
  • Marcus Dixon: Former Vikings defensive line coach under Brian Flores, now signed.
  • Still interviewing for additional positions, including:
    • Ronnell Williams (Eagles assistant LB coach)
    • Robert Livingston (Colorado DC)
    • CJ Iu (Texas Tech OLB coach—known for developing draft talent)
    • Eric Henderson (USC, co-DC & D-line)
    • Denzel Martin (Steelers OLB coach)
    • Chidera Uzo-Diribe (Georgia OLB coach, from the Kirby Smart/Nick Saban coaching tree)

• Hosts discuss a significant trend: nearly all position coach candidates specialize in outside linebackers rather than true defensive ends, signaling an impending schematic change.

• Quotes:

  "We're going to talk about this in a moment: Outside linebackers coach, outside linebackers coach, notice not once did I say defensive end coach. Wink, wink." — Patrik (11:55)

3. Scheme Tectonics: Expecting a Switch to Odd-Man Fronts

• The hosts note that the personnel moves and coaching hires indicate a serious exploration of switching to a 3-4 base or at least using more multiple fronts on defense.

• The team wonders about the current roster's “fit” for this new direction, outlining key players who might thrive:

  • DeMarvion Overshown, Shamar James: Could stand up as OLBs.
  • Marist Liufau: Nickel/situational coverage linebacker.
  • Sam Williams: Could transition as a 3-4 edge (AS Raku)

• Both Josh and Patrik agree:

  "You have the entirety of free agency and the upcoming draft...But it starts with knowing who the coaching staff is and knowing what framework the scouts need to be looking toward." — Patrik (15:14)

• Acknowledgment that full personnel rebuild in one offseason is tough but starting from a “scheme-first” approach is logical and overdue.

4. Defensive Personnel: Holes to Fill and Player Evaluations

• Defensive tackle is now a position of strength—a drastic change from a year ago.
• Cornerback and safety remain glaring concerns, with questions about Trayvon Diggs' future and the readiness of younger prospects like Savion Revel.
• Several linebackers and DBs (Marist Liufau, DeMarvion Overshown, Shamar James) could see increased snaps, especially with coaching turnover possibly ending favoritism/politics (19:28).
• Key takeaway: Defensive overhaul is likely, particularly at linebacker and in the secondary.

5. Draft Philosophy and Trade Scenarios

(Fan call & Analysis, 29:47–35:44)

• Caller Hoodie Kush asks: Should Cowboys trade back from pick 20 to accrue more day two assets?

• Host Positions:

  • All three recommend "stick and pick" at 12 and 20, barring an exceptional value presented by a trade-back in the mid-20s range.
  • No expected move up from 12; value clusters between picks 5–20 and then another dense group 20–50.
  • Draft process discussion includes using the first round for immediate impact defenders and favoring flexibility.

• Quotes:

  "You traded Micah Parsons. This is why you did it. You want those two first-round picks, please use them." — Josh (31:05)
  "I'm fine with sticking and picking at 12 and 20. Most certainly at 12. Don't move from 12. ...But once you get around 20, look at the board, answer the phone...and just be fluent is what I'm saying." — Patrik (33:17)

6. Addressing the George Pickens Contract Situation

(35:57–39:48)

• George Pickens tells the media he “would love to stay” but “can’t control it,” implying Cowboys are negotiating with his representation rather than him directly.
• Interpreted as a positive sign—Pickens is open to a team-friendly deal, but hosts agree a franchise tag is likely a placeholder until a long-term deal is hammered out this summer.
• Quote:

  "It feels as if he's saying this is the best that he hopes it works out for." — Patrik (37:08)

7. Supplemental Talent & Hope for Player Growth

• Troy from Amarillo calls in, echoing the need for multiple key additions across the defense, much like Detroit's rebuild.

• Hosts stress that while overhauling in one year is unlikely, a successful draft class and second-year leaps from guys like Savion Revel and DeMarvion Overshown could move the needle.

• Quote:

  "It's almost impossible to overhaul a defense in one summer, but it's possible to take steps in the right direction." — Kyle (41:42)

8. Shrine Bowl & Senior Bowl Standouts (47:45–52:53)

• Patrik & Kyle run down prospects who flashed during all-star games, focusing on potential Cowboys fits:
  • Mason Ryger (Edge, Wisconsin) – dominant Shrine Bowl showing
  • Wesley Williams (Edge, Duke), Keshan James Newby (Edge, New Mexico) – honorable mentions
  • Shat Banks (LB, UTSA), “motor was great...playing like his hair was on fire"
  • Brent Austin (CB, Cal) – raw but traits
  • Cole Wisniewski (S, Texas Tech)
  • Landon Robinson (IDL, Navy) – smaller, but “showed out all week long”
• Notably, no DTs included in Patrik’s "Shrine Bowl standouts for the Cowboys" article:

  "That wasn't because they didn't show out. It's because ... it doesn't make sense for the Cowboys." — Patrik (52:48)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On coaching staff diversity:

  “Let's just hope that they're the best candidates. ...Black, white or indifferent, man...the fact that we went young speaks volumes of the changes that the Joneses feel they need to make." — Hoodie Kush, caller (28:35)

• On personnel vs. scheme:

  “When you don't have good players, there's no system that can make them better.” — Kyle (18:54)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Senior Bowl & Draft Prospects – 02:25–04:39
• Coaching Staff Updates – 06:52–11:24
• Defensive Scheme, Personnel Fit – 12:01–19:06
• Draft Trade Debate (Fan Call) – 29:47–35:44
• George Pickens Contract Discussion – 35:57–39:48
• Supplemental Talent & Defensive Rebuild (Fan Call: Troy) – 39:54–42:46
• Shrine Bowl & Senior Bowl Standouts – 47:45–52:53

Flow and Tone Recap

The episode balances deep schematic football discussion with the light-hearted camaraderie typical of the "barbershop banter" brand. Hosts speak candidly about tough rebuild realities, but without doom and gloom—optimism persists if the Cowboys build the right coaching foundation and exercise draft/free agency savvy.

Bottom Line

This episode delivers a detailed state-of-the-union for the Dallas Cowboys' offseason:

• New coaching vision is setting the stage for a possible 3-4 defensive transformation.
• Draft strategy will hinge on immediate impact selections, not trading down unless value is overwhelming.
• Player development and internal growth are just as crucial as free agency splashes.
• Fan questions underscore both optimism and the need for patience as Dallas undertakes a significant defensive reconstruction.