Talkin’ Cowboys: The Picks Are In!
Date: April 28, 2026
Hosts: Kyle Yeomans, Patrik “No C” Walker, Isaiah Stanback, Josh Rodriguez
Podcast Theme:
This episode delivers a post-2026 NFL Draft breakdown, focusing on the Dallas Cowboys' maneuvering, selections, and the new faces joining the roster. The crew gives an in-depth look at the Cowboys’ aggressive strategy, the new draftees’ potential impact, and how the rest of the NFC East’s drafts stack up.
Episode Overview
The Talking Cowboys team gathers to debrief an eventful NFL Draft for the Dallas Cowboys. Celebrating the selection of standout safety Caleb Downs and edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, they discuss the aggressive front office tactics, day two and three depth picks, and the implications for Dallas’ 2026 season. The crew also evaluates key moments, positional battles, undrafted rookie standouts, and compares how NFC East rivals fared.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Cowboys’ Draft Aggressiveness Pays Off
2. “Stone Cold A” Draft Grade
- High Praise:
- Patrick awards the draft an “A” grade due to both talent and value, acknowledging the lack of a 2nd-round pick but emphasizing the boldness and execution.
- “Anything that grades this draft class right now on paper as anything less than an A is missing something. … For me, this is a stone cold A.” (Patrick Walker, 07:11–07:55)
3. Trade for Dee Winters: Linebacker Depth
- LB Market Moves:
- Dallas proactively addressed linebacker needs by trading a 5th for DE Winters from San Francisco. The move was made with awareness of the impending LB run in round two.
- “We have to throw. Got to talk about it. The Cowboys lacking a second round pick. What did they see happening in the second round? There's your run on linebackers.” (Patrick Walker, 13:06–13:16)
- “Fred Warner says the same thing. … DE Winters can come in. He has the green dot ability.” (Patrick Walker, 15:12–15:51)
- The panel discusses green dot (defensive play-calling) responsibilities, with Dee Winters likely getting the nod unless another move is made.
4. Day 2 & 3 Selections: Depth and Versatility
- Jayson Barham (LB/Edge):
- Seen as a depth piece with significant upside—particularly as an inside linebacker. Not predicted to start early, but could seize a role by season’s end.
- “By the end of the year, Jayson Barham could possibly start for you at inside linebacker…” (Kyle Yeomans, 29:45–30:00)
- Devin Moore (CB):
- Potential early contributor, especially with concerns about Daron Bland’s health.
- “I think Devin Moore might have an opportunity here to make more waves as early as year one than some are probably anticipating.” (Patrick Walker, 31:37–32:02)
- LT Overton (DL):
- Labeled a “niche” or “sleeper” pick for his tweener ability and fit in Parker’s hybrid defensive schemes.
- “He's the niche player for Christian Parker. So I say that to say don't sleep on it.” (Patrick Walker, 34:04–34:52)
- Anthony Smith (WR):
- 7th-rounder with elite speed (sub-4.40), viewed as a possible special teams weapon and depth receiver; excited by his “traits.”
- “Your seventh round pick, you talk about traits—traits.” (Kyle Yeomans, 44:39)
5. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
6. NFC East Draft Recap & Cowboy Comparisons
-
Giants:
- “I think the Giants had…the best [draft] outside of the Cowboys.” (Josh Rodriguez, 47:12–47:23)
- Giants’ defensive front highlighted as a challenge for Dallas.
-
Eagles:
- Kyle prefers Philly’s day 3 and 7th-round picks (Cole Wisniewski, Bernard), notes Markel Bell’s athletic limitations.
-
Washington:
- Sonny Styles draws praise for his potential to be used creatively by Dan Quinn, possibly in a Micah Parsons-type role.
7. Undrafted Free Agent to Watch: Michael Trigg (TE, Baylor)
- “Michael Trigg, talk about a freak athlete. … I don’t know how he fell to the ranks of the undrafted but he did. … Lunda Wells, I believe, is going to absolutely take this kid to the next level.” (Patrick Walker, 50:36–50:54)
8. Noted Athletes & “RAS” Talk
- Malachi Lawrence RAS (Relative Athletic Score):
- “Malachi Lawrence…scored an unofficial 9.9 RAs out of a possible 10…That ranks 22nd out of defensive ends since 1987.” (Kyle Yeomans, 43:23–43:43)
- Many draft picks had notably high athletic testing scores.
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Segment | Timestamps (MM:SS) |
|---------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------|
| Caleb Downs pick breakdown & draft maneuvering | 01:28–07:55 |
| Malachi Lawrence trade-back & draft capital analysis | 07:55–11:32 |
| Dee Winters trade & linebacker strategy | 13:03–17:46 |
| Green dot (defensive play-caller) debate | 19:11–20:21 |
| Day 2/3 selections breakdown (Barham, Moore, Overton) | 24:22–36:27 |
| RAS/athlete profiles highlight | 43:20–44:39 |
| NFC East draft competitor analysis | 45:08–49:43 |
| Undrafted standouts & closing thoughts | 50:36–51:16 |
Notable Quotes Recap
-
Patrick Walker on trade-up rationale:
“Because he [Jerry Jones] didn’t want it to be a situation where you’re sitting there thinking, ‘oh, he’ll fall one more spot’ and then the Dolphins take him. That’s a regret you have for the rest of your mortal life.”
(07:26–07:55)
-
Josh Rodriguez on the surreal war room energy:
“It felt unreal. I was like, there’s no way we’re trading up…In my wildest dreams I did not think Caleb Downs was going to fall.”
(07:55–08:44)
-
Kyle Yeomans on the front office performance:
“It really, it was a drafting clinic put on by the front office.”
(12:32–12:49)
-
Patrick Walker’s instant draft grade:
“For me, this is a stone cold A.”
(07:11–07:51)
Conclusion
This episode gives Cowboys fans every reason to feel optimistic about the new arrivals and front office savvy. The hosts’ deep dives, film insights, and chemistry make for a must-listen for anyone wanting to understand how Dallas constructed a top-rated 2026 rookie class and reset their roster for contention.