The Draft Show: Change in Philosophy?

Dallas Cowboys Draft Show – March 10, 2026
Hosts: Kyle Yeomans, Voch Lombardi, Nick Harris, Tommy Yarish

Overview:

The Dallas Cowboys Draft Show examines how recent free agency moves impact the team's draft strategy with 44 days left before the 2025 NFL Draft. Hosts debate the shifting priorities at key positions—particularly linebacker, cornerback, and edge rusher—exploring draft scenarios, player fits, and the possibility (or futility) of trading up for a star. The episode features spirited arguments about draft philosophy, value versus need, and deep dives into this year's linebacker class.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Impact of Free Agency on Draft Philosophy

(02:21–09:41)

• Additions: Cowboys signed safety Jalen Thompson, acquired edge rusher Rashan Gary, re-signed Sam Williams.
• Shifting Needs: Linebacker becomes the most urgent position due to thin depth. Nickel corner and safety remain priorities.
• Draft Flexibility: The signings—especially Thompson—add versatility, allowing the Cowboys to take the best player available (BPA) rather than reaching for need.
• Quote:
  • “Linebacker has shot up the board as the most important need.” – Nick Harris (02:56)
  • “I just want to go into the draft and get the two best dudes at 12 and 20 that I possibly can.” – Voch Lombardi (05:50)

2. Value of Sticking to the Board vs. Draft-Day Trades

(05:50–10:09, 21:18–27:11)

• BPA Emphasis: Voch and others advocate not overreacting to needs—trusting the process and the board, letting free agency and post-draft moves fill lingering gaps.
• Aggressiveness for Linebackers:
  • Should Dallas trade up for a prospect like Sonny Styles if he's out of reach at #12?
  • Mixed opinions: Cautious about “cowardly” trade-ups just because of a run on key positions.
• Notable Exchange:
  • “I just don't like this world where we get uncomfortable...and we go straight to, ‘alright, let me trade back.’” – Voch Lombardi (22:19)
  • “If you were Cleveland, would you trade out of your first round grades for Dallas?” – Voch Lombardi (26:49)

3. Diving into Draft Scenarios and Player Fits

(09:41–16:50, 27:22–41:05 & throughout Twitter Q&A)

• Possible Draft Targets:
  • LB: Sonny Styles, CJ Allen, Jacob Rodriguez
  • S: Dylan Thieneman, McNeil Warren
  • Edge: Reuben Bain, David Bailey, Hendrickson, etc.
  • CB: Chris Johnson, Colton Hood
• Philosophical Take: Sometimes the board gets “wiped out,” but don't force a need pick.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “I'm taking the best dude I could possibly get at 12.” – Voch Lombardi (05:50)
  • “At the end of the day, you know, it could look a lot different than it looks right now.” – Nick Harris on free agency's effect on draft (07:14)

4. Who Could Fall to #12?

(10:17–13:36)

• Edge Rusher Market:
  • Uncertainty about top edge prospects like Ruben Bain, David Bailey falling in the first round.
  • Others (e.g., Keldrick Falk, Peter Woods) garner unexpected top-10 attention per recent executive surveys.
• Secondary Issues:
  • The versatility of recent signings means the Cowboys aren't boxed in by position at #12 or #20.
• Drafting for Value:
  • “If Bain is the best player available at 12, I'm not playing around—just take Bain.” – Voch Lombardi (16:35)

5. Twitter on the 20: Hypotheticals & Fan Questions

(26:46–41:01)

• Debate on Trading Up:
  • Would the Cowboys (or the Browns) actually make the much-discussed #6 trade? Consensus: not likely, and perhaps even unwise.
  • Notable hashtags: #NoCowardlyMoves #StickToTheBoard
• If Top Prospects Are Gone:
  • Dylan Thieneman at #12 is divisive; Nick Harris is a fan, Voch isn't as high—but would draft him if he’s BPA.

6. Deep Dive: This Year’s Linebacker Class—Superlatives and Sleepers

(45:28–61:24)

Most Technically Skilled:

• CJ Allen (Georgia) & Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech) — praised for anticipation, fundamentals, and ball skills. (46:24–47:34)
• Torian York (Texas A&M) — “So sound in the middle of the field... understands coverage.” – Nick (47:34–48:55)
• Josiah Trotter (Missouri) — Navigates blocks “more technically” than his peers.

Most Athletic:

• Sonny Styles (unanimous choice)
• Caleb Elarms-Orr (TCU) — Noted for impressive Pro Day and combine numbers, high motor

Biggest Upside:

• Jayshon Barham (Michigan) — “Could improve both rushing and at linebacker.”
• Anthony Hill (Texas) — “First-round upside, especially as hybrid rusher.” – Nick
• Harold Perkins (LSU) — “Can wreak havoc, but needs a team to maximize his strengths and plan role.”

Biggest Risk:

• CJ Allen — “Teams may knock him for lack of size or speed, but he could be the best in five years.” – Voch
• Harold Perkins — High ceiling as a pass rusher, but role concerns

Best Value (Day 3 Sleepers):

• Red Murdoch (Buffalo) — “298 tackles, 7 sacks, 13 forced fumbles over two seasons. Violent piece.” – Nick (56:43–57:38)
• Keyshawn Elliott (Western Michigan) — “Diagnoses well, stout vs. blockers, not the most athletic.”
• Jack Kelly (BYU) — “Captain, multi-use, solid on ST; not an every down guy but a reliable role player.”
• Torian York re-emphasized as a potential Day 3 steal.

Most Likely Cowboy:

• C.J. Allen — Georgia linebacker, coaching connection, green-dot potential.
• Aiden Fisher (Indiana) — late-round/special teams candidate—as “the Cowboys are likely to wait too long” (Voch’s inside joke)

Philosophical Wrap-Up:

• There’s a pattern of Dallas ignoring an obvious need in the draft (past years: RB, WR). Hosts speculate LB or nickel corner may be the “missed” position this year (61:59–62:19).

Notable Moments & Quotes

• Board Integrity Over Need-Filling:

  • “Don't overdo nothing. Same old, same old for me.” – Voch Lombardi (05:50)
  • “Draft is over. We still need receiver? Go address it after. Just get your best guys.” – Voch (05:50)

• Draft-Day Chaos:

  • “There's about 15 guys that are locked to be inside the top 10. Somebody’s going to fall.” – Kyle Yeomans (09:44)

• Medical Red Flags:

  • “I want to see the second medicals...That’s where I’m having a little bit of pause [on Caleb Downs].” – Nick Harris (28:09)

• Fighting Words:

  • “You're not a coward. I just hate that I got sneak-dissed...” – Tommy Yarish to Voch (21:56)

• On Trading Up Scenarios:

  • “If I’m Cleveland, I don’t want to move out of the range of the elite dudes just because the Cowboys want one.” – Voch (23:34)
  • “I think this is a very valid trade.” – Nick Harris (23:57)

• Position of Glaring Need Gets Ignored:

  • “Two years ago, needed a running back—didn’t draft one. Last year needed a receiver—didn’t draft one. Which position is it this year?” – Nick Harris (61:59)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:21] – Free agency recap and how it affects draft needs
• [05:50] – Philosophy: Stick to the board, don't force picks
• [10:31] – Who could realistically fall to #12? (Bain, Bailey, etc.)
• [12:21] – Would you draft Dylan Thieneman at #12?
• [21:18] – Arguments for and against trading up to #6
• [27:22] – Dream scenario: picking between Styles, Bane, Downs
• [45:28] – Linebacker class breakdown and superlatives
• [56:43] – Deep sleeper alert: Red Murdoch (Buffalo)
• [61:59] – "Which needed position will Dallas ignore in the draft?"

Tone & Style

• Conversational, occasionally combative (“cowardly” vs. “courageous” moves)
• Joke-laden and instigatory (Nick stirring up mock “fights” between panelists)
• Deeply analytical but with light-hearted banter and in-jokes
• No-nonsense about “real” football issues—skeptical of “recreational” mock draft trades

Summary Takeaway

The Cowboys' free agency moves have increased their draft-day flexibility, but linebacker and corner still top the needs list. The panel is united in stressing value over need—don’t sacrifice the board to chase a specific position. The hosts analyze the strengths and risks of key linebacker prospects, identify late-round sleepers, and muse over Dallas’s tendency to ignore its “glaringly obvious” needs in recent years. Trading up is debated but generally frowned upon unless truly justified by a blue-chip, can’t-miss prospect, and the show closes with laughter about which position will be the 2026 “miss.”