The Draft Show: Crossing the Line?
Date: March 31, 2026
Hosts: Kyle Yeomans & Voch Lombardi
Theme: In-depth Dallas Cowboys NFL Draft analysis, "above the line" philosophy, prospects breakdown, and answering fan questions as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches.
Episode Overview
This episode of The Draft Show dives deeply into the Cowboys’ mindset ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, focusing on clarifying the “above the line” concept, analyzing likely first-round strategies, and discussing how to balance need vs. best player available. With Voch Lombardi and Kyle Yeomans helming the episode, they answer a range of nuanced Twitter questions, highlight under-the-radar prospects, and debate optimal draft-day decision-making for Dallas.
Main Discussion Points & Insights
1. Show Format and Crew Update
- The show kicked off with Voch and Kyle, as other regulars attended the NFL Owners' Meetings or dealt with other responsibilities ([00:58]).
- The hosts highlight that feedback on their duo episodes was positive, but they discuss the value of having the full team, especially for future mock draft episodes ([01:42]-[02:19]).
2. Draft Approach: “Above the Line” Philosophy
- Discusses Cowboys brass’ recent statements about drafting “pure”—taking the best player regardless of need, provided they’re “above the line” on the board ([03:39]-[06:34]).
- The “Big Six” defensive prospects are considered “above the line,” meaning if any are available, there’s no further debate—they should be taken: Bane, Bailey, Styles, Reese, Delaine, Downs ([04:10]-[06:39]).
- If none of the Big Six are left, it leads to conversations about value vs. need and potential for key offensive additions.
"Shoddy gave us that information. Cool. Let’s just speculate. ... If I had to assume the big six on defense are on top of the line, there’s no conversation. ... Take those guys." — Voch ([04:10])
3. Debating Needs vs. Value: Reaching or Waiting at 12 and 20
- Examines whether the team might reach for a position of need at pick #12 because they also own #20.
- Voch argues strongly for sticking to board value, not reaching, and avoiding picking a player slated for #20 at #12 just due to roster needs ([08:13]-[10:34]).
- Historical reference: avoidance of past mistakes, e.g., not passing up on a perennial Pro Bowler for a position of short-term need ([10:34]).
“Just take the best guy, take the best guy. Because looking back… this is a five year conversation for 12 and 20.” — Voch ([10:34])
4. Prospects Voch Is Higher or Lower on Than Consensus
- Voch shares a list of prospects where he diverges from the main consensus:
- Lower on: Fano (OT), Monroe Freeling (OT), bigger edge/DE types like Zion Young.
- Higher on: Makai Lemon (WR), mellow height (Texas Tech, EDGE), older pass rushers.
- He emphasizes the value of trusting one's own board and process in draft evaluation.
“I think it’s good to kind of go away from the board ... If I was a GM, what do I look for?” — Voch ([14:01])
5. Cowboys’ Defensive Tackle Options
- Twitter question: Would Peter Woods (DT, Clemson) be a fit at #12 if the Cowboys strike out on the Big Six ([14:26]-[19:43])?
- Both hosts are tepid: Woods doesn’t seem an every-down impact player, and there are questions about consistency, pad level, and true scheme fit.
- They debate the value of investing premium draft capital in a DT likely to rotate or be a specialized piece.
“I don’t want to spend 12 overall for somebody that’s going to run 15 plays.” — Voch ([16:27])
6. Deep Sleeper Picks: Day 3 IDL and Edge
- Sleeper Defensive Linemen:
- Brandon Cleveland (NC State) — stellar run-stuffer without pass rush value ([24:34]).
- Tim Keenan (Alabama), Caleb Proctor (SE Louisiana), Cameron Ball (Arkansas) ([24:49]-[29:13]).
- Discussion on grading potential versus proven ability, especially with athletic but raw prospects like Caleb Banks ([29:13]-[32:57]).
- Sleeper Edge/Pass Rushers:
- Max Llewellyn (Iowa), Harold Perkins (LSU), Derrick Moore (Michigan), Josh Joseph (Tennessee), Keyron Crawford (Auburn) ([33:13]-[35:08]).
- Romello Height (Texas Tech): high floor, pro-ready pass rusher despite age ([35:04]-[36:27]).
7. Running Back Prospects
- Kyle highlights Robert Henry Jr. (UTSA) as a dynamic, under-the-radar Day 3 target ([37:27]-[40:39]), noting his tackle-breaking ability and explosiveness, despite concerns about pass protection and durability.
8. Draft Value: Best Player Available/Positional Flexibility
- Debate on the importance of positional flexibility, especially at nickel/safety, given Cowboys' recent hints about defensive scheme changes ([47:38]-[50:28]).
- Nickel candidates include Jalen Thompson (Michigan State), Kyle Lewis, Deontay Scott, and Keonte Scott—safeties who can handle nickel assignments.
9. Critical Needs: Must-Fill Positions in the First Round
- Likeliest “must” for the Cowboys: Linebacker ([50:28]-[51:43]).
- Both hosts agree that, unless a veteran is acquired, the drop-off in LB talent after the first two rounds is concerning.
10. What If Scenarios: Trades and Aggressiveness
- Explores hypothetical scenarios, e.g., trading for established NFL starters. Conclusion: If Dallas fills major needs via trade, they shouldn’t sacrifice future draft capital to aggressively move up ([52:25]-[54:03]).
11. Potential Surprises at Picks 12 and 20
- Discussion on possible out-of-left-field picks at #12/#20 that aren't frequently mocked to Dallas, including Peter Woods, Keldrick Faulk, other offensive linemen such as Fano, and lesser-discussed safeties and receivers ([54:48]-[58:42]).
Notable Quotes
- On value over need:
“Taking the best dude never hurt nobody... neither of those dudes are stopping me from drafting Tate, Lemon, Tyson.”—Voch ([10:34]-[11:39])
- On Peter Woods' fit:
“I look at those four-I kind of guys in, in this scheme like Sam linebackers…you really just need somebody to fill that spot for what, 15 plays a game or something like that. I wouldn’t want to spend 12 overall for somebody that’s going to run 15 plays.” — Voch ([15:33]-[16:27])
- On nickel personnel:
“I don’t even wanna say nickel corner. The nickel dude... is so different than what we’ve been thinking about as nickel guy… I think the Cowboys want a safety to where that safety’s second job is playing nickel.” — Voch ([48:53]-[49:08])
- On reaches and board value:
“Picking one dude that could go 12 or 20 sounds like some nonsense. Cause if he can go 20, I don’t want him at 12.” — Voch ([33:29])
Key Timestamps
| Timestamp | Segment | |---------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:58 | Show format, updates, and Thursday’s future mock draft plans | | 03:39 | Above-the-line drafting philosophy, Cowboys’ approach per Schottenheimer/Jones | | 06:34 | Debate on “Big Six” prospects and next-tier options | | 09:13 | Evaluating reach vs. value at picks #12 and #20 | | 14:26 | Cowboys DT options and the Peter Woods question | | 24:20 | Twitter Q&A: sleeper IDs & edges for Day 3 | | 29:13 | Grading traitsy D-linemen vs. proven run defenders | | 33:13 | Double-dipping at edge, breakdown of third-round and sleeper pass rushers | | 37:27 | Under-the-radar RB: Robert Henry Jr. analysis | | 45:13 | Would you take Akeem Mezador (Miami EDGE) at 12? | | 47:38 | Who are the top nickel/safety prospects? | | 50:28 | Which position must be addressed in R1? Why linebacker matters most | | 52:25 | Would you trade up if you‘ve already traded for a star at LB or EDGE? | | 54:48 | Names not being discussed for #12/#20; players who could surprise | | 58:42 | Tease for next episode: potential for an all-hands mock draft |
Final Thoughts
This episode offered an in-depth, honest look into the draft from both a Cowboys and general scouting perspective. “Above the line” is the guiding philosophy, but when it comes down to picks 12 and 20, the goal is clear: Don’t reach—let the board and the value come to Dallas. A heavy focus remains on defense unless elite offensive talent falls, with LB and nickel safety as critical needs if not filled before draft day. The banter and debates will fuel fan anticipation ahead of mock draft week.