The Draft Show – Draft Class Breakdown
Date: April 28, 2026
Hosts: Kyle Yeomans, Voch Lombardi, Nick Harris, Bobby Belt, Tommy Yarish
Podcast: The Draft Show, Dallas Cowboys
Episode Overview
This episode of The Draft Show offers an in-depth breakdown and reaction to the Dallas Cowboys’ 2026 NFL Draft class. The crew analyzes each pick, discusses value and potential scheme fit, highlights undrafted free agents, and takes questions from fans about Cowboys’ prospects, supplemental draft rumors, and roster impacts. The discussion is lively, unfiltered, and loaded with insights, humor, and bold opinions.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Immediate Reactions and 2027 Draft Talk
- The crew is already scouting for the 2027 draft—Nick Harris started watching Dylan Stewart and Colin Simmons, with Stewart getting early praise.
- Expectation is next year’s draft will have deeper first-round talent:
Nick Harris (02:28): "Next year, I would be shocked if we don't get to 20, 22 [first-round grades]... could reach 25."
- Playful banter and mocking about draft obsession and attire linger.
2. Cowboys 2026 Draft Class: High-Level Breakdown
Top Picks and Strategic Moves
- Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State, Pick 11): The hosts universally praise the move up to secure Downs, noting it was facilitated by surprising decisions ahead of Dallas.
- Tommy Yarish (05:03): "I think Dallas did the right thing by moving up to 11 to make sure that they got him."
- Discussion about the Giants possibly regretting passing on Downs.
- Nick Harris (07:29): "Every time Carnell Tate does something for the Tennessee Titans, Cowboys fans better cheer because that's the reason Caleb Downs is wearing a Cowboys uniform today."
- Malachi Lawrence (Edge, UCF, Pick 23):
- Some debate if he should start right away or if rotation is better.
- Kyle Yeomans (10:08): "I think it's actually a good thing when rookies don't start for you ... If Donvanez Araku is better than him and if Rashawn Gary is better than him ... then that means you got three dudes that you can trust for real."
- Voch Lombardi (10:59): "This team and most others across the league generally will pay deference to a veteran... you got to really show us we can trust you."
- Mentions of clear roles, the importance of coaching hires (esp. Chidera Uzo-Diribe), and depth/rotation at edge and linebacker.
Later Picks / Value Standouts
- Jayshawn Barham (LB/Edge, Michigan - 3rd):
- Seen as a good fit for inside linebacker.
- Drew Shelton (OT, Penn State – 4th):
- Viewed as a longer-term development pick rather than immediate starter.
- Devin Moore (CB, Florida – 4th):
- Competition discussed for CB depth.
- L.T. Overton (Edge/DT, Alabama – 4th):
- Mixed reaction: some see great value/fit, others would have preferred different players due to inconsistency on tape.
- Voch Lombardi (16:11): "Not a natural fit in a lot of places. But given what this team wants ... he's a really good fit."
- Kyle Yeomans (18:04): "I just didn't think that the film added up ... I probably would have just rather somebody else in that spot."
- Anthony Smith (WR, East Carolina – 7th):
- Praised for his athletic upside. Kyle (38:31): "That dude is so fun to watch."
- Discussion about his potential in a crowded WR competition.
3. Roster Implications & Year-One Roles
- Caleb Downs: Expected to start (nickel/safety), universally agreed to be a foundational piece; some suggest expectations could be even higher.
- Nick Harris (31:46): "I think he's going to be such an important piece of this defense next year."
- Malachi Lawrence: Rotational role likely; starting eventually but not necessary or expected from day one.
- Team generally lets veterans start unless rookies force the issue.
- Drew Shelton: Developmental, eyes on future depth; unlikely to challenge Tyler Guyton in 2026 barring injury/falloff.
- Day Three Value: Overton and Anthony Smith specifically highlighted for either immediate depth or long-term upside.
- Special Teams: Turpin evaluated, with speculation that increased usage as WR impacted return skills—potential for Caleb Downs to get return reps.
- CB/LB depth: Discussion around younger/new additions possibly pushing out bottom roster players.
4. Draft Class Quick Summary (15:03)
- 1st Round:
- Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (Pick 11)
- Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF (Pick 23)
- 3rd Round:
- Jayshawn Barham, LB/Edge, Michigan (Pick 92)
- 4th Round:
- Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State (112)
- Devin Moore, CB, Florida (114)
- L.T. Overton, Edge/DT, Alabama (137)
- 7th Round:
- Anthony Smith, WR, East Carolina (218)
Notable Quotes:
- Voch Lombardi (16:11): “Tweener, not a natural fit in a lot of places. But given what this team wants ... he's a really good fit [Overton].”
- Kyle Yeomans (10:08): “If you draft somebody at 23rd overall and they're automatically better than who you had ... your roster was sucking.”
5. Undrafted Free Agents: High-Reward Targets (52:38)
- Michael Trigg (TE, Baylor): Big, athletic, contested-catch specialist with fourth-round grades from some hosts. Maturity a question mark but high upside.
- Nick Harris (53:59): “With Michael Trigg ... you hope [professional maturity] carries into the NFL. And man, if you get a serious Michael Trigg entering this system, I really do think he's got Harold [Fann] type of responsibility.”
- Jordan Hudson (WR, SMU): Physical, big-play potential; a YAC specialist.
- Kevin Gilliam (DT, Virginia Tech): Flashes rotational upside.
- Shyaze Pete (OT, Kentucky): At 6’9”, new tallest Cowboy, will be one to watch at camp.
- General consensus: Several UDFA have “draftable” grades and can stick if they impress at camp.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Kyle Yeomans (07:59): “Team sucker drafting.”
Discussion about teams missing on the obvious picks, benefitting Dallas—“The whole league, you know, 10 teams, they let you get Caleb Downs.”
- Nick Harris (07:29): “Cowboys fans better cheer [for Carnell Tate in Tennessee] because that's the reason Caleb Downs is wearing a Cowboys uniform today.”
- Voch Lombardi (10:59): “They generally give deference to a veteran and say, earn your spot. ... It’s more so stunning that we’re penciling Downs in as a starter...”
- Kyle Yeomans (31:41): “Can [Downs] cover better than Donovan Wilson? ... He can cover better than most of the corners.”
- Tommy Yarish (53:32): “He can make some ridiculous catches. He’s great in contested situations. He’ll just go out and pluck the ball out of the air with one hand [on Michael Trigg].”
Twitter Q&A and Supplemental Draft Chatter
(26:47) Twitter on the 20
- Speculation about a supplemental draft: Texas Tech QB Brennan Sorsby could be ruled ineligible, potentially becoming a rare high-profile supplemental draft entry.
- Nick Harris (27:52): “It’s going to be incredibly unique if Brennan Sorsby ends up in a supplemental draft situation.”
Fan Questions Discussed
- Are expectations too high for Caleb Downs?
General consensus: No, could be even higher; expectation should be “significant impact” not necessarily Pro Bowl as a rookie.
- Did any rookie already take a roster spot?
Downs is the only probable day-one starter; others will push for roles or be developmental.
- Anthony Smith’s fit at WR:
Crowded, but fun to watch—potential to break through if he capitalizes on opportunities.
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 02:27: Early 2027 draft class hype
- 05:03: Cowboys’ rationale for moving up for Caleb Downs
- 09:11: Rationale for draft rotation and rookie starting expectations
- 15:03: Cowboys' full 2026 draft class rundown
- 16:41: Detailed L.T. Overton discussion and staff disagreement
- 38:31: Anthony Smith (WR) scouting report and depth chart placement
- 41:25: Turpin’s return role and special teams impact, plus potential Caleb Downs involvement
- 52:38: Undrafted free agent standouts (Michael Trigg, Jordan Hudson, Kevin Gilliam)
- 54:33: Michael Trigg’s maturity and upside, tight end outlook
- 58:24: Full Cowboys UDFA list and minicamp invites
Tone & Style
The tone is energetic, playful, and honest—no one shies away from disagreeing or poking fun at each other. The show jumps between deep scouting insight, roster analysis, fan engagement, and team coverage with inside access. It's both informative for hardcore fans and accessible for the casual listener.
Final Thoughts
The hosts are optimistic about the Cowboys’ 2026 class—lauding the calculated, opportunistic moves to land blue-chip talent like Caleb Downs and potential long-term contributors like Malachi Lawrence and L.T. Overton. There’s also a healthy skepticism on certain picks, day 3 value debates, and a clear “wait and see” for how the crowded WR and TE rooms shake out. Undrafted free agents like Michael Trigg and Jordan Hudson could prove to be hidden gems if they develop quickly.
Overall:
If you missed the draft or need a sense of Dallas’ rookie class, this episode delivers the storylines, the rationale behind every pick, immediate expectations, and the drama behind what could be a pivotal Cowboys rookie class.