The Draft Show: Guessing Games (Dallas Cowboys Podcast)

Date: February 26, 2026
Setting: Live from Radio Row at the NFL Scouting Combine, Indianapolis, IN
Hosts & Panel: Kyle Yeomans (host), Tommy Yarish, Nick Harris, Bobby Belt

Episode Overview

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the full Dallas Cowboys Draft Show crew convenes at the combine. With just 56 days until draft night, this episode dives deep into the nuances of player-team fit, combine storylines, prospect evaluations, and draft strategy. Through candid roundtable discussion, the panel demystifies misconceptions about “need” vs. “fit,” dissects top prospects’ upsides and red flags, and previews who could rise or fall following the combine. Special focus is given to the unpredictability of this year’s first round and how the Cowboys (and others) may approach their picks.

Key Discussion Segments & Takeaways

1. “Fit” vs. “Need” – The Key to Cowboys Draft Philosophy

(01:11-05:50)

• Will McClay Interview Recap: Bobby shares insights from a recent chat with Cowboys EVP of Player Personnel, Will McClay, who emphasized that fans and analysts often misjudge which players "fit" what the Cowboys want:

  “You guys don’t see fit. Like, you can go, 'okay, that’s nice, that’s a position that fits a need,' but unless you really know the nuts and bolts, you don’t know why that player just doesn’t jive with what we’re trying to do here.” (Bobby Belt, 02:52)

• Mock Draft Pitfalls: Panel muses on how projected picks often miss the mark because they fail to account for specific schematic and physical requirements—length, arm size, injury history, etc.
• Examples of Misfit:
  • Monsoon Delane: Often mocked to Dallas, but might not fit McClay’s length standards for a CB.
  • Reuben Bane: Small arms for an EDGE, as are Cassius Howell and others.
  • Nick Harris: “If Cassius Howell is drafted…he’ll have the shortest arms of any player in the NFL since 1999.” (05:26)

2. Traits vs. Tape – “Wart-y” Class and Combine Hype

(07:14-10:10)

• Arm Length and Pass Rush Nuance:

  • Some successful rushers overcome short arms (the ‘Mike Tyson effect’).
  • John Owning and PFF suggest it’s more about technique than raw reach.

• Draft Class Parity:

  • More “warts” (red flags or development needs) among first-round hopefuls than usual.
  • Teams and even insiders are unsure how the top of the draft will go.
  • “It’s a hodgepodge…from two onward even. Talking to Arizona Cardinals staff today—even THEY don't know what they’ll do at 3.” (Kyle Yeomans, 09:02)

• Potential for Chaos (Cowboys at 12):

  • With top talents like Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, and others potentially all gone, there may be no clear-cut “wipeout” scenario—someone of value will likely be available.
  • “This first round is going to be really wonky…Pick one seems to be the only thing with any sort of finality at this point.” (Nick Harris, 10:10)

3. Cowboys Pick at 12: “Wipeout” Scenarios and Best Fit Names

(11:17-13:12)

• Running Down Possible Targets:
  • Safeties: Caleb Downs (Ohio State), Sonny Styles (Ohio State)
  • LB: Arvell Reese
  • EDGE: Ruben Bane, David Bailey
  • CB: Mansour Delane
  • RBs and WRs (Jeremiah Love, Tyson Carnell, Tate)
• Could Dallas Go Offense?
  • Even with a defensive slant, don’t rule out a WR or OL if they’re BPA (Best Player Available).
  • “Last year showed…definitely something to keep an eye on as we continue forward into the draft process.” (Kyle Yeomans, 15:07)

4. Twitter on the 20 – Mailbag: Rising Prospects, Combine Standouts & Injury Questions

(20:37-36:42)

a) Arm Mason Thomas vs. Cassius Howell vs. Ruben Bane (EDGE Stack-Up)

(20:37-23:40)

• Panel sees Thomas as a better fit than Howell due to arm length and finishing “closer” traits but still only a value at pick 20+, not at 12.
• Bobby: “I would still take Bane…he’s much bigger and much stronger and fuller in his frame and he uses the counter moves and the strength to make up for it.” (07:14)

b) Under-the-Radar Combine Risers

(24:22-26:20)

• Nick: Damani Jackson (CB, Alabama)—straight-line speed but hip stiffness
• Tommy: Caleb Banks (DT, Georgia Tech)—massive size and length, “prototype defensive tackle”
• Bobby: “But when you watch the tape, it’s like, why don’t you play that size?” (26:31)
• Will McClay’s warning: Traits alone can “get you fired”—tape trumps everything when traits don’t translate.

c) Injury Red Flags: Jermaine McCoy (Corner, Tennessee)

(29:12-32:10)

• Both Tommy and Nick would pass on McCoy in round one or two without medical reassurance; missed over a year due to injury.
• Tommy: “I would not touch [him in the first]. It’s been a year and a half since he’s played football. It terrifies me…” (29:42)
• But… “The tape in 2024 is great… he’d be a top five pick [without the injury].” (32:10)

5. Combine Drill Previews & Most Anticipated Prospects

(33:11-36:42)

• Defensive Backs (DBs) and Front Seven (DL/LB) take center stage at the combine:
  • Monsour Delane (can he crack the 4.48 forty threshold?).
  • Caleb Downs – freaky athleticism.
  • Keith Abney (CB, Arizona State) (Nick’s sleeper: “Watch some fun corner tape—a violent cover corner.” – 34:04)
  • Sunny Styles (LB, Ohio State): “If it’s numbers that are kind of out of this world…he might as well cement himself top 10.” (Bobby Belt, 35:35)
  • CJ Allen (LB): How will his athleticism test?

6. Cowboys Combine Meetings: Early List of DB Prospects

(42:31-49:48)

Discussed:

• Brandon C. Say (CB, South Carolina): Prototype traits, development needed but questionable instincts. (43:56)
• Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State): “Safest player in the draft…Buddha Baker comp, but bigger.” (44:10, Tommy/Yarish/Lance Zierlein)
• Zakee Wheatley (S, Penn State): Range & instincts; debated as a mid-to-late 1st or 2nd-rounder.
• Mansour Delane (CB, LSU), Avion Terrell (Clemson), Colton Hood (Tennessee), Davison Igbosun (Ohio State): All linked with Cowboys meetings.
  • Penalty risk is a big concern with Igbosun.
• Luttrell McCutcheon (CB, Houston): Off-field and confidence flags—Nick says, “I don’t know if I’d spend a draft pick on him.” (48:16)
• Keonte Scott (Miami), Chris Johnson (SDSU): Day three/nickel candidates who offer toughness, blitzing value.
• Jalen Kilgore (South Carolina, S): Added to the list of day 2/3 DBs with Cowboys combine interest.
• Note: Some “formal” meetings may actually be informal contacts.

Notable Quotes & Highlights

• On Cowboys “Fits”: “That’s what we normally miss is fit. It could flip the other way too, of like, you guys aren’t talking about this guy. You don’t understand how good a fit he is.” – Tommy Yarish (04:06)
• On the unpredictability of this class: “It’s a hodgepodge… They don’t know what’s happening at 3. It could go OL, edge rusher… linebacker…” – Kyle Yeomans (09:02)
• On traits vs. tape: “What gets a GM in trouble? [Will McClay] instantly said traits. He said traits get you in trouble.” – Tommy Yarish (26:38)
• On Jermaine McCoy’s risk: "It’s been a year and a half since he's played football. It terrifies me…” – Tommy Yarish (29:42)
• On Nick’s “favorite fun tape”: “If you’re looking for some fun running back tape…Emmett Johnson out of Nebraska. I’m a running back tape sicko…” – Nick Harris (28:23)
• On Combine standouts: “Keith Abney’s an awesome player. If you want to watch some fun corner tape, a violent cover corner who is always on top of his assignment…” – Nick Harris (34:04)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:11 – 05:50: Fit vs. Need and Will McClay insights
• 07:14 – 10:10: Trait-based evaluation, class parity, and combine hype
• 11:17 – 15:07: Cowboys’ options at pick 12; potential "wipeouts"
• 20:37 – 23:53: Arm Mason Thomas, EDGE stack-up
• 24:22 – 26:20: Day-three / combine risers
• 29:12 – 32:10: Jermaine McCoy's health risk and draft value
• 33:32 – 36:42: Anticipated combine performances (DBs, LBs, etc.)
• 42:31 – 49:48: Cowboys’ combine meeting list; defensive backs breakdown

Tone and Style

The episode is conversational but packed with insider knowledge, playful banter (“You just woke up?” “Yep! It’s been three days!”), and direct speculation. The hosts combine analytical rigor and practical scouting experience with lively, candid exchanges.

Conclusion

With the combine underway and draft boards still in flux, this episode offers a real-time snapshot of uncertainty—both for fans and teams like the Cowboys. The primary lesson: traits entice, but fit and tape still reign supreme; and in 2025, expect surprises in both the first round and beyond. For Cowboys fans, "value" could fall to them at 12, but only if they know what to look for.

For more in-depth prospect breakdowns, discussion of live combine performances, and additional mailbag questions, tune in again during combine week on DallasCowboys.com.