The Draft Show: Out of Styles?

DallasCowboys.com • February 27, 2026
Hosts: Kyle Youmans, Nick Harris, Tommy Yarish

Overview

On this episode of The Draft Show, the crew (Kyle Youmans, Nick Harris, and Tommy Yarish) broadcasts live from radio row at the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. With 55 days until the 2025 NFL Draft, the discussion centers on first impressions from the front seven workouts at the Combine, rapidly rising prospects, debate over Cowboys-specific scenarios, and how Combine results are shifting big boards and possible draft strategies for Dallas. The show also explores trade-back possibilities, the impact of franchise tags on roster building, and answers fan questions in their energetic, insider style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Front Seven Combine Standouts

• Sonny Styles Steals the Show

  • Styles, linebacker/safety from Ohio State, tied for the fastest 40-yard dash with teammate Arvell Reese and recorded a jaw-dropping 43.5" vertical at 6'5". The panel is nearly unanimous that he's now a locked top-5 pick, exceeding already lofty expectations.
  • Quote (C, 02:00): "We knew he was freaky. We didn't know he was this freaky. I can't speak for you guys, but I was blown away."
  • Quote (C, 05:19): "I don't think he's out of the top five."

• Kyle Lewis' Stock Surge

  • Lewis, Pittsburgh linebacker, has been the draft’s "biggest riser" per Nick, moving from projected Day 3 to potential Day 2 after strong Senior Bowl and Combine performances.
  • Quote (C, 03:34): "I don't think anyone has improved their stock during this draft process more than Kyle Lewis."

• Jacob Rodriguez Surprises

  • Rodriguez outperformed low athleticism expectations with elite three-cone and shuttle times. Originally pegged as "a bit slow," his testing is causing the analysts to reassess his projection, possibly vaulting him into late first-round territory.
  • Quote (B, 08:21): "He was top in the three cone... top short shuttle, tied with Jack Kelly... top 6-7 in linebacker 40s... He was up there."
  • Quote (D, 09:08): "The athleticism certainly moves him up for me because that was one of the big questions that I had."

• Other Notable Front Seven Performances

  • David Bailey (Texas Tech): 4.5 40, cementing his status as a top option.
  • Dennis-Sutton (Penn State): 4.63 40, 39.5" vertical, front end of Round 3/up into Round 2.
  • Anticipation for DB workouts: Especially Mansur Delane, who needs a 4.48 40 to secure stock (07:56).

2. Ohio State Set to Dominate Top Picks

• The panel speculates as many as three or four Ohio State defenders could be selected in the top five, including Styles, Arvell Reese, Fernando Mendoza, and Cardell Tate—plus Caleb Downs as a dark horse.
  • Quote (C, 05:29): "You could have four Ohio State guys in the top five. I think that is a realistic scenario."

3. Cowboys Draft Scenarios and Discussion

A. Who Could Fall and How to Prepare (06:17)

• The unusual volatility of picks 2–10 means teams must thoroughly evaluate all potential falling prospects (e.g., Reuben Bain, Mansur Delane).
• Preparation is emphasized: "Dot all your I's and cross your T's." (D, 06:17)
• Delane's Measurements: 5'11 6/8", 187 lbs; panel would like to see him bulk up for boundary/nickel versatility.

B. Round 1/2 Linebacker Choices

• Late First or Second for Jacob Rodriguez?
  • Panel would debate Rodriguez vs. edge rusher R. Mason Thomas at 20, but lean to Thomas for positional value.
• Draft Board Debates
  • Situational shuffling discussed if certain CBs or safeties fall to late first/early second (e.g., Dylan Thieneman).

C. Shifting Defensive Tackle Value (21:37)

• Question arises if the new Christian Parker 3–4 scheme increases DT priority, especially the 4i spot.
• Consensus: Cowboys doing due diligence, but no surefire Round 1 DT—Peter Woods closest.

D. Trade-Back and Double First Round Picks (31:05)

• Deep second and third rounds make trading back enticing to acquire additional picks.

• However, panel agrees that in this class, retaining both first-rounders (12 and 20) is premium because there's a steep drop-off after top-20 prospects.

  • Quote (C, 31:39): "I was talking to a media evaluator yesterday ... I might have 40 second round grades in this draft... if you're picking 18 versus 38, there's not that big of a difference."
  • Trade-down best executed on draft day (D, 32:08), capitalizing on other teams' needs/desperation.

4. Twitter on the 20 (19:14–30:00)

Q: Whose film and combine don’t match up?

• Jacob Rodriguez is the positive surprise—tape suggested he might not be athletic enough, combine proved otherwise.
• Zion Young (Missouri): A disappointment, didn’t show the expected explosiveness at the Combine.

Q: What pick at 12 would upset you? What at 20 redeems it?

• Colton Hood at 12 would be underwhelming; Dylan Thieneman at 20 could redeem.

5. Cowboys Roster & Offseason Impact

A. George Pickens Tag Situation (40:22)

• Non-exclusive franchise tag means Pickens can negotiate elsewhere, but Dallas can match or receive two 1sts (unlikely scenario).

  • Quote (D, 43:04): "Exclusive tag means ... can't negotiate ... Non-exclusive ... can. But Cowboys can match, and if not, they'd get two first round picks."

• Unlikely to impact draft strategy unless a messy scenario or trade arises.

• If Pickens is traded, drafting an early receiver (Carnell Tate) is a contingency conversation but seen as remote.

B. RFAs with Second-Round Tenders

• Cowboys likely to tender TJ Bass and possibly Brandon Aubrey at a second-round level, making it "very unlikely" either leaves and indicating their O-line value.

• O-line picks likely reserved for Day 3—unless significant departures occur (45:40).

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Sonny Styles:
  • "We knew he was freaky. We didn't know he was this freaky." (C, 02:00)
  • "I don't think he's out of the top five." (C, 05:19)
• On trade-back likelihood:
  • "If you can keep both first-round picks and acquire capital, then I'm in. But don't trade out of the first round in order to do that." (B, 33:07)
• On combine surprises:
  • "I don't think anyone has improved their stock during this draft process more than Kyle Lewis." (C, 03:34)
  • "With Rodriguez, when I was watching the film, the athleticism didn't match up with what I saw on film." (D, 20:03)
• On O-line draft:
  • "You probably won't see this one til day three. You definitely won't see this one til day three." (C, 45:40)

Key Timestamps

• 02:00 – Sonny Styles' combine explosion; top 5 pick debate
• 03:34 – Kyle Lewis and the art of post-combine tape review
• 07:56 – Mansur Delane measurement and 40-yard dash implications for draft stock
• 08:21–10:55 – Jacob Rodriguez’s testing, instincts, and late-1st/2nd round debate
• 13:29–14:02 – Caleb Elarmsor (TCU) as a day two guy
• 21:37–24:39 – Defensive tackle value in the new Cowboys scheme
• 31:05–35:32 – Trade-back speculation; value of top-20 picks argued out
• 40:22–45:32 – Franchise and RFA tag mechanics & wide receiver/offensive line impact

Conclusion

This episode delivers a comprehensive, up-to-the-minute look at how the earliest Combine results are disrupting draft boards, particularly for the Cowboys. The conversation is loaded with specific player debates, scouting philosophy, and scenario planning for Dallas as the first round looms. Deep dives on Sonny Styles, Rodriguez, Lewis, and the mounting Ohio State star power set the tone. The hosts balance optimism about trading back with caution about losing out on top talent, all while keeping an eye on broader roster machinations like the George Pickens tag situation. As always, the chemistry and scouting acumen of the group shine, offering listeners actionable insights, inside tidbits, and a dash of Cowboys war room banter.

For listeners looking for deep NFL Draft analysis with a Cowboys lean, this episode is a can’t-miss, especially as Combine ripple effects are just beginning to shape the 2025 draft landscape.