The Draft Show: Senior Sendoff
Dallas Cowboys Draft Show
Release Date: January 30, 2026
Hosts: Kyle Yeomans, Tommy Yarish, Nick Harris
Special Guests: Chandler Rivers (CB, Duke), Tyron Montgomery (WR, John Carroll), Caleb Douglas (WR, Texas Tech)
Overview
This episode of The Draft Show is a special “Senior Sendoff” from the 2026 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. The hosts and Dallas Cowboys draft insiders recap takeaways from a week of player evaluation, focusing on rising draft prospects, especially from the offensive side of the ball. The episode features extended interviews with draft hopefuls Chandler Rivers (Duke), Tyron Montgomery (John Carroll), and Caleb Douglas (Texas Tech), exploring their journeys, performance, and outlook as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Takeaways from the Senior Bowl Week
(00:46 – 06:22)
- The Senior Bowl provided invaluable “in-person evaluations” that add vital data points for scouts and teams ahead of the NFL Draft.
- Exposure and direct competition for smaller school prospects against big-program talent gave the crew clearer benchmarks and revealed potential draft risers.
- Special note that while the Cowboys’ offseason has focused on defensive prospects, this week’s standout performances were primarily from offensive players.
Notable Quotes:
"You are not seeing a lot of disparity. Everybody seems to be in the right spot at the right time. They're playing well and they're playing physical." — Tommy Yarish (02:22)
2. Offensive Standouts
(03:35 – 06:22)
- WR Jacoby Lane (USC): Tall, lengthy, impressive at the catch point; slight frame but excels downfield.
- RB Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas): Size and speed blend; performed better than expected.
- RB Jamari Taylor (Virginia): Compact, bowling-ball style back; utilizes frame well.
- RB Jaydn Ott (Oklahoma): Transfer from Cal who shined in team drills and is rebuilding draft stock.
- RB Key’Shawn Owens (FIU): Small school, not the most impressive overall but has elusiveness and home run potential.
Notable Quotes:
"Jacoby Lane...super tall, long arms, can go up and get anything down the field. He was winning a ton downfield this week." — Tommy Yarish (03:35)
3. Quarterback Room Observations
(06:35 – 10:54)
- Garrett Nussmeier (LSU): Had the week's best single throw; showing arm talent and touch.
- Luke Altmire (Illinois): Praised for poise and consistency despite pocket pressure.
- Taylor Green (Arkansas): 6'6" athletic marvel, excels outside the pocket, comparable to Joe Milton in arm and size, with potential to shift to another offensive role in the NFL.
- Discussion around prospects with rare size/athleticism combinations and willingness to change positions at the next level.
Notable Quotes:
"I don't know if he's a starting quarterback at the NFL level, but is there a way that this guy can be utilized?" — Tommy Yarish (07:36)
"I hope there is some openness for him to potentially play some offensive roles to the next level other than quarterback. ... I think he has athleticism to stick in the league." — Nick Harris (09:12)
4. Interview: Chandler Rivers (CB, Duke)
(11:24 – 18:08)
Background:
- Southeast Texas high school roots; developed the edge from being “overlooked.”
- Key contributor to Duke's surprise ACC title run.
Discussion:
- Emphasis on coping with adversity, particularly concerning size concerns as a cornerback.
- Credit to Coach Diaz's focus on mastering technique.
- Versatility as an asset—experience at boundary corner, nickel, and safety roles.
- Models his game after shorter, successful NFL corners like Mike Sarastein (Commanders) and Upton Stout.
- Priority for NFL teams: his high character and adaptability.
Notable Quotes:
"I'm okay with being an underdog. ... going in every day and putting my head down, getting to work was just something I like. I just love doing." — Chandler Rivers (13:59)
"If I was an inch or two taller, conversations would probably be way different...I'm just gonna control what I can control." — Chandler Rivers (14:36)
"I'm versatile. ... if you need me at safety, I can play safety." — Chandler Rivers (15:41)
“You're going to get a high character guy and a guy that's not afraid of going through challenges.” — Chandler Rivers (17:47)
5. Interview: Tyron Montgomery (WR, John Carroll)
(22:21 – 29:40)
Story:
- Did not play high school football; focused on basketball, walked on at LSU for hoops.
- Mother’s illness and pandemic led to life changes; began pursuing football late through flag football and viral videos.
- Multiple setbacks (eligibility, transfer restrictions, injury), eventually found home and support at Division III John Carroll.
Mindset:
- Overcoming adversity, remaining optimistic, manifesting goals.
- Biggest adjustment: learning coverages, playbooks, route alignments, and on-field nuances.
- Thrives on “rising to the level of training”—not intimidated by facing big-program opponents.
NFL Pitch:
- “Hungry, hard worker, and humbled”—living by his “Triple H” ethos.
Notable Quotes:
“I didn’t start playing the game of football to be a flag football player. … My brother taught me how to run my first slant route and then after that it just started feeling natural.” — Tyron Montgomery (23:49, 26:05)
“Whatever team decides to take the chance on me, I just want them to know, you know, I'm going to come in there, work hard, do my thing, get on the field and perform.” — Tyron Montgomery (29:08)
6. Interview: Caleb Douglas (WR, Texas Tech)
(33:49 – 40:27)
Background:
- Transitioned from high school QB to WR; break-out at Fort Bend Hightower; credited high school and college coaches for development.
Texas Tech Experience:
- Cites increased opportunity and learning as catalysts for growth.
- Played key role in playoff run; praised the experienced, communicative defense in practice.
Style & Role:
- Wants to prove versatility—contribute beyond deep “big ball” plays.
- Sees himself as a potential complement to the Cowboys' WR corps, “another CD [Lamb] out there.”
Notable Quotes:
“If you felt like when you was in high school you wanted to be a pro, you supposed to do that since then, not just automatically switch once you get here.” — Caleb Douglas (35:07)
“Really just hoping to show them that I can do more than just the big ball. … I can contribute to any way they need me to.” — Caleb Douglas (37:22)
“You have another CD out there? My nickname is also CD... Really just go out there…I can be a good little trio with them.” — Caleb Douglas (37:52)
7. Looking Forward: The NFL Combine & Draft Process
(43:19 – 44:57)
- The focus now shifts to player combine performance and pro days.
- Player training locations: Phoenix, Dallas, Atlanta, Miami.
- Some prospects will dramatically improve stock through athletic testing—the “Underwear Olympics” (combine without pads) is a final chance to impress before the draft.
Notable Quotes:
"Now the big part is the training aspect. ... How do they get back up to play speed? And when they go test at the combine, what does that look like after a month of training?" — Nick Harris (43:19)
“It starts with the Senior Bowl...getting eyes on a lot of these players, seeing how they play in football settings and pad settings. This will be the last time we see that at the combine.” — Tommy Yarish (44:03)
Memorable Moments
- On Player Versatility: Chandler Rivers’ passion for embracing multiple roles in the secondary stands out, especially given size questions: “I just want teams to know that I’m versatile” (15:41).
- Against the Odds: Tyron Montgomery’s journey from no high school football to Senior Bowl participant is one of the most inspiring of the episode and underscores the resilience theme that pervades the show (22:24–29:40).
- Cowboys WR Hopeful: Caleb Douglas pitching himself as “another CD [Lamb] out there” for Dallas (37:52) is both a bold and memorable endorsement.
- Evaluating Quarterbacks and Role Change: Fun, candid banter about whether Taylor Green’s athletic profile means a QB-to-TE/WR switch may be his NFL future: “I hope there is some openness for him to potentially play some offensive roles at the next level…” — Nick Harris (09:12).
Important Timestamps
- Senior Bowl Week Recap: 0:46–6:22
- Offensive Standouts: 3:35–6:22
- Quarterback Observations: 6:35–10:54
- Chandler Rivers Interview: 11:24–18:08
- Tyron Montgomery Interview: 22:21–29:40
- Caleb Douglas Interview: 33:49–40:27
- Draft Process Outlook: 43:19–44:57
Final Thoughts
This Senior Sendoff edition was packed with heartfelt player stories, in-depth scouting, and memorable quotes as the team transitions its focus to the next big steps in the NFL draft process—the combine and pro days. Prospects highlighted in this episode embody grit, adaptability, and upside, providing Cowboys fans and draft followers an inside look at the next wave of NFL talent.
For more draft analysis and exclusive interviews, tune into the next Draft Show as the off-season journey continues toward the 2025 NFL Draft!