The Draft Show: "Something to Prove"
DallasCowboys.com Draft Show
Date: January 29, 2026
Host(s): Kyle Yeomans, Tommy Yarish, Nick Harris
Guests: Charles "Chuck D" Demings (Stephen F. Austin CB), Drew Fabianich (Senior Bowl Executive Director)
Location: Live from Mobile, Alabama, 2026 Panini Senior Bowl
Episode Overview
This episode serves as an in-depth recap of the first two practices of the 2026 Senior Bowl, focusing on which NFL Draft prospects have stood out, who still has "something to prove," and the importance of these evaluations. The show also features two compelling interviews:
- Charles "Chuck D" Demings, a standout corner from Stephen F. Austin, reflecting on his journey and mindset.
- Drew Fabianich, new executive director of the Senior Bowl, on the logistics of scouting and pulling together this All-Star event.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Senior Bowl Practice Recap and Standouts
Transition from Introduction to Real Competition
- Day One: Players getting comfortable, learning schemes, and adjusting to new teammates.
- Day Two: Greater sense of urgency and physicality; players are starting to stack "good days."
- "Everybody's pleased with how physical yesterday was...a greater sense of urgency now." – Nick Harris [01:42]
- "It's been really fun to see everyone shine here on this stage." – Tommy Yarish [02:48]
Notable Standouts
- Josh Cameron (WR, Baylor)
- Continues rising in scouts’ estimation.
- "He just continues to go up another round for me." – Tommy Yarish [03:18]
- TJ Parker (EDGE)
- Dominant, showing size and ability; consistently beats blockers.
- Lee Hunter (DT, Texas Tech)
- Described as unblockable due to overwhelming strength.
- Jacob Rodriguez (LB, Texas Tech)
- Exceptional in causing turnovers; highly instinctive.
- Nadame Tucker (DL, Western Michigan)
- Noted for violence and effectiveness against bigger school opponents.
- Ted Hurst (WR, Georgia State)
- Small-school player proving he belongs; size and physicality translate.
- Dalen Everett (CB, Georgia)
- Praised as a first-rounder with a high floor and smooth movements; debate about his value at pick 20 versus 25.
2. Draft Philosophy: Film vs. Live Scouting
- The crew discusses the importance of both film study and in-person evaluations/interviews:
- "Tape tells 65-70% of the story, but it’s just one data point..." – Tommy Yarish [09:21]
- "When you see them here in person...that’s as much a part of the onfield evaluation as anything else." – Tommy Yarish [09:22]
Interview Highlights
Charles "Chuck D" Demings – Stephen F. Austin CB
[14:05–27:18]
On His Nickname and Background
- Nickname “Chuck D” came from a family tradition and caught on at a school bonfire.
- “My grandpa, he always called me Chuck...coach introduced me as Chucky D. And from that point on, the whole school started calling me Chuck D.” – Charles Demings [14:05]
On Being SFA's First Senior Bowl Invitee
- Proudly represents his program and all small school prospects.
- “I am the example of when a small school guy gets his chance and gets his shot and how he's going to take it and approach it.” – Charles Demings [16:22]
Faith, Commitment, and Perspective
- Transformative moment: April 14, 2022 – committed to Christ, changed doubt to faith.
- “That’s the day I vividly remember switching that why to a why not...letting God be my vehicle...using prayer as a steering wheel instead of an emergency tire.” – Charles Demings [17:26]
- Turned down NIL opportunities to stay loyal to SFA, motivated by legacy and purpose rather than money.
- “Turning down maybe $400,000 could be $100 million in the future...my purpose is bigger than [money], it's what I could do in that locker room.” – Charles Demings [19:08]
Approach to the Senior Bowl
- Determined not to feel out of place — “Take off the logos and tell me the difference.”
- Finds value in networking, learning from bigger school prospects.
- “There it is. No difference. Yeah, I went to a small school, but my ability isn't small. My range isn't small, my mindset definitely isn't small.” – Charles Demings [16:22]
Inspirations and Legacy
- Credits former teammate Bruce Harmon for his mentorship:
- “He showed me a lot about preparation...you act like the starter before you are the starter.” – Charles Demings [22:57]
Desire to Play for Dallas
- "That's the home, man, I got it tatted on me...Dallas skyline inside the state of Texas, and it says Texas made on the top of it." – Charles Demings [25:21]
What to Expect on His NFL Tape
- “You're going to see a guy of great poise...with dry erase memory...hustle and grit...commitment in every play...my foundation is his love.” – Charles Demings [25:48]
- Standout Host Response:
- “I don't know if I've ever heard a better answer in my life...I'm cheering for you, man.” – Kyle Yeomans [26:45]
Drew Fabianich – Senior Bowl Executive Director
[30:21–46:12]
The Evaluation Process
- Outlines the full NFL-style scouting system: area scouts, cross-checks, 600–700 players evaluated, narrowed down to a top 300.
- “It's built just like an NFL scouting department...area scouts...14 people that evaluate tape...maybe 600–700 players evaluated.” – Drew Fabianich [30:21-31:47]
Philosophy on Small School vs. Big School
- Senior Bowl as the ultimate equalizer — "Some of the guys you lined up against are working at UPS next week. These guys are going to play on Sunday with you, so be prepared for ratcheted up competition." – Drew Fabianich [34:23]
Cowboys Scouting Reputation
- “I thought we were really good at what we did...We drafted 67 Pro Bowl appearances while I was there...from '03–'22.” – Drew Fabianich [36:34]
Tools and Technology in Scouting
- Use of game tape, analytics: telemetry for game speed, PFF for quick review, eliminating the need for long, in-person visits.
- “I go multi-view all day Saturday. Probably 16 games...then I go and actually watch the tape: is it real or not?” – Drew Fabianich [38:19]
Finding "Diamonds in the Rough"
- Small-school players like Charles Demings and Tyron Montgomery (John Carroll D-III) are found via diligent tape study and trusted recommendations.
- “Either they show that they belong, or they get exposed, but that's on me now...by week four, I knew I was gonna invite [Demings].” – Drew Fabianich [39:50-40:55]
Biggest Risers of Senior Bowl Week
-
Malachi Fields (WR, Notre Dame): Quicker and more physical than expected.
-
Josh Cameron (WR, Baylor): Praised for special teams ability and overall game.
-
Kevin Coleman (WR, Missouri): Called a "starting slot in the league, hands down."
-
Kyle Lewis (LB/Nickel, Pitt): Versatility highlighted, projects as a valuable multi-position player.
-
Ted Hurst (WR, Georgia State): Stands out for production on a bad team, length, and separation.
- “Kevin Coleman has been uncoverable, dude.” – Drew Fabianich [42:48]
- “Kyle Lewis...can play nickel, you can cover tight ends, he can play will...He could wreck a game.” – Drew Fabianich [44:40]
- “If you can put up production on a bad team, it tells you something.” – Drew Fabianich [44:17]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Don't tell me the sky’s the limit when his footprints on the moon.” – Charles Demings [18:51]
- “Some of the guys you lined up against are working at UPS next week. These guys are going to play on Sunday with you.” – Drew Fabianich [34:23]
- “I don't know if I've ever heard a better answer in my life...I'm cheering for you, man.” – Kyle Yeomans to Demings [26:45]
Timeline: Important Segments
- 00:10 – Episode intro, hosts, Senior Bowl overview
- 01:42 – Early practice recap: shifting from intro to meaningful competition
- 03:18 – Josh Cameron/standout discussions
- 05:27–07:06 – Small school risers & CB class debate (Dalen Everett, Colton Hood)
- 14:05–27:18 – Charles Demings interview (personal story, value system, SFA experience)
- 30:21–46:12 – Drew Fabianich interview (behind the scenes of scouting/Senior Bowl evolution)
- 42:33–45:41 – Specific player risers and scouting stories
Conclusion
The episode thoroughly covers who’s impressing at the Senior Bowl, how the staff evaluates prospects, and the personal journeys of small-school players like Charles Demings. The insight into scouting operations from Drew Fabianich gives listeners an insider look at how the Senior Bowl assembles and evaluates talent, with a strong tie-in to the Dallas Cowboys' draft legacy.
For draft nerds, team fans, or anyone rooting for underdog prospects, this episode delivers both on-field insight and the off-field humanity fueling the next generation of NFL hopefuls.