Podcast Summary: The Draft Show — “The Road to the Draft Begins...”
Date: January 6, 2026
Hosts: Kyle Yeomans, Voch Lombardi, Nick Harris, Tommy Yarish, Bobby Belt
Theme: Kicking off the 2026 NFL Draft season with an overview of the Dallas Cowboys’ draft strategy, roster needs, and initial prospect discussion. The episode features the crew assessing the current state of the Cowboys, reacting to the firing of DC Matt Eberflus, and fielding fan questions on draft priorities and prospects.
Main Theme and Purpose
This episode marks the official start to the Cowboys’ 2026 draft coverage. With two first-round picks following the Micah Parsons trade but no picks in rounds 2 or 3, the crew lays the groundwork for what will be an unusual draft approach for Dallas. The hosts analyze roster needs (especially on defense), react to the recent firing of Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus, and begin mapping out key draft priorities and potential fits.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Setting the Stage: Dallas’ Draft Capital and Strategy
- Cowboys own two first-round picks (thanks to the Micah Parsons trade), but no picks in rounds 2 or 3.
- This creates a “big gap” between early picks and the next opportunity, requiring a different scouting and draft approach, particularly with the focus on maximizing the value of the two first-rounders.
- Discussion on trading back for Day 2 capital: Several hosts support the idea of moving one of the firsts to acquire additional picks given the team's many roster holes.
- “You do have kind of a larger pool of second, third round guys that can be plus players... I don’t think you can hurt whatsoever from moving back.” - Tommy Yarish (03:09)
2. Assessing the State of the Roster & Free Agency Impact
- Heavy focus on defensive needs: The crew estimates the team will need to replace or upgrade at least seven defensive positions.
- Free agency will significantly affect draft priorities, especially at linebacker, edge rusher, and cornerback.
- There are ways Dallas can create cap space (restructures, possible cuts like Terence Steele, Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb contracts).
3. Reaction to Matt Eberflus Firing and DC Search
- Firing signals an organizational reset on defense and provides an opportunity to tailor the unit to a new coach’s vision.
- The hosts stress the need for flexibility–both in coaching hires and player acquisition.
- “If your coordinator can’t adapt the scheme to the players... you’re just not going to be successful in the modern NFL.” - Tommy Yarish (15:56)
- Discussion on whether Dallas should prioritize “scheme fit” or best available player, and the potential impact of coaching changes on how they approach the draft.
4. Discussion of Draft Priorities and Key Positions
Edge Rusher
- Universally considered the team’s top defensive need.
- “Is edge rusher at the top of the list? Yes, absolutely.” - Tommy Yarish (25:00)
- Top edge prospects: Ruben Bain (Miami), David Bailey (Texas Tech), with both likely to be high on the Cowboys’ board, though there’s skepticism they will fall to Dallas’ first pick.
- The team has shown a tendency to value length and measurables at edge; concern about potentially “falling in love” with less productive but traits-heavy players.
Linebacker
- Considered a deep 2026 class, with names like Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, and CJ Allen all worth a first-round look.
- “I think [linebacker is] super deep... I think there's really good linebackers in this class, especially this top 15, top 20 range.” - Nick Harris (26:25)
Safety
- If not able to land an elite edge or linebacker, Ohio State’s Caleb Downs is seen as a game-changing safety worthy of pick 12.
- “Caleb Downs, if he's the best player there... he just makes sense.” - Voch Lombardi (39:03)
- Some skepticism that Downs falls out of the top 5, but the positional value might push him down, as safeties often slide further than their grade suggests.
Double Dipping and Position Depth
- With limited draft capital, linebacker and edge are the two position groups the crew would feel comfortable double-dipping in.
- “Linebacker and edge are two position groups I'd be fine if they double.” - Bobby Belt (34:44)
5. Cowboys Draft Accountability - Reviewing the 2025 Class
Tyler Booker (OG, 1st Round)
- Consensus: Exceeded expectations, was a clear “hit.”
- “I think he played above and beyond. If you were to redraft this class, yeah, he'd probably be a top 10 pick.” - Kyle Yeomans (52:05)
Donovan Aziraku (EDGE, 2nd Round)
- Solid year, especially in the run game, but didn't rack up sacks.
- “I think he probably played up to a second-round grade this year.” - Nick Harris (53:12)
Savone Revel (CB, 3rd Round)
- Flashes before/after injury, needs to show he’s healthy and playing without limitations in ‘26.
- The crew hopes a new DC can “play to strengths,” particularly in press coverage.
Jaden Blue (RB, 5th Round)
- Did not contribute as much as hoped, but considered a fair return for a fifth-rounder.
- Needs to learn to be a professional, improve pass protection, and ball security.
- “Between the tackles, things like that, that's stuff he still needs to work on. Get stronger. Ball security was a huge problem in college and he had a fumble this year.” - Tommy Yarish (61:27)
Fan Questions and Notable Quotes
On Defensive Coordinator Hiring & System Flexibility
- “If your coordinator is not versatile enough to adapt his players to the scheme or the scheme to the players, then I think it’s going to be tough sledding.” - Tommy Yarish (15:56)
On Drafting Best Player vs. Need
- “If you can get an MF’er at 12... and you get a dude at 20, I think you could be two dudes away.” - Voch Lombardi (05:02)
On Caleb Downs’ Value
- “Caleb Downs is arguably, on defense, the most plug-and-play ready player defensively in the draft.” - Bobby Belt (44:19)
- “Downs is a little bit more compact... What stood out to me is his football IQ and how smart of a player he is.” - Tommy Yarish (39:55)
Important Timestamps
| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------|-------------| | Cowboys’ Draft Capital and Strategy | 00:47–03:49 | | Defensive Needs and Cap Situation | 05:57–08:36 | | Eberflus Firing, Reaction, and Impact | 10:19–11:51 | | Twitter on the 20 / Fan Q&A Begins | 24:44 | | Edge Rusher/Linebacker/Safety Priorities | 25:00–43:21 | | Caleb Downs Discussion | 38:36–42:51 | | Draft Accountability (2025 Class Review) | 50:25–64:16 |
Memorable Moments & Quotes
- Voch lobbies hard for focusing all resources on defense, taking a lighthearted shot at the outgoing DC:
- “Floose made a lot of money doing a bad job. Shouts out to Floose, man, you did something through your time here.” (10:22)
- Fan engagement with “Twitter on the 20” brings in detailed draft and roster questions (24:44 onward).
- Team camaraderie and running jokes about contract negotiations, NIL deals, and Texas Tech trying to poach Tommy Yarish (23:13-24:13).
- Long-term optimism balanced with urgency: “We ain’t got long, man. Come on Dak. Come on, defense.” - Voch (50:23)
Summary for New Listeners
This kickoff episode is ideal for fans who want a comprehensive, inside-baseball look at where the Cowboys stand heading into the 2026 draft cycle. The hosts blend deep football knowledge with wit and camaraderie, balancing pragmatism about roster holes with optimism about the two first-round picks. They break down how free agency, coaching hires, and positional value will shape their board, and offer honest, detailed assessments of last year’s rookie class. If you’re looking for an informed, lively, and unfiltered guide to Cowboys draft season, this episode sets the tone.
Next episode preview: The crew plans to focus entirely on defensive prospects, offering scouting reports and solutions for improving the Cowboys’ defense under a new coordinator.