We are taking a quick peek ahead to the upcoming offseason to scout out a few potential draft picks in the college ranks.
Miami vs. Notre Dame
Miami takes the highest-scoring offense in the country to South Bend, but the Hurricanes will be without explosive receiver Malachi Toney following ankle surgery. That increases the pressure on Miami’s defense and gives Notre Dame receiver Jordan Faison an even more important role. In the middle of that battle will be Hurricanes defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr, one of the better
interior defenders expected to enter the 2027 draft.
Miami: Ahmad Moten Sr, defensive tackle
Moten is the prototypical sized defensive tackle who wins with his first step. He fires off the ball before offensive linemen can settle into their stance and forces the blocking scheme to react immediately. That burst allows him to create pressure from the three-technique position and disrupt running plays before the back reaches the line of scrimmage.
He became a full-time starter in 2025 and produced 4.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss. His 12.9% pressure rate showed that the production was not based only on a handful of big plays. Moten repeatedly found his way into the backfield while playing beside first-round talents Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor. With those players now in the NFL, he has taken on a larger role as the experienced leader of Miami’s defensive front.
Why The Cowboys Care
Dallas needs to add young legs to their veteran rotation on the inside and prepare for the future adding another interior disruptor would help protect the investment Dallas has already made in Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark.
Moten could begin as a rotational three-technique and a pass-rushing option on obvious throwing downs. His ability to penetrate would complement the power of Williams and Clark, while Christian Parker could move him across different alignments in the pressure package. He currently carries a second-round projection, placing him in the exact area of the draft Dallas must maximise. The Cowboys would need to improve his pad level and consistency against double teams, but his explosive first step is a trait that cannot easily be taught.
Notre Dame: Jordan Faison, wide receiver
Faison has developed from a walk-on and two-sport athlete into Notre Dame’s leading receiver. He enters this game with 38 catches for 497 yards and four touchdowns. He led the Irish in both receptions and receiving yards last season, recording 49 catches for 640 yards and four scores, while also contributing as a punt returner.
His route running is the foundation of his game. Faison changes speed during the route to create separation without relying on elite size. He is especially effective from the slot.
Why The Cowboys Care
We say it every week when bringing g up wide receiver, this is all about George Pickens’ future. His long-term contract and possible trade value will remain major offseason questions, and although Ryan Flournoy has provided useful depth, the Cowboys still need another receiver who can separate quickly and keep the offense on schedule.
Faison could compete for the third-receiver role, work from the slot and give Dak Prescott a reliable answer when the defense sends pressure. His punt-return experience adds another route onto the active roster. He is currently viewed as a third-round prospect, which makes him a realistic Dallas target rather than a player the Cowboys would need to chase at the top of the draft.
BYU vs. Utah
The Holy War will feature two top-10 teams for the first time. Utah enters at 8-0, while BYU is 7-1 and attempting to hand its rival a second consecutive defeat in the series. BYU running back L.J. Martin is doubtful, placing more responsibility on the Cougars’ defense. That makes linebacker Isaiah Glasker a key figure against a Utah offense protected by rising left tackle Zereoue Williams.
BYU: Isaiah Glasker, linebacker
Glasker looks like an NFL linebacker in every way. A former high school receiver and safety, he has the athletic background to turn and run in coverage and match tight ends without immediately creating a size disadvantage.
That versatility has been central to his role at BYU. The Cougars can align him as an off-ball linebacker, walk him onto the edge or send him through an interior gap. He recorded 67 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions in 2025 after a 2024 season in which he produced 70 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and three interceptions. Those numbers reflect a defender capable of making plays in several areas rather than simply collecting tackles in the box.
Why The Cowboys Care
DeMarvion Overshown’s injury history remains a concern, while Dee Winters may or may not be part of a future roster. Glasker could give this defense a long, athletic defender who can play in space, blitz from different angles and contribute on special teams.
His current draft stock has fallen into the late-round, which makes the rest of the season important. Dallas would not need to spend a premium selection to bet on his physical tools. A strong performance against unbeaten Utah could move him back into full Day 3 consideration. The Cowboys would be drafting the coverage range and versatility while trusting their coaches to improve his processing and ability to defeat blocks.
Utah: Zereoue Williams, offensive tackle
Williams is one of the fastest-rising offensive tackles in this draft class. The 6-foot-8, 305-pound senior spent most of his college career as a reserve before earning Utah’s starting left-tackle job this season.
His size immediately creates problems for edge rushers. Williams has the length to make first contact and guide speed rushers beyond the quarterback. He moves well for a player of his height and has enough balance to stay connected rather than lunging at defenders. His basketball background appears in the way he mirrors movement and uses his reach without losing control of his base.
Why The Cowboys Care
Offensive tackle remains one of the most important positions for Dallas to evaluate. Williams has the physical tools to compete on the left side, or he can play on the right and potentially take over for Terence Steele.
His draft range is wide because of the small sample, but most projections place him around the second or third round, but it really does range with him. That makes him especially relevant to a Cowboys team with limited draft capital. Dallas could allow him to develop behind its starters before asking him to take over a full-time job, or he could win it straight away.
