Over the weekend 319 players participated at the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. There they met with teams and media like, as well as participated in on-the-field drills in the hopes of improving their draft stock. All of the information gained from this big event of the offseason can be put to good use to get a better standing of where these NFL hopefuls could be selected in April when the draft gets underway.
The information the Dallas Cowboys gained from the combine could help aid them in helping
turn their defense around in a short amount of time under their new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker. Now that the combine is over, we can all look back and reflect on what took place and better identify certain players who could be of interest to the Cowboys. To get some of these players, the Cowboys may need to secure a second- or third-round pick via trade.
S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
No formal visit with the Cowboys
Thieneman’s impressive performance at the combine has boosted his stock from a potential fringe first-rounder to probably a first-round lock. He was a standout in every drill he participated in and may have solidified himself as the second-ranked safety in this year’s draft class behind Caleb Downs. His versatility to play in the box or deep, as well as in the nickel could be exactly what Christian Parker is looking for to play that Cooper DeJean role. Don’t be surprised if he becomes a favorite for them at 20 or if they trade down a few spots.
CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
Formal with the Cowboys
With several of the top CBs choosing not to participate at the combine, Johnson took advantage of the opportunity and boosted his draft stock as a result. He was expected to be an early second-round pick prior to his outstanding performance of the combine, but now could be viewed as a fringe first-round draft pick. As a formal visitor, we already know the Cowboys are showing some interest in him despite coming from a smaller collegiate program. That in itself could mean the interest is real, possibly making him a late first-round option.
LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Formal visit with the Cowboys
Rodriguez may be one of the more heavily scrutinize players throughout the draft process and has done nothing but continue to quiet his doubters at every turn. He did that once again by outperforming expectations at the combine over the weekend. The former Texas Tech LB quietly stood out as well in both the on-the-field drills and interviews. His mental processing, athleticism, and agility is exactly what Christian Parker has been expressing he wants for his defense. He’s now projected as an early second-round pick.
EDGE Malachi Lawrence, UCF
Formal visit with the Cowboys
Lawrence was already considered a Top 100 selection heading into the combine, but may have solidified himself as a solid second-round pick due to his eye-popping performance. He was a top performer in every on-the-field drill amongst the EDGE defenders and as a formal visitor we know the Cowboys already have a real interest in him. In fact, he already has a tie to the Cowboys in Demeitre Brim, Dallas’ new assistant DL coach, due to their time together last year at UCF. He may now find himself ranked as a second-round prospect.
S Bud Clark, TCU
No formal visit with the Cowboys
Knowing the Cowboys haven’t spent a first-round pick on a safety since 2002 (Roy Williams), they may choose to address the position once again later in the draft. If so, Bud Clark is someone they could target in the third-round. He’s a local prospect who can participate in “Dallas Day” and someone who can play that versatile nickel/safety role in Christian Parker’s scheme. He’s already someone of a fan favored around Cowboys Nation after standing out at the Senior Bowl and his impressive combine performance should only add fuel to the fire.
Who were your favorite climbers at the combine that you would like to see in Dallas?
