The NFL landscape is gearing up for the annual Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, where promising draft prospects will showcase their talents. This event, weather permitting, serves as a crucial platform for these young athletes, giving them the opportunity to stake their claim ahead of the upcoming draft.
While some highly-rated prospects like Miami’s Rueben Bain, Akheem Mesidor, and Texas Tech’s David Bailey have opted out of the Senior Bowl, there remains a wealth of talent for Dallas Cowboys fans to keep an eye on. Here are ten players who could catch the attention of the Cowboys during this pivotal week.
Romello Height, a defensive end from Texas Tech, stands out as an intriguing prospect. After transferring to Texas Tech from multiple schools, Height flourished, recording 10 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss in his final collegiate season. With the Cowboys looking to enhance their defensive line after struggling to replace Micah Parsons, Height’s performance in Mobile could determine his value when the Cowboys pick at 20th overall.
Another Red Raider making waves is linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. Recently recognized as an All-American, Rodriguez was a standout in college football, finishing fifth in the Heisman voting with 128 tackles and four interceptions. His Senior Bowl performance may be instrumental in solidifying his draft position.
Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood is generating buzz among draft analysts. Some mocks, including NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah’s recent prediction, project Hood to be selected by the Cowboys at their 12th overall pick. Hood’s versatility, having played at multiple schools, enables him to potentially fill needs at both cornerback spots for Dallas.
Dani Dennis-Sutton, a defensive end from Penn State, also presents an exciting opportunity. A former five-star recruit, Dennis-Sutton notched an impressive 34.5 tackles for loss and 23.5 sacks in his career. With other top edge rushers skipping the Senior Bowl, he could shine in front of NFL scouts.
The Cowboys may also find a safety prospect in USC’s Kamari Ramsey. Given the uncertainty surrounding their current safety situation, Ramsey’s ability to play both strong safety and nickel corner could be exceptionally valuable.
Wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane from USC is another name to watch. Standing at 6-4, he possesses the skills to complement Dallas’s receiving corps alongside CeeDee Lamb, especially if they find themselves needing a tall target after potential roster changes.
Additionally, San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson may be one of the draft’s hidden gems. With the ability to create turnovers—a critical element for Cowboys’ defenses in past seasons—Johnson could emerge as a focal point during the Senior Bowl.
Defensive end Gabe Jacas, coming off a career-high 11 sacks at Illinois, presents another potential immediate contributor for the Cowboys’ defensive line. Meanwhile, running back Seth McGowan of Kentucky, who has an intriguing backstory, could be positioned to fill gaps if Dallas decides to explore options in the draft rather than solely relying on re-signing their leading rusher from last season.
Lastly, Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher, with a diverse athletic background, rounds out the list of prospects to watch during the Senior Bowl. His impressive college stats, especially at a position of need for the Cowboys, make him a player to monitor closely.
The Senior Bowl not only offers these prospects a chance to boost their draft stock but also provides the Cowboys a prime opportunity to find talent that aligns with their rebuilding strategy. As teams shift their focus toward the draft, performances during this all-star game will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of many young athletes.