Cowboys Should Keep an Eye on These Players During the Senior Bowl
The Senior Bowl is one of the most anticipated events of the NFL draft season, offering scouts, coaches, and general managers a unique opportunity to evaluate some of the nation’s top college talent. For the Dallas Cowboys, who are consistently looking to strengthen their roster and make a run in the postseason, the Senior Bowl is a chance to scout players who could contribute right away or develop into key pieces for the future.
As the Cowboys aim to continue building a championship-caliber roster, there are several players in this year’s Senior Bowl who could address pressing needs, improve depth, and enhance their chances of success moving forward. Whether they’re looking for immediate starters, potential developmental projects, or depth at specific positions, the Senior Bowl is the perfect place to find diamonds in the rough. Let’s take a look at a few players the Cowboys should keep a close eye on during this crucial week of evaluation.
1. Jalin Hyatt – Wide Receiver (Tennessee)
The Cowboys’ wide receiver corps has been one of the strongest aspects of their offense in recent years, with CeeDee Lamb emerging as the team’s clear No. 1 target. However, with Michael Gallup struggling to return to form following his ACL injury, the Cowboys could use another dynamic threat in their receiving group. Jalin Hyatt, one of the most electrifying wideouts in college football this past season, could be the perfect fit.
Hyatt enjoyed a breakout 2022 season at Tennessee, racking up 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns, including a stunning performance against Alabama where he caught five touchdowns. He possesses elite speed and separation ability, traits that would mesh well with Dak Prescott’s playing style. At the Senior Bowl, Hyatt will have the chance to showcase his route-running skills, ability to beat press coverage, and deep-threat potential. If the Cowboys can add another receiver who can stretch the field and create mismatches, they’ll improve their offensive versatility and give Prescott more weapons to work with.
2. John Michael Schmitz – Center (Minnesota)
The Cowboys have one of the NFL’s best offensive lines, but with veteran center Tyler Biadasz entering the final year of his contract, they may look to add depth or even a future replacement at the position. John Michael Schmitz, one of the top interior linemen in the 2024 class, has the size, strength, and technique to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
Schmitz was the anchor of Minnesota’s offensive line and played with exceptional consistency throughout his college career. He excels in both pass protection and run blocking, and his ability to move defenders off the ball would mesh well with the Cowboys’ zone-blocking scheme. At the Senior Bowl, Schmitz will have the opportunity to prove that he can transition to the next level and contribute early. The Cowboys should monitor Schmitz closely as a potential future starter at center, ensuring that they have a seamless transition when the time comes to replace Biadasz.
3. Nolan Smith – Edge Rusher (Georgia)
The Cowboys have one of the NFL’s top pass rushers in Micah Parsons, but they could always use more talent on the edge to complement him. Nolan Smith, a standout pass rusher from Georgia, could be a perfect addition to their defense. Smith is an athletic and explosive edge rusher who can wreak havoc in opposing backfields with his speed and ability to bend the edge.
Although Smith was sidelined for much of the 2022 season due to injury, he returned in full force in 2023, showcasing his raw talent in both run defense and pass rushing. With the Cowboys continuing to build one of the league’s most disruptive defenses, adding a player like Smith could give them the ability to rotate in fresh, dynamic pass rushers to keep offenses on their heels. If Smith can prove his health and athleticism at the Senior Bowl, the Cowboys should seriously consider him as an impact player on their defensive line.
4. Tyler Van Dyke – Quarterback (Miami)
While the Cowboys have their franchise quarterback in Dak Prescott, they could use some depth at the quarterback position. Tyler Van Dyke from the University of Miami is an intriguing prospect who could be an excellent developmental option for the Cowboys. Van Dyke entered his college career with high expectations, and while he showed flashes of brilliance during his tenure as the Hurricanes’ starter, consistency was sometimes an issue. Nonetheless, he possesses the physical tools necessary to be a strong backup or even a future starting quarterback.
Van Dyke has a strong arm, good pocket presence, and the ability to make all the throws required at the NFL level. The Senior Bowl will provide him with an opportunity to showcase his accuracy, decision-making, and poise under pressure. The Cowboys could view him as a long-term developmental project behind Prescott. Should Van Dyke impress during the Senior Bowl week, the Cowboys may look to add him as a future backup or a player to groom for the future.
5. Kelee Ringo – Cornerback (Georgia)
The Cowboys’ secondary is anchored by Trevon Diggs, but the team could use additional depth at the cornerback position to match up with explosive passing offenses. Kelee Ringo, a highly touted cornerback from Georgia, is a player who could help bolster the Cowboys’ defense.
Ringo is an athletic and physical cornerback with great length and speed. He has the ability to match up against tall, physical wide receivers, and his ball skills are impressive. Ringo’s combination of size, speed, and coverage ability makes him an ideal prospect for a team like the Cowboys, who are looking to strengthen their cornerback room. During the Senior Bowl, Ringo will have the chance to prove that he can be a lockdown corner at the next level, and the Cowboys should be paying close attention to his performance, especially in one-on-one drills.
6. Jack Campbell – Linebacker (Iowa)
The Cowboys’ linebacker group is solid, but they could use additional talent and depth at the position. Jack Campbell, a standout linebacker from Iowa, could be a perfect fit for the Cowboys’ defense. He’s a sideline-to-sideline playmaker who excels in both run defense and coverage, and his leadership on the field is unquestioned.
Campbell was a captain for the Iowa Hawkeyes and was known for his ability to read offenses, diagnose plays, and make quick decisions. His high football IQ and ability to cover ground would be an asset to the Cowboys’ defense. Adding a linebacker like Campbell could help shore up the middle of the field and provide another reliable tackler and playmaker. The Senior Bowl will give Campbell the opportunity to showcase his skills against top-level competition, and the Cowboys should keep a close eye on his ability to perform in coverage and as a tackler.
7. Brian Branch – Safety (Alabama)
The Cowboys’ defense is known for its playmaking ability, but the safety position could use a bit more consistency and depth. Brian Branch from Alabama is a versatile and intelligent safety who can play both in the box and in coverage. He has excellent recognition skills, high football IQ, and the ability to make plays all over the field.
Branch would give the Cowboys another piece in their secondary that could help with both run defense and pass coverage. With his ability to read the quarterback and make key tackles, Branch could be a valuable addition to the Cowboys’ defense, especially with the uncertainty surrounding the safety position. If Branch impresses at the Senior Bowl, the Cowboys could look to draft him and give their defense an even stronger backbone in 2024.