Best of Cowboys: The latest NFL Draft buzz

Shan and RJ1h 2mApril 11, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of 'Shan and RJ,' the hosts dive deep into the latest NFL Draft buzz with a focus on the Dallas Cowboys' potential moves, especially around the 12th overall pick. The discussion centers on Caleb Downs, a safety from Ohio State, who is seen as a perfect fit for the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator’s versatile, high-energy scheme. Despite concerns over his sub-31-inch arms and smaller stature, the hosts and guest David Hellman argue that Downs’ intelligence, instincts, and elite coverage skills make him a steal at 12. The conversation also explores the broader draft narrative—how teams overthink positional value, especially with safety, and how the league has historically undervalued players like Kyle Hamilton and Derwin James. The hosts debate whether Dallas should trade up for Downs or wait, with a strong consensus that the Cowboys should avoid the 'landmines' of the draft by letting others overthink and pass on Downs. They also consider alternative scenarios, including trading down, rescinding George Pickens’ tag to free up cap space, and targeting players like Colton Hood, Akeem Mesidor, and Keldrick Falk. The episode closes with a breakdown of Dane Brugler’s top 100 rankings, highlighting Downs at #5, Stiles at #4, and Falk as a high-upside, high-risk pick.

Key Takeaways
1

Caleb Downs is the ideal fit for the Cowboys' new defensive scheme due to his versatility, intelligence, and elite coverage skills, despite concerns over arm length and size.

2

The Cowboys should consider waiting at 12 to let other teams overthink Downs, then draft him when he slides, avoiding the 'landmines' of the draft.

3

Trading down or rescinding George Pickens’ tag to free up cap space could allow Dallas to target multiple high-value players, including Max Crosby.

4

Keldrick Falk and Akeem Mesidor are high-upside, high-risk picks that could pay off if the Cowboys are willing to take a calculated gamble.

5

The draft process is overly long and prone to groupthink—shortening it could lead to better, more efficient team-building decisions.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
7 min

Opening Hodgepodge & Draft Countdown

The episode opens with a mix of local sports updates, including a high school soccer game and a Masters golf preview, before diving into the NFL Draft countdown. The hosts set the stage for a deep dive into the Cowboys' draft strategy.

6:40
13 min

Caleb Downs: The Perfect Fit for Dallas

The draft community at large is overthinking, but you can't overlook the history here. And the NFL has let more physically gifted players than Caleb Downs slip because of positional value over the years.

Highlight
20:00
20 min

Trade-Up vs. Wait: The Cowboys’ Dilemma

I hope the rest of the league overthinks this so the Cowboys don't have to.

Highlight
40:00
20 min

Alternative Scenarios: Pickens, Crosby & Cap Space

If I'm going to move on from George, I can't just get a comp pick. Yeah, I mean, I would rather have George Pickens here than Crosby?

Highlight
1:00:00
20 min

Dane Brugler’s Top 100 Breakdown

A detailed review of Dane Brugler’s top 100 rankings, with Downs at #5, Stiles at #4, and Falk as a high-upside, high-risk pick. The hosts analyze the projections and their implications for the Cowboys.

High-Impact Quotes
I hope the rest of the league overthinks this so the Cowboys don't have to.
David Hellman4:43
Viral: 88.0
The draft community at large is overthinking, but you can't overlook the history here. And the NFL has let more physically gifted players than Caleb Downs slip because of positional value over the years.
David Hellman3:45
Viral: 85.0
I think if we just lopped like two or three months off of the draft process and we'd all be better off.
David Hellman15:27
Viral: 84.0
Speakers

Hosts

ShanRJ

Guest

David Hellman
Topics Discussed
Caleb Downs Draft Projection95%Cowboys Draft Strategy90%Safety Position Value88%NFL Draft Process Critique85%George Pickens Trade Scenario80%Draft Board Psychology78%High-Risk, High-Upside Picks75%Trade-Down Strategy70%
People & Brands

Dallas Cowboys

other

30xPositive

Caleb Downs

person

25xPositive

NFL Draft

other

20xNeutral

George Pickens

person

15xNeutral

Ohio State

other

12xPositive

David Hellman

person

12xPositive

Akeem Mesidor

person

10xNeutral

Dane Brugler's Draft Guide

other

10xPositive

Dane Brugler

person

8xPositive

Keldrick Falk

person

8xPositive

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