Tommy Yarrish

FRISCO, TexasOn Wednesday, the NFL sent outinvites to 319 draft prospectsto participate in the NFL Combine in Indianapolis from February 23 through March 2.

From some of the sure-fire first-round talents to players looking to boost their stock with a good performance, the Cowboys and the rest of the NFL world will get together for a look at each player, and the chance to sit down and get to know them in interviews.

It's an important data point in the draft process for teams as many are getting to know players for the first time, and an opportunity for coaches and scouts to convene together in the same place and compare notes.

Let's take a look at a name in each position group that haven't been talked about much yet, but could make sense at some point for the Cowboys with a good week in drills and interview rooms:

DL: R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma

The current measurables for Thomas may not necessarily look the best for his position at 6'2, 249 pounds with what appear to be shorter arms. Where he makes up for it is his get off, bend, and speed in his rushes that propelled him to first-team All-SEC honors in 2025 and could lead to a great week in Indianapolis.

While there are some instances where bigger, longer-armed tackles can get set and stonewall Thomas' rushes, Thomas also has the invaluable trait of stepping up as a closer in big moments of games, generating pressure and getting sacks when the defense needs it.

Should the Cowboys decide to switch things up schematically under new DC Christian Parker, Thomas could be a great fit in an odd front. And the wider he plays off the line, the better chance he has to get those game-changing rushes that Dallas' defense is searching for.

LB: Jake Golday, Cincinnati

Golday is a massive, athletic defender at 6'4, 240 pounds and still has lots of room for growth. He flies to the football, and while diagnosing plays is something he'll need the reps to improve at, has all the tools necessary to continue putting up big tackle numbers.

With 104 total tackles in 2025, Golday led the Bearcats' defense in tackles by a margin of 31. He was also tied for the team lead in sacks with 3.5 and is aggressive to work off blocks both at the second level and when chasing the quarterback in the backfield.

While Golday may not be a first-round option, should the Cowboys acquire a Day 2 pick in some form or fashion and still have a need at linebacker, Golday could be a player that makes sense with good testing numbers at the combine.

DB: Keith Abney, Arizona State

A versatile corner who can play in the slot on the inside or on the boundary, Abney is an aggressive, relentless defender against the run and the pass and is always looking for a way to make a play on the football.

Sometimes, that can look like being a bit handsy in coverage or biting on double moves, which Abney will need to work on. There'll be questions about his frame, but a good week of athletic testing has the ability to nullify some concerns there.

At the end of season press conference, Jerry Jones said he underestimated how much of an impact Jourdan Lewis made in the slot for Dallas. If they find a way to select Abney, he could be a similar kind of player in terms of competitiveness and physicality that he plays with in the slot, but also is flexible enough to move outside if the Cowboys feel there's a better option for the slot.

OL: Dametrious Crownover, Texas A&M

The Cowboys have selected a Day 3 offensive lineman in each of the last six drafts. Historically, it's been a position that Dallas is strong at evaluating and developing. Could. Crownover fit the bill in 2026?

He'll be a prospect that needs work, but is massive at 6'7, 336 pounds. That's not something you can teach, but hand placement and technique are, and those'll be areas that Crownover will have to improve on at the professional level.

Should the Cowboys decide to move on from Terence Steele, could Crownover's week in Indianapolis convince them he could plug and play at right tackle, where he started for Texas A&M? Of course, Dallas would explore more than just one option at right tackle, but Crownover is similar in size.

RB: Emmett Johnson, Nebraska

With Javonte Williams currently expected to resign to a deal in Dallas, running back may not be a huge need in this draft class. Depth, however, is a different story. Malik Davis flashed as RB2 for the Cowboys in 2025, but can he continue to do so? Can the younger players in that room like Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah make a jump in year 2?

If the Cowboys have their questions about that, a guy who could stand out at the combine is Johnson, who exploded onto the scene in 2025 for Nebraska with 1,451 rushing yards (4th in FBS) and 12 rushing touchdowns.

In a scheme that's very friendly for running backs thanks to good offensive line play up front, Johnson's vision, ability to cut and generate explosive plays could pair well in Dallas' scheme.

WR: CJ Daniels, Miami

Daniels is a "trust the tap" sort of prospect, in the sense that his production may not match what he can do as a player. After being somewhat buried on the depth chart at LSU in 2024, Daniels bounced back for Miami in 2025 with 557 yards and seven touchdowns on 50 catches as the Hurricanes were runners-up for the national championship.

At 6'2, 205 pounds, Daniels is a bigger target who has the speed to stretch the field and good contested catch ability to make tough plays for the offense.

He's an experienced player who spent six seasons in college football, which could make him more league-ready to step in for an offense and produce. The Cowboys have two of the best receivers in football should they bring back George Pickens, but it never hurts to have more weapons.

TE: Tanner Koziol, Houston

As a receiving tight end, Koziol's toughness pops off the film. He'll stand out from his counterparts in Indianapolis with a 6'6, 248 pound frame that looks to feature long arms and creates mismatches for defenses.

Koziol was a crucial part of Houston's offense in 2025, hauling in 74 receptions for 727 yards and six touchdowns. Over the course of the season, he continually took hard hits and continued to get right back in the huddle, playing all 13 games including the Cougars' bowl game at the end of the season.

Dallas seems to have their three tight ends set for 2026, but if they decide to try and add some competition to the room during the offseason into training camp, Koziol may be an option if he slips to Day 3.

QB: Cade Klubnik, Clemson

In all likelihood, the Cowboys will not draft a quarterback as Dak Prescott is the clear starter, the team traded for Joe Milton just last season, and re-signed Will Grier to a reserve/futures deal.

Still, this article looks at a player from every position. Should Dallas want to take a chance on another player who could turn out to be a good player with some development, Klubnik has some tools that are intriguing and can be showcased in the combine's setting.

Again, it's highly unlikely that Dallas would use any of their picks on a quarterback this year. Klubnik is a Texas native, and with the right development could carve himself a role in the NFL at some point.