FRISCO – The NFL Scouting Combine is underway this week, giving teams a firsthand look at many of the coveted prospects that will hear their names called in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Surprisingly, this has proven a pretty active week for the Dallas Cowboys.

The team has not finalized any moves, but Stephen Jones vocalized some of the team’s plans earlier this week.

Those revelations introduced a new theme for the offseason: “selectively aggressive.” It is a reshaped perspective from the hapless “all in” approach coined this time last year, but Dallas has somewhat delivered on it.

Our Mike Fisher reported for CowboysCountry.com this morning that the team is working toward re-signing Osa Odighizuwa after many thought he would hit free agency in a few weeks.

Again, these developments are set in stone, but hint at a reshaped approach from the front office.

That would be a welcome sign, not only because of the organizational failures of the 2024 season, but also makes sense for a coaching staff shifting its philosophy.

Brian Schottenheimer and staff have emphasized the need for a physical style implemented ahead of next season.

A perfect place to start is on the defensive line.

Returning Osa is a great start there, but even if he signs his name across the dotted line, there is much work to be done in this area.

Mazi Smith is the only other defensive tackle under contract heading into next season and the team may not be so patient to see their former first-rounder finally figure it out. If the Cowboys decide to prioritize this area, Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen III is a more than viable option – at least in terms of raw talent.

Nolen shined with the Rebels last season, finishing first team All-America and first team All-SEC.

He possesses elite athleticism that not only provides him a burst on the snap, but also a physical presence that can move opposing lineman and impact the run.

And there is something else: A report that some teams have removed Nolen from their boards altogether due to the “behavioral concerns” charge that has followed him since high school.

Is the charge accurate? Is the criticism fair? That’s Dallas’ job to find out, to weigh the supposed risks … which is a key reason as to why they are interviewing him in Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting Combine. Having said all of that?

A recent mock draft projected him to Dallas at No. 12, but he is currently being graded out as a late first-rounder, meaning that placement could be a bit of a reach for the Cowboys.

However, if Dallas manipulates the draft and trades back, they could look at selecting him later on night one and add to their assorment of picks for this year’s draft.

The Cowboys have a number of options for their first pick in the draft.

But if they find a way to grab a player like Nolen and pair him with Osa, Cowboys fans will likely not voice many concerns about their defensive front heading 2025 season.