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<\/p>\nFRISCO – 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.<\/p>\n
Surprisingly, this has proven a pretty active week for the Dallas Cowboys.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The team has not finalized any moves, but Stephen Jones vocalized some of the team’s plans earlier this week.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Again, these developments are set in stone, but hint at a reshaped approach from the front office.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Brian Schottenheimer and staff have emphasized the need for a physical style implemented ahead of next season.<\/p>\n
A perfect place to start is on the defensive line.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Nolen shined with the Rebels last season, finishing first team All-America and first team All-SEC.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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?<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Cowboys have a number of options for their first pick in the draft.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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