Cowboys: Tracking the team's Top-30 visits ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
As we inch closer and closer to the NFL Draft, a crucial phase of draft preparation occurs. That phase is the top 30 visits. What are the top 30 visits? They are visits from NFL draft prospects (30 in total) where they come into the teams' facility. The team will then run through a series […]
As we inch closer and closer to the NFL Draft, a crucial phase of draft preparation occurs. That phase is the top 30 visits.
What are the top 30 visits? They are visits from NFL draft prospects (30 in total) where they come into the teams' facility. The team will then run through a series of medical tests, and interviews, as well as get to know them as a person and as a football player.
This is a good way for fans to get an idea of who their favorite team might be targeting come draft weekend.
Teams will not just be bringing in top-of-the-draft talent. They will bring in targets all across the draft; even bringing in some priority undrafted free agent targets, so they can get a jump on their recruiting pitch to them.
NOTE: We recommend bookmarking this post for future reference. We will continue to update it as more visits are reported on as well as some insight on the prospects by A to Z Sports' Tyler Browning.
2023 Cowboys Top-30 Visits
iOL Atonio Mafi, UCLA
Per TDN's Justin Melo
Atonio Mafi is an intriguing option for the Cowboys. He can be used as an understudy of All-pro Zack Martin, or he can compete to start at left guard, depending on what the Cowboys' plans with Tyler Smith and Tyron Smith are. Mafi is raw as a pass protector, often tying his feet and his hands together. He needs to work on having them work independently from each other so that if one stalls out, he can still operate. He is a violent player who enjoys burying defenders into the dirt. Converted defensive linemen so he knows the importance of hand placement. Violent as a lead blocker and looks quite comfortable when he is asked to pull and be a lead blocker. Needs development, but is worthy of a mid-round selection.
DB Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State
Per Jon Sokoloff
Emmanuel Forbes is an interesting name. Why? Because he possesses, what might be the best ball skills (six pick-sixes) out of the entire cornerback class, but he weighs in at 166 pounds. He fits the Dan Quinn mold by having 32-inch arms and has the appearance of a dominant press-man corner. However, his technique in press is poor and needs refinement. He has good spatial awareness, and his arm length allows him to contest almost every ball thrown his way. Tested better than anticipated, as he ran a 4.35. The run game is where you need to worry. He has shown a willingness to fill run lanes, but at 166 pounds, you're forced to question how effective he will be in the NFL. Needs to spend more time studying route combinations so he can anticipate what the offense is trying to do. Has his fair share of missed tackles on tape, and again physicality is a question mark, due to his weight.
CB Tyrique Stevenson, Miami
Per Mike Cugno
Yet another name that fits the Dan Quinn threshold. Stevenson measured in with 32 3/8" arms at the combine. Stevenson is very refined in his mirror and match ability, especially with releases off the line of scrimmage. He has very fluid hips, which lead to smooth change of direction ability. He is willing and capable in run defense. He does lower his head before making contact with the ball carrier, which can lead him susceptible to last-second jump cuts; and he can bite on double moves. He actively tries to bait QBs into bad throws, but he does get bullied by receivers more often than desired. Scheme diverse corner with ability in both man and zone.
OL Steve Avila, TCU
Per Ryan Roberts
Steve Avila is an interesting name for the Cowboys. He has seemingly become every Cowboys' fans pet cat in the draft, but the opinion on where they would take him varies. Some say they would take him at 26, while others are sticking to the second round. Avila is yet another prospect who has some rawness to him. He does not possess any advanced pass set maneuvers such as the snatch trap, and he has small arms; even for an interior offensive linemen (33 inches, .35th percentile). He doesn't have any power to his game for the most part, and his football IQ leaves some to be desired; there are times on film where he gives the appearance he doesn't know what the defense is trying to do with a certain stunt or twist. However, he does have very flexible hips, as he has shown he can reach a 5 technique and seal them off. As well as being an adequate mover in space. He is not my cup of tea in the first round, but I could be talked into selecting him in the second round.
WR Jonathan Mingo, Ole Miss
Per Jon Sokoloff
Jonathan Mingo tested quite well at the combine, getting a 9.97 RAS score. He doesn't go down easy with the ball in his hands, and he has the frame to win at the catch point. Has shown deep threat ability, despite his mid 4.4 forty-yard dash. He shows willingness and tenacity as a run blocker. His release package will need refinement as he has some struggles gaining separation at the line of scrimmage. He suffers from some concentration drops and he is just middle of the road in his route running ability. Has the ability to consistently find open windows for the QB to throw to, especially when facing zone coverage.
TE Brayden Willis, Oklahoma
Per Justin Melo
A three-star recruit out of high school, Willis had a productive season as a senior for the Sooners. In 2022, he caught 39 passes for 514 yards and led the team with seven receiving touchdowns. At 6-3 1/2 and 241 pounds, Willis proved to be a versatile tight end, lining up in multiple spots across the Sooners offense.
WR Quentin Johnston, TCU
Per Calvin Watkins
Quentin Johnston is a prototypical X receiver. He came in at the combine, weighing 6'3 208 pounds. However is play is not of one. He lacks the mentality of, when the ball is in the air it's mine. He is someone who can win through route running, as he can attack the defenders' blind spot. He gets the defender to open their hips as he sells the vertical route before snapping off his route and giving the QB an open throwing window. Knows the nuances of route running and how to maximize his separation ability. Explosive player, tested with a 40.5" vertical and a 11'2 broad jump. Tracks the ball at a very high level.
DL Tyler Lacy, Oklahoma State
Per Justin Melo
DL Jaquelin Roy, LSU
Per Mike Garafolo
Weighed in at the combine at 6'3 305 pounds. Has flashes of enticing burst off the line of scrimmage. His burst allows him to get through holes quickly and bear down on the QB. Stout frame, and can gain leverage on offensive linemen. Has a firm anchor, and it becomes difficult to move him off the line of scrimmage. Can struggle to get off blocks in a timely manner. Has small arms , 32 3/4" and it show on film.
RB Zach Evans, Ole Miss
Per Aaron Wilson
Evans, a former 5-star recruit, started off his career at TCU before transferring to Ole Miss. Evans has exceptional vision, he is able to see holes opening out of his peripheral vision. He runs within structure very well and he has shown he can find cut-back lanes. Has shown flashes of holding up through contact, but does not do so at a consistent level. Limited reps as a pass catcher, who also struggles more than his fair share in pass protection. Blocking ability and limited reps as a pass catcher, do not make him a viable option on third downs at this moment. Fumbles increased from one to three in 2022. Has moments of of seemingly refuse to create out of structure on his own.
WR Zay Flowers, Boston College
Per Tom Pelissero
Zay Flowers is an interesting name. Everyone else seems to be higher on him than I am, but I don't hate him (I just wouldn't take him in the 1st). He is a sudden and shifty route runner. He understands route tempo and has shown he can time up his routes to maximize his window of openness for a QB. He ran a very limited route tree in college, and with his frame he struggles in contested catch scenarios as well as blocking. Has some minor drop concerns, and he didn't display a wide release toolbox; although I fully believe he is capable of adding more. Great in the open field for yards after the catch, however he doesn't absorb contact at a high level. Great ball tracker. Has return experience, but has also fumbled a few of them.
WR Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee
Per Ian Rapoport
When you think of Jalin Hyatt, odds are you think of one thing. That thing is speed. While Hyatt didn't blow anyone away with his 40-yard dash, he still ran a very respectable time of 4.40. He has shown he can win without speed. He understands the importance of route tempo to maximize his open window for the QB, something not all speed receivers understand. He shows effort as a blocker, as expected he is great after the catch. He doesn't hold up well through contact, thus he struggles in contested catch scenarios. He was also rarely ever pressed (due to his speed) so he has yet to show a diverse release package. An intriguing day two option if the Cowboys are looking to add some speed.
LB Trenton Simpson, Clemson
Per Ian Rapoport
Simpson pound for pound is one of the best athletes in this draft. He is rangy and can get sideline to sideline with ease. He shows promise in coverage but his technique needs refinement. You won't see many missed tackle on his tape, and he flashes some real hitting power. It appeared as if he was holding back when it came to his ability to process what was going on. It appeared as if he was often worried about giving up a big play on the backside, as opposed to flowing to where the play was developing. He doesn't have a pass rushing arsenal, as most of his rushes were the beneficiary of timing rather than actual pass rushing moves. Has struggled against the run.
WR Josh Downs, UNC
Per Marcus Mosher
Josh Downs is one of the better route runners in the entire class. He consistently gives hesitation moves, and basketball style size ups to get the defender off balance. Excels with route tempo, and knows how to maximize his open window for the QB. Has shown creativity as a route runner when his initial route is not open. He is a smaller player, so he won't win in contested catch situations. His release packages does not add up with his route running ability. Again he wasn't pressed all that often, so it could just be he has not had the need to showcase it, regardless all the tools are there for him to excel in this area. Phenomenal ball tracker, doesn't get bothered by late hands from the defender. Frame probably limits him to a slot only role in the NFL for most teams.
EDGE Will McDonald IV, Iowa State
Per Voch Lombardi
McDonald has been moving up a lot of draft board as of late. To me he's a high third round player, so taking him in the second isn't that big of a reach. He has shown explosion off the snap, and has shown some ankle flexion when bending the edge. He has displayed speed to power as well as a number of pass rushing moves. He does not have a plan of attack when rushing the passer. He is overly reliant on the spin as a secondary move or counter when his initial pass rush stalls. He leaves some concern about how much power are in his hands. He moves well laterally and can drop into coverage. The main concern for McDonald is against the run. He has not shown the ability to anchor in and hold his ground.
LB DeMarvion Overshown, Texas
Per Ian Rapoport
Overshown is a unique linebacker prospect. He is a converted safety, so he can bring unique athleticism to the position. He can get to top gear quickly (1.55 10-yard split) and it shows on film. His safety skills shine in coverage, as he has shown he can man up on receivers and hold his own. Very sure tackler, you won't see many missed tackles on tape from him. Very explosive when it comes to rushing the passer. All of his concerns stem from taking on contact. He isn't the most physical and he has no real plan nor moves to disengage from contact. Regardless, his coverage ability makes him playable on third downs right away while the rest of his game develops.
OL Ilm Manning, Hawaii
Per Justin Melo
Manning has started at left tackle in college but expects to move inside at the next level. Per an interview with The Draft Network's Justin Melo, he anticipates ending up at center: "I think I’m more likely to end up a center than a guard because I’m not a 330-pound guard. I’m an athletic big dude. I’m a solid 305, 310. I move well for my size."
OLB Durrell Johnson, Liberty
Per Tom Pelissero
RB Kendre Miller, TCU
Per Ian Rapoport
LB/S Marte Mapu, Sacramento State
Per Matt Barrows
Adding Mapu to this list is interesting for a couple of reasons. One it strays away from the Cowboys big school only precedent they have established in past drafts. Secondly it is the second player who has experience playing safety and linebacker. Could this be a sign they are drafting a Jayron Kearse replacement? Mapu was a Senior Bowl invite and is a versatile weapon on the defensive side of the ball.
S Tanner McCallister, Oklahoma State
Per Dan Hope
WR Xavier Gipson, Stephen F. Austin
Per Aaron Wilson
EDGE B.J. Thompson, Stephen F. Austin
Per Aaron Wilson
A Shrine Bowl invite, Thompson did not squander his opportunity. He is a member of the Bruce Feldman's "Freak List" and he knocked it out of the park with his athletic testing (9.01 RAS). Lighter in weight, he relies mostly on his explosiveness to win in pass rushing. Boasts and 82.5" wingspan. He is raw, but has very enticing tools that are worth a shot at development on day three.
TE Darnell Washington, Georgia
Per Nick Eatman
One of the more interesting players in the class. Darnell is a physical phenom. Coming in at 6'7, 264 he can literally be a sixth offensive lineman for you on the football field. However, he is more than that. Darnell is a legitimate athlete with receiving ability. He has a huge frame and can win at the catch point at ease. As you guessed, at his size he is a more than capable blocker. He is a threat the defense must account for when he is sent vertically. His main areas are his YAC ability, route running and he is also not the most flexible. However when you have someone as big as him who can do this;
those concerns seem marginal.
ILB Drew Sanders, Arkansas
Per Nick Eatman
A local to the Dallas/Fort Worth Area, Sanders played his high school football at Denton Ryan. He would go on to play at Alabama, before transferring to Arkansas. Sanders is not your traditional linebacker, he is more of an edge player. Now this may sound similar to Cowboys fans and you might think "Oh, so he's another Micah Parsons!" No, he is not Micah Parsons. He is not nearly as technically refined at rushing the passer as Parsons was coming out. Although Sanders is a sure-handed tackler, he has shown he can bend the edge to an extent, he has good gap integrity against the run, and he has shown he can drop into zones and cover. He struggles in man coverage and I question his power at the point of attack. He could stand to add more pass rushing moves to his arsenal.
TE Cameron Latu, Alabama
Per Tom Pelissero
Cameron Latu is an interesting one. I have long been a fan of his and have compared him to former Cowboy Dalton Schultz. Latu is not a dynamic athlete, he is a reliable middle of the field target that can be a QBs best friend. He is a former defensive lineman, so he knows the importance of hand placement in blocking and it shows on film. He will use his body to shield off defenders in contested catch situations and he has been used inline as a traditional TE, spent some time split out as a receiving TE, and even used in the backfield as a FB. The main area where he lacks is in his YAC ability. You won't see much from him there.
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
Per Ian Rapoport
Jacon Smith-Njigba is an interesting name. For one, we're not totally sure if he is a 30-visit. There is this tweet from Ian Rapoport. Then there is this one from Todd Archer.
Is he a 30-visit or are the Cowboys just treating his Dallas day as his 30-visit?
Regardless, if he is available Jaxon Smith-Njiba would be a homerun selection for the Cowboys at 26. He is a nuanced route runner, he is phenomenal at adjusting his body to put himself in the best position to make a catch. He shows effort as a blocker, he knows how to gain separation from defenders. He has a deep-release toolbox, and is a superb ball tracker. We never got to see him run his 40-yard dash due to a hamstring injury (that only allowed him to play three games in 2022), and he doesn't appear all that fast on film either. He is not very special in terms of yards after the catch.
He would be a very interesting fit with the Cowboys. Ceedee Lamb was the best receiver in the slot last year. Would the Cowboys stick with Ceedee in the slot, or would they use Smith-Njigba? Or perhaps both and we see more four-wide receiver sets.
Smith-Njigba falling to the Cowboys would be reminiscent of Ceedee Lamb's fall back in 2020. He fell to the Cowboys at the 17th pick and they did not hesitate to select him
If we see the same type of fall with Smith-Njigba, I would bet the Cowboys make him the selection.
OL Darnell Wright, Tennessee
Per Todd Archer
Darnell Wright is an interesting name. Firstly his tape against Will Anderson might be the best tape against him any prospect has put out. His tape against BJ Ojulari and others will show his struggle. If you got the tape you did against Will Anderson on a consistent basis, he would be the unquestioned number one offensive tackle in the draft; but you don't. The second reason it is interesting is where do the Cowboys plan on playing him? Tyler Smith looks to be your left tackle of the future, who is playing guard in the mean time. Darnell Wright played almost exclusively right tackle in college. Are they signaling Terrance Steele's future might not be safe? Are they looking to transition to him guard and have him learn behind the all-pro in Zack Martin? Darnell is viewed by many as a round one talent, so the Cowboys might not even see him on the board when they are on the clock.
