The NFL Combine is one of the most important events on the NFL calendar.

Teams gather in a central location in Indianapolis, Indiana to watch draft prospects go through a series of on-the-field drills designed to test their agility, strength, how they move, and their explosiveness, among other things.

And, ironically, none of that highlights the event's most important aspect.

Some of the most important events that happen at the combine aren't televised to the public: medical checks and individual meetings between prospects and teams. 

Each year, NFL teams meet with a number of prospects in formal and informal meetings. There is a limit on how many meetings each team can conduct. That number is 45. 

By position, this is how the Dallas Cowboys' meetings went:

Position	Amount of interviewees
Quarterback	2
Running back	4
Wide receiver	6
Tight end	2
Interior offensive line	2
Offensive tackle	3
Interior defensive line	2
EDGE	2
Linebacker	1
Cornerback	9
Safety	7

So what do these numbers tell us? 

Well, let's break it down. 

Quarterback

The Cowboys are interested in finding a backup for Dak Prescott. Cooper Rush has been serviceable in spot-start situations, but his contract has expired, and the Cowboys could be looking to save some money, here. 

How do they do that? Draft a Day 3 rookie who will be on a very cheap deal for at least the next 4 years. The names they have met with are TCU's Max Duggan and BYU's Jaren Hall. 

Running back

The Cowboys met with four running backs: Devon Achane, Jahmyr Gibbs, Tank Bigsby, and Israel Abanikanda. 

It also came out during the week that the Cowboys plan to place the franchise tag on Tony Pollard if the two sides cannot reach a long-term deal by Tuesday's deadline. There have been various rumors on what their plans are with Ezekiel Elliot. Regardless, the Cowboys appear interested in adding another running back to their room.

Wide receiver

There is no secret the Cowboys are looking for wide receiver help. They have been linked to Odell Beckham Jr., before deciding to sign T.Y. Hilton to a deal. The receivers the Cowboys met at the combine include Jordan Addison, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jalin Hyatt, Rakim Jarrett, Tyler Scott. and Mitchell Tinsley. 

Now, what do these names have in common? 

They are all fast, can separate as route runners, or both. The only player who ran above a 4.50 40-yard dash (out of those who ran) is Mitchell Tinsley, with the fastest being Jalin Hyatt at a 4.40 (which many expected him to be faster). 

Tight end

What is the plan with Dalton Schultz? 

This is one of the more interesting questions of the Cowboys off-season as they saw emergence from two rookies in Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot. Many believe their play has made Schultz expendable. Well don't be surprised if the Cowboys look to add someone to serve as a developmental option. 

Names they met with include Dalton Kincaid, and Luke Schoonnmaker. I will also add they have shown interest in Cameron Latu, although no official meeting was set up. 

Offensive line

The Cowboys saw nice play from rookie Tyler Smith. However, one of their mainstays in Tyron Smith is aging and has his fair share of health issues. They are doing their homework as they met with Broderick Jones, O'Cyrus Torrence, Anton Harrison, John Michael-Schmitz, and Tyler Steen. 

The Cowboys have added at least one offensive linemen through the draft for the past five years, don't be surprised to see them do it again.

Defensive line

Along the interior defensive line, they met with two prospects: Gervon Dexter Sr. and Byron Young.  

Both of these players are near 300 pounds, so it appears as if the Cowboys recognized the value a 1 technique can bring ala Jonathan Hankins. With him slated to hit the open market they might be bringing in a young player, which will surely bring a smile to Cowboys fans' faces.

The Cowboys edge room is set with Demarcus Lawrence, Dorance Armstrong, Sam Williams, and Micah Parsons (if you classify him as such). Regardless, they met with two of them: Felix Anudike-Uzomah and Derick Hall – both of whom are Day 2 options, as well as can play with their hand in the dirt or standing up. 

Linebacker

At linebacker, the Cowboys face another dilemma this off-season: What to do with Leighton Vander Esch. 

Vander Esch played what is widely considered his best season of his career since his rookie year in 2018. The name the Cowboys have met with is an intriguing one. It is Texas linebacker, DeMarvion Overshown. Overshown is a converted safety and brings unique athleticism to the position. He is certainly a name to keep an eye on during the draft process. 

Cornerback

Now for the least surprising news of the combine: The Cowboys are doing their homework on the cornerback position. 

The Cowboys have Trevon Diggs on one side and rookie DaRon Bland played quite well. However, as the nickel package continues to be a priority in the modern NFL, that leaves one spot the Cowboys need in the cornerback room. They met with nine cornerbacks at the combine, which tells you the Cowboys are definitely interested in adding more to their room. 

The names they met with at this position include: Julius Brents, Emmanuel Forbes, Kelee Ringo, Joey Porter Jr., Mekhi Garner, Myles Brooks, Arquon Bush, Alex Austin, and Devon Witherspoon. 

The interesting name here is Devon Witherspoon. Witherspoon is locked into a battle for CB1 among many analysts with Oregon's Christian Gonzalez. A selection of Witherspoon would certainly require a trade up and a significant one at that, as Witherspoon is projected by many to go in the top-10. 

Will Jerry make a splash? Only time will tell.

Safety

Now for the final group, safety. 

The Cowboys met with seven safeties in total, names include: Brian Branch, JL Skinner, Trey Dean III, Chamarri Connor, Jay Ward, Brandon Hill. 

The interesting name here is Brian Branch as he predominantly played the STAR or nickel CB position for the Alabama defense. 

Another name to keep an eye on is JL Skinner. We all know the Cowboys and their affinity for Boise State players. He played at Boise State and could come in and fill the Donovan Wilson role as he is slated to hit free-agency this off-season.