Here's a look at some top small-school prospects in this year’s draft that Cowboys fans should keep an eye on. These players combine draft buzz with traits that could shine on Sundays.
- Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
McNeil-Warren is the standout small-school prospect who could make an immediate impact in the NFL. With his length, range, and coverage skills, he’s more than just a draft day story-he's a potential starter.
His 2025 PFF grades of 92.1 overall and 91.8 in coverage highlight his ability to handle the increasing demands on safeties to cover more ground. He could very well be a first-round pick, bringing the frame, instincts, and versatility that allow a defense to disguise its schemes.
- Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Johnson is a top Group of Five cornerback whose tape, production, and athleticism speak volumes. Ranked 43rd on the consensus board, he boasts a 91.6 overall grade and a blazing 4.40 forty time. His outside-corner skills, ball production, and composure in zone coverage suggest he can secure a starting role faster than expected.
- Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State
Lance offers the best mix of upside and receiver traits in the FCS. Ranked 87th, his combine performance was electric, with a 4.34 forty, 41.5-inch vertical, and 11-foot-1 broad jump. With 1,079 receiving yards in 2025, he’s a vertical X receiver with real starter potential.
- Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin
Demmings is the top FCS defensive back, with a movement profile that screams NFL-ready. He was a combine standout and finished as Stephen F.
Austin’s all-time leader in passes defended. His ball skills and traits give him a strong shot to become a boundary corner.
- Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo
Murdock is NFL-ready, playing with urgency and violence that earns early snaps. Although projected as a Day 3 pick, his 2025 grades were stellar, making him a sleeper due to his pass-rush ability and physical play. He’s a linebacker coaches can trust on special teams and as a rotational defender.
- Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana
Proctor is the kind of defensive tackle teams love to draft. Ranked fourth among FCS prospects, he posted impressive stats in 2025 and tested well at the combine. His ability to move on the interior is rare, making him a valuable rotational player with potential for more.
- Daniel Sobkowicz, WR, Illinois State
Sobkowicz may not be the most explosive, but he’s a safe bet for contributing to an NFL passing game. Second among FCS prospects, he set records with 262 catches and 41 touchdowns. His route running and hands offer real possession-receiver value.
- Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
Payton is a developmental quarterback with athletic upside and production. In 2025, he threw for 2,719 yards and added 777 rushing yards. His combine numbers were near the top for QBs, offering movement-passing value and arm talent worth developing.
- A.J. Pena, LB, Rhode Island
Pena is a Day 3 prospect who plays with intensity and production. With 72 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks in 2025, he’s a hot-motor edge rusher who wins with urgency and disruption.
- Erick Hunter, LB, Morgan State
Hunter is an intriguing HBCU prospect with range and versatility. With 226 tackles and 35 tackles for loss, he projects as a developmental linebacker with special teams value.
- Jalen Jones, CB, William & Mary
Jones shows that ball production matters, with 51 passes defended in his career. A Buck Buchanan Award finalist, he brings speed, length, and instincts that translate to depth corner and special teams work.
- Jalen Walthall, WR, Incarnate Word
Walthall had 70 catches for 847 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025. He’s a field-stretcher and developmental depth option for an NFL team.
- Malachi Cooper, EDGE, San Diego
Cooper’s production demands attention with 16 career sacks and three All-Pioneer Football League selections. He offers real edge production and a chance to stick in camp.
- Joe Cooper, OT, Slippery Rock
Cooper is a name to remember, with his 6-foot-7, 320-pound frame. An East-West Shrine Bowl standout, he started 38 games and helped a line that allowed only 10 sacks in 2025. His size and potential make him a valuable stash for teams needing offensive tackle depth.