The Dallas Cowboys are in evaluation mode, and their focus is clearly on shoring up a defense that struggled to hold the line when it mattered most. At the East-West Shrine Bowl this week, the Cowboys met with five Texas A&M players-four of whom play on the defensive side of the ball. That’s not a coincidence; it’s a signal.
Here’s who Dallas sat down with in Las Vegas:
- DT Albert Regis
- DT Tyler Onyedim
- OL Ar’Maj Reed-Adams
- CB Tyreek Chappell
- LB Taurean York
The Cowboys are doing their homework, especially on local talent. And with Texas A&M producing a strong group of draft-eligible players this year, it makes sense that the front office is keeping a close eye on the Aggies.
The team has invested heavily in its defensive front-Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, and Osa Odighizuwa are already anchoring the interior. So while Regis and Onyedim are intriguing, Dallas may not need another body at defensive tackle.
Cornerback is another position that could use depth, but this year’s draft class doesn’t offer a lot of elite options. That leaves linebacker as the most logical target-and Taurean York might be the name to watch.
York, projected as a fourth-round pick, fits a pressing need. The Cowboys' linebacker room is in flux.
Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn both underperformed last season, and with new defensive coordinator Christian Parker now in charge, changes are already underway. If Dallas doesn’t address linebacker early in the draft-where names like Sonny Styles, CJ Allen, and Anthony Hill are expected to go-they could circle back and grab York on Day 3 as a value pick.
York isn’t the flashiest name in this class, but he’s a smart, instinctive player who could thrive in the right system. He’s shown solid range, reads the field well, and doesn’t shy away from contact. For a Dallas defense that needs more sure tackling and better second-level play, York could be a plug-and-play contributor in the right package.
Of course, linebacker isn’t the only need. The Cowboys could also use help at safety-Caleb Downs would be a strong first-round option-and they’re still in the market for a consistent edge rusher.
Cashius Howell and Akheem Mesidor are names that have come up in mock drafts, with Howell projected to go in the first round. If Dallas leans toward a pass rusher early, that could push linebacker down the priority list and make York even more appealing as a mid-round steal.
Then there’s the offensive side of the ball. Texas A&M offensive lineman Ar’Maj Reed-Adams was also among the players who met with Dallas, and while he’s not the headline name in this group, he’s worth keeping an eye on.
The Cowboys could use depth on the offensive line, even if it’s not the top priority. But based on the way the roster is shaping up, don’t be surprised if Dallas doesn’t take an offensive player until the later rounds.
The Cowboys' draft board is still coming into focus, but the early signs point to a defense-heavy approach. Four of the five Aggies they met with play on that side of the ball, and that matches up with the needs we’ve seen exposed over the past season. Whether it’s a high-upside pass rusher like Howell, a safety like Downs, or a mid-round linebacker like York, the Cowboys are clearly in the market to rebuild their defense from the ground up.
And with Christian Parker now steering the ship, don’t be surprised if Dallas leans into youth, speed, and versatility-traits that York and several of these Aggies bring to the table.