The NFL draft process is called a process for a reason. Scouting begins early. It continues through their playing career, through the NFL combine, and through their individual pro days until the draft rolls around in April.
Questions are answered, only for more to arise again through that process.
With just over a month until the NFL Draft begins, what questions do we have about potential Cowboys draft picks in the first round? Here’s five:
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen (3) reacts after a missed field goal during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Athens, Ga.
Colin Hubbard / AP
Cowboys
Georgia LB C.J. Allen
Question: Is he athletic enough for a top-20 pick?
The perfect first round picks marry production with projection. Allen, while intriguing for the Cowboys for a reason, leaves a little bit to be desired from a projection standpoint. Allen racked up 205 tackles as a middle linebacker at Georgia. He also had 13.5 tackles for loss, one interception and 10 passes defended. Those numbers are good, but not overwhelming.
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His potential, often derived from athletic testing, is at the very least a mystery, too. Allen didn’t work out at the combine or his Pro Day. An ESPN report said Allen elected to only do positional drills instead of athletic testing at his pro day due to swelling from a minor meniscus operation. Allen reportedly suffered a knee injury in the middle of November.
For what it’s worth: Allen’s best asset isn’t rooted in his production or his potential. He’s known as someone who could raise the tide of an entire defense based on his football IQ and his propensity for getting his teammates properly aligned.
Still, the lack of answers on his athleticism — especially for a 6-1, 230-pound linebacker — should spark questions from the Cowboys.
Miami (FL) edge Rueben Bain and Texas A&M edge Cashius Howell
Question: Are there arms long enough?
Here’s a two for one, considering Bain and Howell have the same question about them.
We already explained earlier this week that long arms aren’t mandatory in Christian Parker’s system when it comes to defensive backs. But how about players near the line of scrimmage? Some might point to Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham as an example of Parker’s potential willingness to have a short-armed pass rusher. Graham, however, has arms just over 32 inches.
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Bain has 30 7/8-inch arms, while Howell’s are even shorter at 30 1/4.
Both have other attractive abilities. Bain shows plenty of power in his pass rushing ability. Howell ran the fifth-fastest 40-yard dash at the combine among edge rushers (4.59), matching the speed he showcases on film. Both Bain and Howell could add some juice to Dallas’ pass rush, if the Cowboys deem their shorter arms aren’t an issue.
Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy
Question: How healthy is he?
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has already indicated that the team isn’t interested in acquiring redshirt players this offseason. That means if the Cowboys select someone, they expect them to play. As of now, we’re still not 100% sure if McCoy falls into that category. McCoy suffered a torn ACL in Jan. 2025. He indicated at the NFL Combine that he was pushing to return at the end of last season if the Volunteers made it far in the College Football Playoff, but that didn’t happen. He also said at the combine that he was healthy enough to do everything.
And yet, he said he was going to do his workouts at his pro day on March 31 instead.
When healthy, McCoy is arguably the top corner in the NFL draft. His talent is unquestioned; how he’s responded since his ACL tear is still a question. March 31 will be a huge day for him.
Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk (38) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Michael Conroy / AP
Auburn DL Keldric Faulk
Question: Can the talent turn into production?
Faulk is very intriguing. He turns 21 in September. He’s 6-foot-6 and a rangy athlete. He said at the NFL Combine that he could play multiple different positions across the defensive line, making him a potential chess piece for any defensive coordinator.
Still, there’s a feeling that he should’ve been more productive in college with the frame and athleticism he possesses. He had seven sacks in 2024, but just two this past season.
The Cowboys said they don’t want redshirt players. Could a young prospect who needs more development fall into that category?
Oregon S Dillon Thieneman
Question: Does Dallas need another safety?
The Cowboys had a clear target when it came to free agency. They signed three defensive backs, all equipped with the potential to play multiple roles: Arizona’s Jalen Thompson, Denver’s P.J. Locke, and Rams cornerback Cobie Durant. They also reworked a deal with veteran safety Malik Hooker. With Markquese Bell and last year’s rookies Zion Childress and Alijah Clark on the roster, do the Cowboys need to add another safety?
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Thieneman has the talent to step in immediately and play for any defense. He also has the versatility to play multiple roles.
There’s a chance, at least for this upcoming year, that the Cowboys may deem other positions more needy. I wouldn’t suggest that reasoning for not drafting him, however.
Cowboys free agency tracker: Is Dallas ready to ‘bust the budget?’
The NFL’s free agency period opened on Monday. Keep track of signings, player targets and more here.
NFC East free agency tracker: See what the Cowboys’ rivals have been up to so far
The Commanders and Giants were busy on day one, while the Eagles are yet to add anyone in free agency.
Could the Dallas Cowboys find their next great middle linebacker this offseason?
The Cowboys have been active this offseason, but have yet to add a linebacker despite that group’s struggles last year.
Find more Cowboys coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.