Cowboys Seek Athletic Upside in Late-Round Draft Picks

Scouting philosophy has evolved, but finding 'football players' remains key in the later rounds.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:30pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting the fragmented movements and actions of a football player, rendered in the official colors of the Dallas Cowboys.The Cowboys' scouting approach in the late rounds emphasizes finding versatile, high-upside players who can contribute immediately on special teams and potentially develop into starters.Today in Orlando

The Dallas Cowboys' approach to late-round NFL Draft picks has evolved over the years, moving from an emphasis on raw athleticism to a focus on finding versatile, high-upside players who can contribute on special teams and potentially develop into starters. While the team still values athletic traits, they also recognize the value of drafting productive college players with a 'chip on their shoulder' and something to prove at the pro level.

Why it matters

The late rounds of the NFL Draft are crucial for building depth and finding potential starters, so the Cowboys' ability to identify and develop these types of players can have a significant impact on the long-term success of the team.

The details

In the past, the Cowboys would sometimes draft players in the late rounds based solely on their athletic ability, hoping to 'find a football player' in them. However, the team's scouting approach has become more sophisticated over the years, with a focus on finding versatile athletes who can contribute on special teams and potentially develop into starters. Recent late-round picks like Shemar James, Jaydon Blue, and Phil Marfa demonstrate this philosophy, as does the team's success in finding contributors like Ryan Flournoy, Jalen Brooks, Donovan Wilson, Xavier Woods, Noah Brown, and Anthony Brown in the later rounds.

  • In the 1970s, Cowboys owner Tex Schramm said the best way to draft in the late rounds was to focus on 'football bodies' and hope to find football players.

The players

Tex Schramm

Former president and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 to 1989.

Cornell Green

Former Cowboys defensive back who was signed as a free agent and went on to become a five-time Pro Bowler.

Cliff Harris

Former Cowboys safety who was also signed as a free agent and made six Pro Bowls during his career.

Shemar James

Linebacker drafted by the Cowboys in 2022.

Jaydon Blue

Running back drafted by the Cowboys in 2022.

Phil Marfa

Defensive back drafted by the Cowboys in 2022.

Ryan Flournoy

Defensive back drafted by the Cowboys in recent years who has contributed as a starter.

Jalen Brooks

Defensive back drafted by the Cowboys in recent years who has contributed as a starter.

Donovan Wilson

Safety drafted by the Cowboys in recent years who has become a starter.

Xavier Woods

Safety drafted by the Cowboys in recent years who has become a starter.

Noah Brown

Wide receiver drafted by the Cowboys in recent years who has contributed as a starter.

Anthony Brown

Cornerback drafted by the Cowboys in recent years who has become a starter.

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What they’re saying

“Well, I do remember way, way back when scouting wasn't near as sophisticated as it is today, the Cowboys in the late rounds and free agency were looking for athletes even if they had no experience playing football.”

— Mickey Spagnola, Cowboys Staff Writer

“You need to be able to trust your coaching staff to be able to get as much as you can out of them. Is either approach going to work every time? No, but the great evaluations and coaching jobs are done with those kinds of players, which is why even though some turn off the draft on day 3, it's still important to find good football players.”

— Tommy Yarrish, Cowboys Staff Writer

What’s next

The Cowboys will look to continue their success in finding valuable contributors in the later rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft, as they aim to build depth and identify potential future starters.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' approach to late-round draft picks has evolved over the years, but the core philosophy remains the same - find versatile, high-upside players who can contribute on special teams and potentially develop into starters. This strategy has paid dividends for the team in recent years, and will be crucial as they look to build a well-rounded roster through the draft.