N※N

Dallas Cowboys Target Defensive Revamp for 2025 Draft: A Podcast Breakdown

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/11 .. e-revamp-for-2025-draft-a-podcast-breakdown.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 7:45 GMT by Dallas Morning News

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-11-20 251 x 201 / 4882 Bytes

2025-11-20 221 x 224 / 11234 Bytes

Dallas Cowboys’ Defensive Outlook in the 2025 NFL Draft – A Summary of the SportsDay Insider Podcast

The Dallas News’ latest feature on the SportsDay Insider podcast offers an in‑depth look at the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive prospects heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. The episode, released on November 20, 2025, sits at the intersection of college football, NFL scouting, and the Cowboys’ defensive strategy, and the article provides a comprehensive snapshot of what the Cowboys are looking for on that side of the ball.

1. The Podcast Framework

The SportsDay Insider podcast is hosted by Dallas‑based analyst Eddie Gorman, who is known for his candid interviews with college coaches, NFL front‑office executives, and even former Cowboys players. In this episode, Gorman focuses specifically on the defensive side of the Cowboys’ roster, taking listeners through a rundown of the team’s current defensive core, the gaps the coaching staff needs to fill, and how college talent might fill those holes in the upcoming draft.

The Dallas News article follows the podcast closely, providing context for each segment and adding supplementary links to the Cowboys’ official roster, the 2025 NFL Draft prospects list, and a recent interview with Cowboys defensive coordinator Robb Smith that was posted on the Cowboys’ official website.

2. The Cowboys’ Defensive Landscape

At the heart of the conversation is the Cowboys’ defensive unit, which currently relies heavily on veteran playmakers such as Micah Parsons (edge rusher), Trey Taylor (outside linebacker), and Derrick Thomas (middle linebacker). The article highlights how these key players are projected to decline in effectiveness over the next two to three seasons, largely due to age and the cumulative toll of high‑impact play.

Robb Smith’s interview—link included in the article—provides a candid assessment: “We’re at a point where we need to bring in fresh blood, especially on the defensive line and at the secondary. The guys we have are phenomenal, but the next‑generation talent will have to step up and keep the team competitive.” Smith also stresses the importance of a flexible 4‑3 defense that can shift to a 3‑4 scheme if necessary, indicating that the Cowboys are keeping their options open regarding positional fit.

3. College Talent Under the Microscope

The bulk of the episode—well documented by the article—delves into specific college prospects who could be key contributors for the Cowboys in the near future.

3.1 Defensive Line – “The Heavy Hitters”

• Jordan “Big J” Thompson from the University of Texas (Texas Longhorns) is featured prominently. Gorman discusses Thompson’s 6'5", 310‑lb frame, his recent 18 sacks, and his ability to collapse the pocket from the inside. Thompson’s interview is linked to the Texas athletics page, where readers can view his game‑by‑game statistics and a short highlight reel.

• Michael “Mickey” Brooks, a senior at Oklahoma State, is noted for his agility and speed off the edge. The article quotes Gorman saying, “Brooks can line up as an edge rusher or a defensive end, and that versatility is exactly what Dallas wants.” A link to his Oklahoma State bio is provided.

3.2 Linebackers – The Core of the Run Defense

• Tanner “The Tank” Reed from LSU is highlighted as a pass‑rushing linebacker who can also cover in space. Reed’s college résumé includes 14 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in his junior year. The article includes a link to his LSU highlight reel and a commentary from a former LSU coach about his growth.

• Zach “Z-Man” Johnson, a defensive midfielder at the University of Alabama, is discussed in terms of his high football IQ and his role in a 3‑4 scheme. Johnson’s interview mentions how he adapted to a defensive end role for the Cowboys if needed, showing the team's willingness to shift players around.

3.3 Defensive Backs – The Speed Demons

• Eli “Eagle” Morales from the University of Arkansas is cited as a ball‑hawking cornerback who’s posted four interceptions in his sophomore year. Morales’s performance in the SEC and his 4.3‑second 40‑meter dash have attracted wide interest. The article links to the official SEC statistics page for deeper data.

• Khalil “Khal” Ibrahim, a safety from Auburn, is highlighted for his ability to read the quarterback and drop into coverage. His college tape shows 50 tackles, five forced fumbles, and a notable game‑winning interception in the 2024 SEC championship game. The article provides a link to his Auburn bio.

4. Draft Strategy and Projections

Robb Smith’s interview and the article’s analysis converge on the Cowboys’ draft philosophy. They plan to target a mix of a high‑impact edge rusher (e.g., Thompson or Brooks), a versatile linebacker (e.g., Reed or Johnson), and a dynamic defensive back (e.g., Morales or Ibrahim). Smith points out that the Cowboys will prioritize players who can contribute immediately, but are also willing to stash younger prospects in a developmental camp.

The article also provides a comparative look at how the Cowboys’ current defensive roster would fit into the projected 2025 draft class. Using data from the NFL’s official prospect rankings (linked within the article), the authors illustrate that the Cowboys could secure multiple top‑20 defensive prospects in the first two rounds.

5. The Role of the SportsDay Insider Podcast

Eddie Gorman’s approach is described as “no‑BS” and heavily reliant on primary source interviews. The Dallas News article includes several quotes from Gorman, such as, “We want to give our listeners real insight into what the Cowboys are thinking. We’re not just speculating; we’re pulling information straight from the people who’re making the decisions.” The article links to the podcast’s official page on the Dallas News website, where listeners can replay the full episode and access a transcript.

6. Key Takeaways

• Defensive Depth Concerns: With veteran core players aging, Dallas needs immediate replacements, especially on the defensive line and secondary.

• College Talent: Several standout college players—Thompson, Brooks, Reed, Johnson, Morales, Ibrahim—are highlighted as potential fit for the Cowboys’ defensive scheme.

• Draft Flexibility: The Cowboys are open to drafting players who can switch positions, reflecting a versatile defensive philosophy.

• Podcast Credibility: Gorman’s interviews provide an insider view that is corroborated by official team statements and college bios.

• Resource Links: The article offers direct links to team rosters, college athlete pages, and official draft rankings, giving readers a way to dive deeper into the topics discussed.

In summary, the Dallas News article on the SportsDay Insider podcast does an excellent job of translating the podcast’s candid conversations into a structured, resource‑rich recap. By weaving together interviews from the Cowboys’ coaching staff, college coach insights, and statistical data, the piece offers readers a thorough understanding of where Dallas stands on the defensive front for the upcoming NFL Draft, and which college prospects could make the leap to the Cowboys’ sideline in 2026.