Brett's Cowboys Corner

The 2026 NFL Combine will begin on February 23rd in Indianapolis. Not only is it a great time of year to watch future NFL stars work out. The Combine is really helpful for identifying medical flags, and it’s where we start to get a feel for how teams feel about certain guys.

For the Cowboys, this is a time when they can interview a bulk of potential draft picks. Watch for Cowboy insiders to disclose which prospects the Cowboys have met with. Each team is allotted 45 “formal” meetings, but there are plenty of quick, “informal” meetings as well.

Now that we have heard from Christian Parker and have a feel for what his defense is going to look like. The way he talked about his defensive scheme stood out to me. Parker made it clear that the nickel corner is an important piece to his defense. But he described the nickel corner to also be able to play in the box like a linebacker and play deep like a safety.

Sonny Styles, LB — Ohio State

Styles is poised to impress at the combine with his exceptional athletic testing. Projected to be available around the Cowboys pick at 12, he has the potential to draw significant interest. While an average performance might keep his stock steady, his outstanding athleticism will likely elevate him into the top 10.

If Dallas takes him, he would instantly be your starting inside linebacker. He was a converted safety at Ohio State and it shows in his playstyle. He makes tackles all over the field and seems to always be in the right spot to where the ball is going. He was credited with just one missed tackle all year.

I am most interested in seeing his 40-yard dash, which may set him apart from the rest. Along with his long and broad jumps.

Jake Golday, LB — Cincinnati

Golday is currently a 2nd-round projected linebacker with a chance to sneak into the back half of the 1st-round. He will wow teams with his mental processing and his quickness. He was asked to play in space at Cincinnati, and he spent time in coverage as well as rushing the passer.

If the Cowboys decide to get involved in the 2nd-round with a trade, then Golday would be a perfect fit for Christian Parker. He would play the weakside linebacker role, which requires speed, quick processing, and great tackling.

I am interested to see his 3-cone drill and 10-yard split, as he played with a quick burst in college. As a linebacker, I want to see him exhibit some power, so his bench press will be interesting in terms of where it ranks among others.

Aveion Terrell, CB — Clemson

Terrell is the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback AJ Terrell. Aveion is a smaller (5’11”) nickel cornerback. His film stands out for his tackling ability and physical play. In two seasons, he forced 8 fumbles and deflected 25 passes.

Though he has a smaller frame, he fits perfectly in what Christian Parker described as a perfect nickel. When he plays closer to the line of scrimmage, he makes quick decisions on the ball and just wants to throw his body on the line. While he needs to refine his coverage ability, he is a fluid mover and can play deep zone coverage well.

I am interested to see how he moves in the position drills, corners usually do hip flip drills that can show his ability to transistion he speed and move around. He is a good mover. I also want to see where he tops out in speed during his 40-yard dash.

Dillon Thieneman, SAF — Oregon

Thieneman would be considered the number one safety in this class if it weren’t for the play of Caleb Downs, who should be a top-5 pick. Though the NFL typically doesn’t value safety play highly in the draft, allowing great players to fall. He will likely be around at pick 20.

Thieneman would be a perfect fit for a sub-weakside linebacker or a safety that plays down in the box. He has a great ability to play in open space and to make sure tackles. He has enough range to cover deep parts of the field as well.

To justify spending a 1st-round pick here, I want to see his ball drills at the combine and see his ability to track passes. Along with his explosion and overall speed during the 40-yard dash.

CJ Allen, LB — Georgia

Allen is at his best when he can play downhill and deliver nasty hits. He is a phenomenal run defender. He is not the run sideline-to-sideline guy but he makes plays all over the line of scrimmage.

He may project as a middle linebacker due to his frame but plays like a strongside linebacker that needs to play the run. The Cowboys hired his former Georgia coach, Chidera Uzo-Diribe, as their outside linebackers coach.

I want to see his quickness and reactions in the short shuttle. But his movement in the coverage drills may help him climb draft boards as he’s projected as a 2nd round player.

Who Fits Best at 12?

Sonny Styles is still a realistic projection at pick 12. He would be the ideal fit for the Cowboys defense for his coverage ability. Though after the combine, we will have more signs of what teams think of him.

Aveion Terrell just makes a lot of sense for his mold of Parker’s ideal nickel cornerback. I think Dallas will roll with DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel as the outside corners in 2026. Leaving the nickel job open for a more fluid mover and better tackler- Which is Terrell.