Kurtis Rourke, quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers, is quietly one of the most intriguing and underrated prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. While …
Kurtis Rourke: The Best NFL Draft QB Prospect No One’s Talking About
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Evaluating the Impact of Joe Milton Trade on Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft
This off-season has been somewhat different. Most Cowboys fans are accustomed to the experiences of past years, especially last year.
The Joe Milton trade addresses the backup quarterback spot. I wanted to see how things might play out in a few weeks. Dallas still has obvious needs with a number two wide receiver.
They also need a home run threat at running back and a clog at NT. Additionally, due to free-agent departures and injuries, there’s a need for depth at cornerback.
If Dallas can add some of these players to the guys they added this off-season, they will enhance their team. They have a great chance to return to the 2023 Cowboys instead of the 2024.
Of course, I did this mock with no trades. That is not a true mock since you can manipulate the whole process.
The ideal number-two wide receiver candidate for the Cowboys to pair with Lamb. Golden will make life that much easier this season for Lamb and Prescott. The other receivers will return to their more natural three, four, and five spots.
44. Azareye’h Thomas CB Florida State
Limited starting experience but has the length and size that make him an intriguing choice and a starter shortly. Thomas is a very exciting prospect who should help replenish the secondary and possible elevate it.
76. TreVeyon Henderson RB Ohio State
Dallas benefits from a deep running back class and grabs the genuine homerun threat they have missed. Henderson will work well as part of the running back community early before taking over workhorse duties.
Four-year starter who will offer depth at first. He could take over at right guard (Zach Martin’s spot) once he gets some work. Most of his experience is at left guard. Teams can’t pass on a four year starter for a line that needs one more piece.
A massive human being at 6-6 and 328 pounds who will be needed to help finally stop the run. Jackson will be part of the rotation and is a good run defender and that is something Dallas desperately needs
204. Hunter Wohler S Wisconsin
Starting safeties are free agents after 2025 season (Wilson). They are also free agents after the 2026 season (Hooker). So, developing at least one replacement would be a wise move. He can be a special team asset this year and a strong safety long-term answer.
211. Collin Oliver LB Oklahoma State
Dallas can always use depth at linebacker, and Oliver can develop as an OLB/Pass rusher for this team. The defense is being rebuilt, and depth at linebacker has been a priority all off-season.
Great value pick for a potential play-making corner. Harris is a little older for a rookie (25) so his learning curve should be short. Dallas’s secondary was decimated this off-season. Harris gives them a nice, cheap choice. He can likely turn into a long-term starter.
Bulldozing power back who would be a great short or goal line type answer. Will have to battle for a spot. He might find a nice spot on the practice squad while the dust settles. Eventually, it clears with all the new adds.
247. Nazir Stackhouse DT Georgia
Another wide body (6-4 327) who number one priority will be to stop the run. Likely be a rotational linemen but could be an eventual starter. Great value at this spot hopefully he last that long for the Cowboys sake.
NFL Free Agency Predictions: Top QB Moves for 2025 and more
Will any NFL team have a more difficult head coaching position next season than the one that drafts Shedeur Sanders? Deion Sanders has made it clear. He would only consider moving to the NFL if he can coach his son.
Is it unreasonable to suggest this? If the team struggles in 2025, ownership might look to make a change for their future quarterback. How does “Prime Time” Deion Sanders sound in New York City with the Giants in 2026?
· How wild would this be? Imagine if Patrick Mahomes got injured on Sunday, just like he did in the last Super Bowl against the Eagles. Then, Carson Wentz has to come in and lead the Chiefs to victory. That sounds like it is the plot of a movie! It could actually happen…
It’s interesting to consider NFL free agents and coaching moves. They make sense when you connect the dots. You should examine the teams’ needs along with their current salary cap situation.
Cooper Rush is expected to sign with the New Orleans Saints. This will happen once Kellen Moore is officially in place as the team’s coach. Rush and Moore spent several years together in Dallas. Moore could benefit from having a bridge quarterback who knows his system. This would be beneficial while he develops a long-term solution at the position.
Additionally, Doug Nussmeier will join Kellen Moore in New Orleans, as they have a long history of coaching together.
Doug has an added incentive to take this position in New Orleans. The opportunity to be closer to his son is a key reason. Garrett is completing his senior season at LSU this year. Garrett is on track to be a potential day-one pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
When Sports Adds to the Stress
A very interesting take from a fellow die-hard sports fan.
I’m a simple guy. I tend to watch a lot of sports. I find that sports helps deal with a crazy world that often has a lot of bumps and bruises. For …
When sports adds to the stress
Dallas Cowboys Prioritizing Profits Over Winning
The Dallas Cowboys’ recent hiring decisions have sparked significant criticism from media, fans, and people inside the world of football. This is especially true for the appointment of Brian Schottenheimer as head coach.
- Lack of Experience: Schottenheimer’s lack of head coaching experience at the NFL level is a major concern. Many fans believe it signals a lack of commitment to winning at the highest level.
- Focus on Profitability: The Cowboys are the most valuable franchise in the world. Most fans feel that the organization prioritizes revenue and profitability over on-field success.
- Comparison to Other Teams: They have not reached that moment yet. No one Jerry respects has called him and his boys out for ruining the franchise. They lack commitment to hiring the best available coach to lead the franchise. Kirk Herbstreit called out the University of Miami a few years ago. After years of bargain basement shopping for head coaches, they made a financial commitment and hired Mario Cristobal. It showed the fans of Miami winning does matter. Let’s be honest. The Cowboys should have been deciding between Deion Sanders, Ryan Day, or Marcus Freeman. They should not be choosing between Larry, Moe, or Curly.
- These concerns by all fans show their growing frustration. Fans feel that the Cowboys are not maximizing their potential or care about giving the team a fair shot. They believe the team is failing to deliver a consistently competitive product on the field.
I am starting to realize I will never see another Super Bowl for the Dallas Cowboys in my lifetime. Things will be much worse when penny pinching Cap Boy takes over.
We are hoping for a Danny Snyder forced sale. If it does not happen, it is the end of a marquee franchise for the next 20 years. To paraphrase one of my favorite movies “save us Roger (Staubach) you are our only hope…” Maybe a the group of former Cowboys can buy the team from the Jones-Palpatine family
Yesterday was the start of a sad time for loyal Dallas Cowboys fans.
Honest Fan Insights on NFL Draft Prospects–Penn State Edition
I have always believed that passionate fans have a deeper understanding of their teams and players than agenda-driven sports reporters. Fans are not concerned if a player was rude to a reporter in the locker room; instead, they focus on the player’s performance and character without being swayed by personal grudges.
These dedicated fans work forty hours a week and reserve their weekends in the fall to watch their teams compete. Many attend a few games each season and often create a special viewing area in their homes to cheer for their teams.
To gather honest opinions on the players from their schools who will be eligible for the NFL Draft, I decided to reach out to my passionate friends who support various teams.
First up is lifelong Penn State fan and former season ticket holder Scott, who discusses the first players expected to be drafted on day one of the NFL Draft.
1. Abdul Carter DE/EDGE 6-3 259
Unanimous All-American 2024
Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year 2024
2 X first-team All-Big Ten 2023, 2024
Second-team All-Big Ten 2022
Strength: Speed to rush the passer. He switched to DE from being a linebacker. Physical and aggressive.
Weakness: He still needs more time as an edge rusher. Can over pursue at times.
What was the best game or performance you remember him having during his career at Penn State? He had an outstanding playoff run. The play I remember most is when he broke through the Notre Dame line and sacked Riley Leonard using just one arm.
Is he destined for success in the NFL, CFL, or WFL?: First-round NFL draft pick
Would you want him on your team? Absolutely yes!
Likely landing spot: New York Jets
NFL Coaching Changes: Jets, Saints, Bears and More
New York Jets: The team needs to make a fresh start and ensure everyone is aligned. The Aaron Rodgers experiment has been a disappointment; it’s time to move on.
The best approach is to hire a duo from Kansas City. They should appoint Mike Borgonzi as the new front office leader. He is the assistant GM. Additionally, they should make Matt Nagy the head coach. He is the current Chiefs offensive coordinator.
Nagy meets several important criteria for the Jets. He has prior head coaching experience. He also has a successful track record as an assistant. Additionally, he brings a calming presence to a franchise that desperately needs it.
Together, he and his counterpart should form a steady partnership that helps steer the Jets in the right direction. The next key decision will be selecting a quarterback. Having these two at the helm makes that decision feel much more reassuring.
New Orleans Saints: Aaron Glenn. Teams often prefer to hire someone they are familiar with. Who is better suited for this than the defensive coordinator of the best team in the NFL?
Glenn is a former player and coach for the Saints. This makes him a strong candidate to take the helm. He will lead the franchise into the future. Hiring Glenn for the Saints seems like an ideal match.
Chicago Bears: The Bears typically avoid hiring former head coaches for leadership positions. They prefer young coordinators who can develop in the role.
Nonetheless, this time, a change in strategy is needed. Kliff Kingsbury would be the ideal choice, especially with franchise quarterback Caleb Williams in mind.
Kingsbury spent a year working with Williams at USC. Jayden Daniels likely will be the Rookie of the Year candidate. After witnessing his impressive performance under Kingsbury’s guidance, it’s clear that the Bears should consider making this hire.
Kliff had an experience as an NFL head coach in Arizona, which likely provided valuable lessons. He will definitely need a strong defensive coordinator who can take charge of the defense.
With Kingsbury’s offensive skill, this move would make perfect sense for the team.
Dallas Cowboys: The sports media scene is buzzing in Dallas, with PT Barnum Jones, aka Jerry Jones, at the helm.
On the same day, Jerry made the wise decision to part ways with Mike McCarthy. He also proposed pursuing Deion Sanders as the new head coach. I wouldn’t be shocked if that happens, but I would be surprised.
That said, the head coach of the number one sports brand in the world must have prior head coaching experience. The choice can’t be someone without this experience. The Cowboys need a coach who has at least led a Division One college team. Ideally, this person has experience in the NFL.
They must also have a proven track record of success at that level. This coach should have a strong network of potential assistants. The stage is too big for someone to learn on the job.
Finally, he must have enough confidence to deal with Jerry’s vocal presence. I often chuckle when media personalities focus on this topic. Still, any self-assured coach knows that success does not ultimately rely on Jerry’s influence.
There are many options available, but my top choice is current Denver executive David Shaw. His resume is impressive, and his former employers, including Harbaugh and Payton, are even more so.
However, I can’t see Jerry making that move. The media has discussed several great candidates, and my pick is Pete Carroll.
Carroll has a strong defensive mind and excels at developing coaching talent. He was just one bad offensive decision away (thanks to Darrell Bevell) from being a back-to-back Super Bowl-winning coach.
At 73, his options are limited. He doesn’t have the luxury of sitting out too many seasons. He needs to act quickly if he wants to get back on the sideline.
He could quickly assemble a staff. He would certainly bring in Brennan Carroll. He could even agree to add Jason Witten in some capacity.
Dallas Cowboys Pre-Everything 2025 Mock Draft
This mock draft is conducted before the McCarthy decision is finalized. With free agency, the playoffs, and numerous other offseason events yet to unfold, this approach logically addresses team needs, particularly in light of probable free-agent departures.
We may eventually uncover the reasons behind the Jones family’s unexpected frugality and struggles with the salary cap, but that is beyond our control now.
12 Ashton Jeanty, Boise State RB
Dallas makes a promising addition after choosing not to sign Derrick Henry, which likely cost them games. The Frisco native has drawn significant comparisons for his vision and elusiveness, making him a contender for ROY discussions early in the season. Fans will be excited for the 2025 NFL season as he joins 1,000-yard rusher Rico Dowdle, enhancing the offense significantly.
Dallas owes it to CeeDee Lamb to get him a good running mate. With Brandin Cooks’s expected departure/retirement, grabbing Bond as a long-term partner makes a lot of sense. For the 2025 season, I could still see Dallas adding a veteran option such as Stefon Diggs on an incentive-type deal (maybe one or two years), but Bond would be considered the long-term partner. The NFL stage will not be too big for this former Alabama stud player and current Longhorn.
Now that the offense has new weapons, Dallas can shift to the defense, especially stopping the run. What better way than adding a young, dynamic former Bronko Nagurski winner in Xavier Watts? Watts excels in run support and has all the skills to assume a starting role early in his career and with the up and downplay of current starters Malik Hooker (2 years left) and Donovan Wilson (free agent in 2026).
148. Nazir Stackhouse DL Georgia
Adding a 300 + pound, 6-4 run stuffer in Stackhouse will help the Dallas defense immediately, and money moves around the cap. They give them a strong player with a high football IQ and a more than moderate salary cap hit. Stackhouse has been a corner of the Georgia defense and will help immediately with run-stuffing for Dallas while developing additional skills.
168. Jay Higgins, LB Iowa
Due to DeMarvion Overshown’s injury and the upcoming free agency, Dallas needs young linebackers. They require players who can take on multiple roles, and Higgins fits that description perfectly. Although he was a full-time starter for only one year, he has accumulated 27 starts overall. Higgins possesses the versatility to contribute in various capacities on the team and brings valuable special teams experience. He showcases strong run and pass defense skills, and with the solid fundamental coaching he received at Iowa, he is poised to make an immediate impact in the draft class.
Given his impressive length and ability to play along the boundary, Harris is an excellent addition for the Cowboys, especially as they navigate changes in their secondary due to free-agent departures and injuries. He could become a starter early in his career in Dallas, particularly with Trevon Diggs returning from surgery and currently facing challenges. Harris offers a solid long-term option for the team, complementing DaRon Bland and Caelen Carson.
171. Jack Nelson, OT Wisconsin
With the absence of future Hall of Fame right guard Zach Martin, the Cowboys’ young offensive line showed promising potential that should carry into 2025. The ideal candidate for this team is someone who can play multiple positions, and Nelson fits that description. He has made 38 starts in college, with 25 at left tackle and 13 at right guard. Nelson knows how to protect the quarterback and enhance the run game, making him likely to assume a significant role with the team in 2025.
Cooper Rush and Trey Lance are free agents, meaning the quarterback room will look different this year. McCord had an impressive season, throwing for 4,779 yards and 34 touchdowns; he’s a pure pocket passer who could develop into a better version of Cooper Rush. Ideally, Lance will return, as he will be 25 next year and may face a limited market. This fact would allow McCord to slide into the third quarterback position.
209. Rylie Mills DL Notre Dame
The player’s wide frame makes him an ideal rotational run-stuffer for the team, which struggled with run defense last season. At 6 feet 4 inches and 300 pounds, Mills is an excellent developmental prospect. He has performed well at the highest level, demonstrating flexibility in both system and scheme. He will secure a spot on the Cowboys’ roster in 2025.
The Cowboys need young and healthy linebackers, and Kiser is a good fit for that role and more. He excels as a special teams player and is a strong run supporter, which will help him secure a spot on the roster. However, his coverage skills are limited, making him a one-dimensional player primarily known for his special teams abilities. As the team transitions, his special team contributions will allow him to get on the field while he works on improving his skills in defensive assignments.
Well, there you go—the preliminary mock draft. Just for the record, the fact that it includes two Iowa and three Notre Dame players is purely coincidental, but selecting players from schools known for strong fundamental teaching is undoubtedly a smart strategy.
Schu Box Sports 