In this episode, we break down a fascinating NFL mock draft from The Athletic where four NFL executives made their picks for the first round — and the results were surprising, especially for the Dallas Cowboys at pick No. 12.

Several top prospects unexpectedly fell down the board, creating a scenario that could leave the Cowboys with multiple elite options when they’re on the clock. We walk through the picks, discuss which players were taken earlier than expected, and analyze which prospects could realistically still be available for Dallas in the 2026 NFL Draft.

We also talk about how the board might realistically fall, what positions the Cowboys should prioritize, and which prospects would make the most sense for Dallas based on their roster needs and defensive scheme under defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

If the draft unfolded like this, Cowboys fans might end up very happy at No. 12.

Topics include:

• Breaking down The Athletic’s NFL executive mock draft
• Why several top NFL Draft prospects slid down the board
• The best-case scenarios for the Cowboys at pick 12
• Players Dallas should target in the 2026 NFL Draft
• How the Cowboys’ roster and scheme impact their draft strategy

If you enjoy Dallas Cowboys draft analysis, NFL mock draft breakdowns, and deep dives into top prospects, this episode is for you.

The Dallas Cowboys need more playmakers on the back end — so could Dillon Thieneman be the answer?

In this episode of The Landry Hat Podcast, we break down everything you need to know about the Oregon safety and why his skill set makes a ton of sense in Dallas. From elite production and advanced metrics to his versatility playing deep and in the box, we dive into what shows up on film and how it translates to the Cowboys’ evolving defensive structure.

We discuss:

• Thieneman’s college production and impact numbers
• Why his forced incompletion rate and tackling efficiency stand out
• His ability to play split-safety or roll downhill into the box
• How he fits in a multiple-front, disguise-heavy scheme
• Whether he’s worth the investment if Dallas addresses other needs early

If you’re looking for a true football breakdown — not just surface-level draft talk — this episode walks through the film, the traits, and the Cowboys projection.

Is Dillon Thieneman a future defensive cornerstone in Dallas? Let’s talk about it.

Jerry Jones talked to the media at the NFL Combine and, as always, gave Cowboys fans plenty to dissect.

On this episode of The Landry Hat Podcast, we break down everything the Cowboys owner had to say about Dallas’ offseason plans — from free agency strategy and contract extensions to the team’s approach in the 2026 NFL Draft. Is Dallas planning to be aggressive? Are they comfortable running it back? And what did Jerry really mean when he talked about roster building and financial flexibility?

We dive into the tone of his comments, what it signals about the front office’s mindset, and how it could impact key decisions surrounding extensions, veteran additions, and draft priorities.

If you’re trying to read between the lines of Jerry’s Combine comments and figure out what it means for the Cowboys’ offseason, this episode covers it all.

The Dallas Cowboys officially introduced Christian Parker as their new defensive coordinator — and there was a LOT to unpack.

On this episode of The Landry Hat Podcast, we break down Parker’s introductory press conference and what his comments reveal about the future of the Cowboys defense in 2026. From the shift toward a structural 3-4 front to split-safety concepts and coverage versatility, we analyze what this scheme could look like in Dallas.

What did Parker say about:

• Moving to a 3-4 defensive structure?
• The role of Micah Parsons in this system?
• Pattern-match and split-safety coverage principles?
• The importance of versatility at linebacker and safety?
• Generating pressure without living in Cover 1?

We discuss how Parker’s philosophy compares to previous DC's, whether this will resemble a Vic Fangio-style defense, and what it means for key players currently on the roster. Will Dallas prioritize bigger defensive linemen? Do they need true two-gap players? How much will the nickel matter in this structure?

If you’re a Cowboys fan trying to understand where this defense is headed, this episode gives you the full schematic breakdown and realistic expectations for 2026.