2025 Scouting Combine: 5 players to watch for the Dallas Cowboys on Day 2

The on-the-field drills for the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine continue on Day 2 with defensive backs and tight ends taking the big stage. The Dallas Cowboys could definitely stand to upgrade their secondary considering safeties Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson had subpar seasons and the same thing could be said at cornerback with Trevon Diggs recuperating from a season-ending knee injury and DaRon Bland entering the final year of his contract. Even tight end could be a surprise pick for the Cowboys.

With that in mind, we narrowed it down to five prospects both we and the Cowboys could be paying extra close attention to Friday on February 28 when the second day of the 2025 scouting combine gets underway. Not only will we be watching these players more closely in the on-the-field drills, but also monitoring whether or not the Cowboys meet with them formally or informally in Indianapolis.

DB Jahdae Barron, Texas (5’11”, 200)

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Jahdae Barron is one of the more versatile and intriguing defensive backs in the entire 2025 draft class. He’s scheme diverse in either man or zone and has played in the nickel, on the outside, and some safety. On tape his lack of ideal length and click-and-close movement is a little cause for concern, which is why seeing how he looks/performs in several of the on the-field-drills, particularly the 40-yard dash and three-cone drill will be important. His mental game and preparedness may be unmatched though.

S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina (6’3″, 225)

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Nick Emmanwori is arguably the most physically imposing safety prospect in the entire 2025 draft class. His rare size/speed combo and reaction quickness makes him one of the true difference-makers NFL teams will covet on the backend of their defense. With multiple pick-sixes in 2024, he also brings that ball hawking presence that Matt Eberflus wants to bring back to the Cowboys secondary. The fluidity of his hips when changing direction in coverage and his straight-line speed in the 40-yard dash are key drills.

CB Jacob Parrish, Kansas State (5’10”, 196)

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Jacob Parrish is one of “my guys” for the Cowboys in the 2025 NFL Draft. Eyes will be on him to see if his movement skills and fluidity match his tape. On tape, he’s a smooth athlete in coverage who easily flips his hips in transition. He has quick feet and his click-and-close when making plays on the ball is one of his best traits. It’s his toughness in both coverage and run support that would make a great fit in Matt Eberflus’ scheme.

CB Nohl Williams, California (6’1″, 200)

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Nohl Williams had a fantastic senior season transferring to California after three years at UNLV. He put his ball skills on full display in 2024, intercepting seven passes while also adding 16 passes defensed. He has the prototypical size and skill set the Cowboys have looked for in an outside CB the past several years and he is highly competitive, playing with a physical edge. There are some concerns about his straight-line speed, which is why how he performs in the 40-yard dash could cement him as either a Day 2 or Day 3 draft pick.

TE Luke Lachey, Iowa (6’6″, 247)

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With so many other roster “needs” it wouldn’t be surprising if Dallas bypassed a deep 2025 TE draft class. There are some Day 3 TE prospects though that could pique their interest like Luke Lachey. He’s a complete all-around TE who is a tenacious blocker and undervalued for his receiving ability in the passing game. He could be the next Iowa TE to make his mark at the next level and seeing how he performs in the different on-the-field events in Indianapolis will be of interest. He could be a sleeper at his position this year.