Cowboys’ 30-visit list reveals potential draft plan

DENVER, COLORADO - AUGUST 27: Defensive Backs coach Christian Parker of the Denver Broncos walks on the sideline during a preseason NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings at Empower Field at Mile High on August 27, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Dallas Cowboys have finally pulled back the curtain on their official 30-visit list, and it is a fascinating collection of top-tier talent and intriguing Day 2 prospects. From established stars like Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles to some more under-the-radar prospects, the list has started to show some patterns. With 23 names already surfacing, this list serves as a bit of a roadmap and may offer a clue to the team’s intentions when they are finally on the clock.

One of the most eye-opening trends on this visitor log is the heavy concentration of talent projected to go in the range between picks 22 and 84. The Cowboys don’t own a pick in that range. Currently, they hold the 12th and 20th overall pick in the first round, and then don’t pick again until late in the third round at 92. The sheer volume of players in that late first to second and third rounds suggests they might be looking to move around and entertain a potential trade-back scenario that would allow them to add an extra pick while still landing a high-impact player. It is a smart strategy for a team that wants to maximize its draft capital and fill multiple holes in one fell swoop.

If the Cowboys do decide to slide down the board, the targets on their visit list are clearly favoring the cornerback position. The list is absolutely loaded with defensive backs projected in that middle tier. By bringing in so many corners, the team wants to get a feel of what type of net they could cast to ensure they can reel in a quality prospect. It is a strategic hedge that ensures they can find a day one starter even if they decide to bypass the blue chip options at the very top of the draft.

When you look closely at these defensive back prospects, you start to see a very specific type of player emerging that perfectly aligns with the vision of defensive coordinator Christian Parker. There is a clear emphasis on fluid movement patterns, elite processing speed, and a shared history of ball-hawking production. These are not just random athletes. They are savvy defenders who can thrive in the aggressive pattern-matching schemes that Parker is known for implementing. The consistency in their traits suggests the Cowboys have a very specific profile for the type of cornerback they want to lead their secondary.

The urgency to find these new defensive anchors is fueled by some significant changes and health concerns within the current roster. With the team moving on from Trevon Diggs and the reliable DaRon Bland working his way back from a foot injury, the secondary has turned into a construction zone. The Cowboys cannot afford to enter the season with fingers crossed, hoping for healthy returns and developmental breakthroughs. They need fresh legs and high ceilings to ensure that the back end of the defense remains a strength rather than the huge liability it was last season.

This visit list is more than just a roll call of college stars. It is a calculated blueprint for a potential cornerback revolution in Dallas. Between a possible trade back and the laser focus on schematic fits in the secondary, the front office is clearly playing a long game that rewards patience and precision. While everyone is looking at the top of the draft, the Cowboys are assessing to see what kind of damage they can do a bit later to ensure sustained performance.