INDIANAPOLIS – Could the draft begin in Dallas?
This is one of the questions that Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones answered Monday as the annual NFL Scouting Combine gets underway. Dallas, along with Los Angeles, are known to have placed a bid to host the combine as soon as next year after Indianapolis hosts the current event. A possibility that Dallas is happy to move forward with.
"Indy has been a great host," Jones told a group of reporters. "If the league so chooses to move it, which it sounds like they might, we'd certainly love to be at the top of the list if we can."
If the NFL were to move the combine, it would be the first time since 1987 that Indianapolis would not host the over 330 annual prospects and all 32 organizations. Additionally,
"I think it would be great for our fans," Jones said. "To have it in our market, have the experience of being around it. It's a positive thing. I think people can't get enough of the NFL and football. It's great for them to see these young players in our market and be a great experience for them."
There has not been a formal proposal to the league office from the Cowboys organization to this point. However, the wheels have been turning in the right direction to bring one of the league's more notable events.
The league has announced that the 2023-2028 events are available to bidding and so far, only Dallas and Los Angeles have placed a formal bid, along with current host Indianapolis. Dallas has the benefit of both the Arlington and Frisco areas to host such a large event with meeting spaces for interviews, hospitals for medical checks, and of course a playing surface for drills.
"Who knows where it would go. Either Arlington or The Star, I don't know which." Jones said. "I wouldn't say we're way down the road. But we're in the early stages."
