FRISCO, Texas — The common misconception is that the future is what simply happens next and, while that's true, the deeper truth is that the future is, actually, constantly and perpetually becoming the present — the latter converting to the former every instant — and it's best the Dallas Cowboys keep this in mind as they work to do multiple things at the same time.
In other words, the next word you read in this sentence was in the future until you read it, making it your current present, and this will continue until you reach the end of this column.
See, it's still happening. Fun, isn't it?
And with the dust is quickly settling for the Cowboys' coaching staff following the biggest domino having fallen, namely Brian Schottenheimer being named as head coach for 2025 and beyond — both the 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl effectively kicking off draft season.
The latter got underway at the home of the Cowboys, no less, bringing a total of 142 draft prospects to AT&T STadium and though the 25-0 shutout victory by the East over the West wasn't exactly a carnival ride, it did provide a clear-and-present opportunity at assessing future talent in the now.
Several stood out, and several others were interstellar.
With a shiny and well-deserved five-year contract under the arm of scouting guru Will McClay, the Cowboys hope to still be pioneers in the NFL draft going forward, and the hope is that they have barely begun, but their greatest accomplishments cannot be behind them, because their destiny lies above them.
So, which standouts from the Shrine Bowl might become their next step toward a postseason destiny?
Glad you asked, because the future is right now, and here are the ones that make the most sense at positions of need in Dallas to help launch the Schottenheimer era into orbit.
[Note: All height measurements are rounded to the nearest inch.]
Quarterback
- Brady Cook, Missouri (6'2 ", 209 lbs)
- Cam Miller, North Dakota State (6'1", 210 lbs)
To be frank, neither Cook nor Cam Miller really floored me, and I'll spare you my review of Max Brosmer and Ethan Garbers, because it isn't pretty. Not that things were stupendous for the starting quarterbacks, but there were at least some positive takeaways hiding within the mayhem of botched snaps and lost fumbles.
Cook showed an ability to make top-shelf throws when given time to do so, evidenced in the exceptional placement on an early ball down the right sideline to Colorado receiver Will Sheppard, put where only Sheppard had a chance for it with the defensive back draped all over him. His protection didn't exactly help his cause on Thursday, however, but he didn't let that force him to give the ball away in the air.
Miller, hailing from the same school as Trey Lance, showed more composure than did Cook when pressured, using his mobility and keeping his eyes downfield at all times, also using that mobility to deliver a successful two-point conversion; his two lost fumbles blackening an otherwise solid, though not outstanding, outing.
As it stands, either could be worth a look in undrafted free agency for a shot to compete in training camp for either an immediate backup role to Dak Prescott or for a practice squad seat to develop further.
Running back
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Arizona (5'11", 206 lbs)
It would have been nice to get a look at Phil Mafa out of Clemson in this game, seeing as I had him on my pregame watch list, but he didn't take a single rep. All that did, however, was allow for me to get an up close and personal look at Croskey-Merritt and, let me tell you, I'm writing home to mother about him and sending the telegram on the fastest steed I can employ.
Initially, JCM caught my eye late in the first quarter with a 27-yard gain that saw him explode through the run lane and then separating from several defenders. By the time he later executed a jump cut that saw him plant and violently disappear laterally, followed by his first of two touchdowns displaying patience to allow blocks to develop and a hesi move that froze linebackers before bursting to the pylon, I was sold.
Winning offensive MVP honors were of no consequence to my assessment, because I had already awarded it to him at halftime. I'm not saying he's a Day 1 or Day 2 pick, but using a flyer on this type of potential at a position of dire need would make sense.
Wide receivers
- Will Sheppard, Colorado (6'2", 198 lbs)
- Efton Chism III, Eastern Washington (5'10", 195 lbs)
Sheppard didn't get a lot of burn, but I liked what I saw when he was on the field. His first offensive drive included a throw from Brady Cook that required an ability to not only high point the ball while fading toward the boundary with the defender hanging on him like grandmother's tablecloth, but also a tremendous spatial awareness and body control to come down with the catch.
As for Chism, what can I say other than "my my my", in my best Johnny Gill voice. Don't let the height fool you, because he played as tough as anyone and, actually, tougher than several at his position on Thursday. His athleticism was also put on full display when he hurdled a defender atop the second quarter. Shifty, quick, tough, fast and also provides value as a return specialist — finishing the game with four catches on four targets for a team-high 48 yards while averaging 10.8 yards per catch is simply delectable.
Offensive line
- Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan, OT, Oregon State (6'8", 328 lbs)
- John Williams, OT, Cincinnati (6'3", 324 lbs)
- Jack Conley, iOL, Boston College (6'6", 327 lbs)
I'll keep this one short because, as much as I hate to say it, there wasn't a lot to enjoy on either offensive line in this year's Shrine Bowl; but that isn't to say there wasn't good film put out there by some on several occasions. GCL showed me a nice anchor that is difficult to move once he drops it and sets his lower body, and Williams has a high motor that had him finishing initial block assignments before continuing to the second level to seek out more work; and I also feel he could be kicked inside, if versatility is something you like (hint: the Cowboys love it).
Conley showed me a very good pin and pull technique later in the first quarter and his only truly bad play was when Tonka Hemingway dismissed him en route to sacking Cook in the first quarter. In all, these three showed me enough to warrant a continued watch as their pro days approach.
Defensive tackle
- Tonka Hemingway, South Carolina (6'3", 288 lbs)
- Payton Page, Clemson (6'1", 210 lbs)
With a name like Tonka Hemingway, you're likely destined to do something special with your football life, because what's better than a defensive tackle named after a truck but who also has the same last name as a legendary writer — earnest (wink) in how he approached the Shrine Bowl and his competitors across the line. If not for Hemingway's destructive ways, Cook might've had a better outing. He not only sacked the opposing quarterback but also had two pass deflections, his ability to "J.J. Watt" the ball in the passing lanes paying off well in Arlington, a wrecking ball with trees glued to it.
Page's stat line won't jump out at you, but he had a critical fumble recovery in the second quarter that made a difference. Also, his ability to penetrate the pocket and pressure Ethan Garbers into a bad throw that was intercepted by cornerback Tyron Herring further demonstrated his ability to impact a game, even if it's not from sacks and takeaways.
Defensive end/EDGE
- Cam Horsley, Boston College (6'2", 307 lbs)
- Johnny Walker Jr., Missouri (6'3", 246 lbs)
Not one, but two Boston College guys make my list as Horsley joins Conley in standing out at AT&T Stadium. There was violence in his play but also some finesse when needed, and though there's still development to be had here, the potential is there for the right coach to mold. Horsley's best play was when he beat Joshua Gray with a speed rush on the first defensive drive to flush Cam Miller out of the pocket and into what became a bad throw on third down that led to a punt.
And what could be more perfect to catch the attention of owner and general manager Jerry Jones than a tall glass of Johnny Walker? This one was left would-be blockers punch drunk on more than one occasion, displaying speed off the edge en route to two sacks, three quarterback hits and a forced fumble that gave his team the ball back immediately after his offense lost one themselves in a bang-bang sequence of plays in the second quarter.
Maybe Jones would be willing to turn this Johnny Walker … blue … on Day 3?
Linebackers
- Teddye Buchanan, Cal (6'2", 236 lbs)
- Francisco Mauigoa, Miami (FL) (6'1", 231 lbs)
- Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Kentucky (6'1", 246 lbs)
Buchanan wasn't kidding around, now was he? I will say that he needs to continue working on his eye discipline but there's no denying his instincts. When he doesn't overthink and simply trusts his abilities, he's quite the missile. If you doubt this, check the tape at the 1:18 minute mark in the first quarter for an example, and the fact he finished with the most tackles on the West team (6 combined) is telling.
Not to be overshadowed, Dumas-Johnson led the East in tackles through the first three quarters, helping in run support and in trying to keep a lid on any would-be big plays. It worked, considering his defense completely shut out the West's offense, and there were some points during JDJ's play that my eyes got involuntarily large due to his reaction and closing speed; and he was joined in those efforts by Mauigoa, who finished with the same number of tackles as did JDJ (4) but also added a pass break up and a fumble recovery to his tape.
Maui' basically looked at his Shrine Bowl coaches and said, "You're welcome."
Cornerbacks
- O'Donnell Fortune, South Carolina (6'1", 188 lbs)
- Tyron Herring, Delaware (6'1", 202 lbs)
- Shiloh Sanders, Colorado (6'0", 195 lbs, via school)
- Nohl Williams, Cal (6'1", 200 lbs, via school)
- Marques Sigle, Kansas State (5'11", 196 lbs)
This was one hell of a competition, and I was here for all of it. A quiet start for Shiloh Sanders, the only Sanders that chose to participate in the game, gave way to a very active evening for the former Buffalo. Five tackles were good enough to tie him for second most on the West's defense, adding a pass break up and also showing value on special teams. Williams nearly matched Sanders' production in every way, helping for a much better second half from that unit.
On the opposite sideline is where the fireworks were housed, though, because from Fortune's 65-yard pick-six in the second quarter (a terrible throw by Ethan Garbers, admittedly, missing a wide open target in the open field) helped propel Fortune to Defensive Player of the Game honors.
I personally would've given the nod to Johnny Walker, but I digress, and don't let this tidbit detract from O'Donnell's good fortune. Prior to the pick-six stealing the show, it was Herring grabbing an interception early in the second quarter and finishing with two pass break ups as well. He was fairly sticky in his coverage, definitely physical, and with soft hands that can compete with receivers'.
Last but certainly not least, Sigle stands to catch the Cowboys' eye. For one, they've established a pipeline from Kansas State that previously led to the selection of Deuce Vaughn and Cooper Beebe and, for two, Sigle did enough to strengthen the interest. Not only did he lead the East's outstanding shutout defense with six tackles, he also showed an ability to force turnovers — laying a hit on Prieskorn to force the fumble that was recovered by Mauigoa.
It was difficult to take my eyes off of Sigle but, then again, the same is true for most of the standouts that made my list on Thursday evening.
Bring on the NFL Combine and pro days.
Remember, the future is already here, so there's literally no time to waste.
