The Dallas Cowboys are deep in preparation for the NFL draft, conducting formal interviews with 45 players at the annual combine. This rigorous process not only gauges a player’s skills but also determines if they will be invited for a coveted top-30 visit. Over the course of 18-minute interviews, players face a series of evaluations designed to assess their potential fit with the team.
The interviews serve as a checklist for the Cowboys' scouts and coaches. During these sessions, players answer background questions and demonstrate their understanding of defensive concepts. Coaches draw up formations on a whiteboard, challenging players to recall and explain them. This exercise tests their mental acuity and football intelligence. The Cowboys also evaluate a player's energy, leadership qualities, and personality during these interactions.
Despite changes in the coaching staff, with Brian Schottenheimer as the new head coach, Matt Eberflus as defensive coordinator, and Klayton Adams as offensive coordinator, the Cowboys' interview process remains consistent. The team relies on a systematic approach to confirm or verify information gathered throughout the scouting year.
"By the time we get to [the combine], we are either confirming or verifying information," said Chris Vaughn, assistant director of college scouting.
In addition to formal interviews, the Cowboys conduct informal meetings with dozens of other prospects. They have already interacted with several players at the Senior Bowl and East/West Shrine Game. The interviews and meetings help the team refine their assessments and ensure they invest wisely in potential talent.
"We've got a lot of information already, but if we think a guy's really smart, now we're verifying that. Rarely do we go in and start a report from scratch. We're further along the process. The 18 minutes doesn't seem like a lot of time, but we know what we want to get to," Vaughn added.
The presence of vice president of player personnel Will McClay, director of college scouting Mitch LaPoint, and assistant director Chris Vaughn highlights the importance of these evaluations. Area scouts who visited the schools during the year and national scouts may also participate in the interviews, ensuring comprehensive assessments.
The Cowboys scrutinize everything from a player's personality to how they discuss the game. Lunda Wells, a key figure in the evaluation process, focuses on understanding a player's football knowledge.
"I'm really trying to put the player in a position, as if we're in the meeting room, and get him to talk football, so I'll know his origins in terms of his football knowledge," explained Wells.
As part of their thorough evaluation strategy, the Cowboys aim to discern which players are genuine in their responses. Mitch LaPoint expressed caution regarding dishonest prospects.
"Some of the guys we'll know that they completely lied. So you just kind of know you want to avoid them," LaPoint stated.
The structured interview and evaluation process serves a critical purpose for the Cowboys. By confirming or verifying existing information, they can make informed decisions about which players to bring into their locker room.
"It's all kind of building to show you who the guy is, who you're potentially investing in or potentially bringing into your locker room," Vaughn emphasized.
While the process may seem daunting for players, those who remain authentic have a better chance of succeeding. Ferguson, a player familiar with the process, advises prospects to stay true to themselves.
"Everybody's like, 'It's the rest of your life,' but honestly, you just need to be yourself. That's what got you there," Ferguson remarked.
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