The Dallas Cowboys could be interested in a former Tennessee player in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday.
NFL Network’s Jane Slater gave three names that she’s been hearing in Cowboys-related circles, and advised the fans to keep an eye on. Slater’s three names include Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen, Tennessee EDGE James Pearce Jr., and Texas WR Matthew Golden.
“Tells you maybe they do want best player available and some of the moves in FA might allow that,” Slater wrote in the post. “Also have said for weeks here the trenches are a big point of emphasis.”
Where are #Cowboys leaning this year? Here are 3 names I’m hearing and to keep an eye on.
-Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen
-Tennessee Edge James Pierce
-Texas WR Matthew Golden.Tells you maybe they do want best player available and some of the moves in FA might allow that. Also…
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) April 22, 2025
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Pearce ranks as the No. 33 overall prospect in Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL Draft Big Board rankings, but has been trending down of late. In reality, Pearce has been one of the most polarizing prospects for the media to get a grasp on in the first round cycle. After starting the 2024 season as a projected Top 5 pick, Pearce’s evaluation slipped down to a mid-first round talent.
In the weeks leading into Thursday’s draft, mock drafters have been all over the place on Pearce’s projection. Some have had Pearce falling all the way to the second round, while others have him still in the middle of the first round. Slater’s report would lean to the latter with the Cowboys owning the 12th overall pick.
Pearce presents all the physical tools that scouts could hope for, as evidenced by his fastest 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine among all defensive linemen. Pearce’s explosiveness wins him the initial battle at the time of scrimmage, but a big question about his development revolves around adding a secondary move after the initial burst. The former Vol has taken a hit with the media mock drafts based on off-the-field concerns, though.
Jane Slater is also a frequent contributor to Dallas radio station 105.3 The Fan. On the Shan & RJ Show on Wednesday morning, the hosts discussed another former Tennessee player when fielding draft questions from their listeners. With Dallas in need of receivers who can stretch the field, some fans have dialed in on former Tennessee wideout Dont’e Thornton as a late-round draft pick.
“This dude is huge,” 105.3 The Fan host Zach Wolchuk said. “He’s a really, really tall receiver and a burner. I think he’s a Day 3 guy. The problem is, for me, I really think he’s a one-trick pony. But I did write in my notes that, gosh, that trick is fun. He’s just a great vertical threat that needs more refinement with the rest of his routes, but he tracks the deep ball really, really well to run underneath it and locate the ball to come back for it. Speed is something that’s special with him, he averaged over 25 yards a catch. 6-5, 205, if you’re looking for a guy to take the top off the defense, Dont’e Thornton Jr. is definitely a fun player.”
The Dallas Cowboys recently acquired backup quarterback and former Vol Joe Milton III in an offseason trade to play behind starter Dak Prescott. We’ll see if owner Jerry Jones decides to give Milton one of his former teammates in the draft this weekend.
The 2025 NFL Draft will take place this weekend in Green Bay, Wisconsin:
- Round 1: Thursday, April 24 at 8:00 p.m. ET
- Rounds 2-3: Friday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m. ET
- Rounds 4-7: Saturday, April 26 at Noon ET
