10 players snubbed by the recruiter who could interest the Cowboys

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine will begin in just under a week. There will be 319 participants who will attempt to increase their stock by impressing the recruiting community with their performance during on-field exercises as well as official and unofficial interviews with different teams. This big offseason event is a great way to better understand this year’s draft prospects and last before individual Pro Days.

Unfortunately, many talented players failed to qualify and earn an invitation to this year’s combine. Not only does this make it difficult for these associations to showcase their talents on a bigger stage, but it also hampers the team evaluation process. Today we identify some of these players that could potentially be of interest to the Dallas Cowboys.

Edge Mikail Kamara, Indiana

Although Kamara was a 15-game starter and 2025 national champion with the Hoosiers, he saw his production decline last season. In 2023-24, the former James Madison player had several productive campaigns, accumulating 17.5 sacks. He could help fill a pretty empty cupboard in Dallas.

LB Jaden Dugger, Louisiana-Lafayette

At 6’4″, 240 pounds with almost 35″ arms and an 84″ wingspan, Dugger definitely looks like an NFL LB. In a deep LB draft class, he’s flying a little under the radar, but he could be a late steal for the Cowboys. He has the skills and talent to contribute in the NFL.

LB Shad Banks, UTSA

Banks is a versatile and explosive athlete who probably would have lit up the group if he had been invited. The 6’1″, 230-pound LB is a fluid player who plays with range and burst in the run and pass game. He is what teams are looking for in a modern LB and Dallas has reportedly already met him individually in the Hula Bowl.

S Cole Wisniewski, Texas Tech

Wisniewski was a physical tone setter at the back end of the Red Raiders defense. He totaled 78 tackles, six passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one sack in 2025. The Cowboys could be looking at a full safety overall and Wisinewski could be a potential option for them.

S Isaiah Nwokobia, SMU

With his former SMU DC Scott Symons now the Cowboys’ new MLB coach, Nwokobia may already have someone in his corner in Dallas. And, splitting his playing time in the box and deep, he’s a versatile safety prospect who could fit well into Christian Parker’s defensive scheme.

RB Kaelon Black, Indiana

Black not only had 1,040 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2025, but also won a national championship. After the championship, he immediately turned around to participate in the Senior Bowl, confirming his love for the game. He could potentially compete for the RB2 job in Dallas as a rookie.

RB Jadyn Ott, Oklahoma

Ott recently saw his draft stock rise a bit after a strong showing at the Senior Bowl. The 5’10”, 200 pound RB is expected to be a mid-to-late round draft pick and could potentially compete for a roster spot and quite possibly an RB2 job with the Cowboys as a rookie.

WR Cyrus Allen, Cincinnati

Allen is a fast, edge rushing defensive type receiver who can also do damage underneath due to his route running ability. Although the Cowboys look pretty good in this position as long as they retain George Pickens, his 13 touchdowns in 2025 should catch their attention.

C Connor Tollison, Missouri

Tollison was a three-year starter during his time at Missouri. He started more than 40 career SEC games, anchoring the Tigers’ offensive line. With Brock Hoffman potentially exiting via free agency, he could be someone the Cowboys could be interested in as a potential replacement.

OT Nolan Rucci, Penn State

Rucci was a five-star prospect coming out of high school, ranking as the No. 5 OT pick and No. 14 overall pick in the 2021 class. He initially committed to Clemson before transferring to Penn State in 2024. He could add much-needed depth at OT for the Cowboys and potentially compete for a starting job down the road.