When I watch the Indiana vs. Miami College Football Playoff National Championship, I’m not just watching the game. I will be watching for draft prospects who fit the Cowboys’ needs.

The big thing to keep in mind is:

The Cowboys do not have a second or third round pick.

That tidbit of information changes how I look at the matchup.

I don’t want this to be about falling in love with every flashy name. This is about identifying players who actually make sense for Dallas, either as true value picks early or realistic Day three targets.

One more thing to cover is that the Dallas Cowboys do not need a defensive tackle unless the value is too good to pass up.

With all of this in mind, here are the players I’m paying attention to in the Indiana-Miami title game.

Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman, Rueben Bain Jr., wearing a white uniform with number 4, helmet on, looking to the side during a night game with stadium lights blurred in the background.

Edge Rush Still Gets My Attention
Rueben Bain Jr. —EDGE, Miami

Real talk, Bain probably isn’t getting anywhere near Dallas. But if were talking pure fits, this is exactly the type of edge rusher I want the Cowboys swinging on if the opportunity presents itself.

Rueben Bain Jr. is explosive, powerful, and doesn’t need to be schemed into pressure.

I think that matters when talking about elite edge rushers.

Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman, Akheem Mesidor, in an orange uniform sprinting with the football as an offensive lineman closes in, showing intense focus during a game play.

Defensive Tackle? Only If the Board Falls Right

Dallas already has three defensive tackles who aren’t getting unseated by a rookie, and that’s why I’m not going to be pounding the table for one.

If they draft a defensive tackle, it needs to be because the value is screaming at them.

Akheem Mesidor— DL, Miami

I believe Mesidor may be the one player that could be a hybrid defensive tackle/EDGE player that the Cowboys think about for multi-position versatility.

He is not a need pick, but would be completely a value pick.

If he is sitting there later than expected, I get it. He would be great for rotational snaps, long-term depth to keep the front fresh.

If this isn’t the idea, then pass.

Indiana football cornerback, D’Angelo Ponds, in a red jersey throwing a pass while pointing downfield, wearing a white helmet and holding the ball mid-motion during live action.

Corners That Actually Feel Like Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys do not like drafting corners in the first couple of rounds. Over the last ten years, the average round the Cowboys draft a corner is the fourth round.

Luckily, we don’t have to worry about the second round.

They have been burned a couple of times by early corners and feel they are great at finding value later in the draft at this position.

D’Angelo Ponds—CB, Indiana

I think this may be one of the cleanest fits in the Indiana—Miami game for Dallas.

Picks plays with confidence, physicality, and he doesn’t shrink in man coverage. He reminds me of a Tyrann Mathieu, but about 10lbs lighter. He is able to line up at multiple secondary positions and play aggressively.

The Cowboys ask a lot of their corners, and I trust guys who don’t panic when the ball is in the air.

Damari Brown— CB, Miami

Brown is more of a player with the traits wanted in a corner, and that should be fine with a Day three pick.

He’s long, can run, and there is upside to his game. Dallas has shown they’re willing to let corners develop instead of forcing them into early roles.

This would be a great pick and sit type of player to learn the speed of the game from veteran players.

Indiana football offensive lineman, Carter Smith, wearing a red jersey with number 65, black eye paint on his cheek, standing on the sideline and looking toward the field during a game.

Day 3 Is Where This Draft Gets Real

Without second or third round picks, Day three is where Dallas has to win the draft.

Carter Smith— OT, Indiana

Most likely, Carter Smith is not coming in to start for the Cowboys, and that is OK.

He fits as a developmental swing tackle with size and strength. Smith also comes with a mean streak that is needed wherever he is placed on the offensive line.

This is the type of pick that matters more than people realize over a full season.

Louis Moore— S, Indiana

I feel as though this is a Cowboys pick through and through.

Moore is instinctive, versatile, and useful on special teams. He is a former wide receiver turned ball-hawking safety who will come downhill and hit someone in the mouth.

When draft capital is thin, players like Moore stick.

Depth Can Be Found in the National Championship Game

As fans of the Dallas Cowboys, we should not go into this game hoping to find a potential savior for the team.

What I will be watching for are players who fit.

With no second or third round picks, and no reason to force a defensive tackle pick. Dallas needs to stay disciplined, the best fit won’t be the biggest name, but it will be the one that makes sense.

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