Edge-rusher prospect visits for the Dallas Cowboys revealed

Every year, each of the 32 NFL teams is allowed to invite 30 prospects for official visits to the team. During these visits, collegiate players get to meet coaches and members of the front office and browse the facilities. It also gives organizations, like the Dallas Cowboys, a chance to learn more about the prospects. These pre-draft visits happen in April and do not involve a workout, but the medical staff can do a more thorough exam of the prospects.

The first official visit went out to Arkansas WR Treylon Burks. Now, the list has started to fill up. Blogging The Boys has an official tracker for all of the visits, but The Athletic’s Jon Machota revealed a few specific names on Twitter on Friday. PFF’s John Owning asked Machota which edge rushers are headed to The Star given that the Cowboys have to not only replace Randy Gregory but also add edge-rushing depth to allow Micah Parsons to line up all around the defense.

Machota wrote an article detailing the scheduled visits (subscription required), and the edge rushers on the list include Houston’s David Anenih, Cincinnati’s Myjai Sanders, Wake Forest’s Luiji Vilain, and Ole Miss’s Sam Williams. Let’s take a look at what these four prospects have to offer.

Four edge rushers are on the list of the Dallas Cowboys’ 30 official pre-draft prospect visits

David Anenih, Houston

Anenih is 6-3, 251 pounds, and ran a 4.67-second 40-yard dash. Explosiveness is Anenih’s best quality. He also offers versatility with the ability to rush from a two-and three-point stance and has playing speed to stand up in space. He can also drop to be a 3-4 linebacker. The Cougar has 20.0 sacks in his time with Houston.

Myjai Sanders, Cincinnati

Sanders is 6-5, 228 pounds, and ran a 4.67-second 40-yard dash. Sanders is springy and fast. He has impressive bend, get off, and natural strength. The Bearcat already made his name for himself early in his collegiate career. He was named a first-team All-American for the AAC as a junior after starting all 10 games and leading his team with 10 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks. He has the ability to make an impact on an NFL roster.

Luiji Vilain, Wake Forest

Vilain’s final season with Wake Forest was a great one. He collected 34 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, 8.0 sacks, and two forced fumbles. The Canadian prospect has caught the eyes of many scouts. He is 6-4, 255 pounds, and clocked a 4.75-second 40-yard dash including a speedy 1.57-second 10-yard split. Vilain was actually selected in the third round of the 2021 CFL Draft by the Toronto Argonauts, but chose to return to school.

Sam Williams, Ole Miss

Williams is 6-3, 261 pounds, and ran an impressive 4.46-second 40-yard dash. He has quick feet, powerful hands, and good vision on the field. Williams improved throughout his time in college. After joining Ole Miss as a junior college transfer, he became an immediate starter in 2019 amassing six sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss, and an interception. In 2021, he was second in the SEC with 12.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. Sadly, similar to many players the Cowboys have chosen to draft or sign, he has a criminal history. Williams was arrested on sexual battery charges and was later released on $25,000 bail. Dallas may choose to ask him about this situation when he visits.

Of course, a visit isn’t a guarantee. However, they are definitely good indications of where the team is looking. But draft month is here! We only have to wait a couple of days to see who the Cowboys add to their roster.