Yes, the Dallas Cowboys lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5 on Thursday Night Football. But you'd be a fool if you thought that was the biggest game taking place in the state of Texas this week. That's right; Saturday is the Red River Rivalry between the Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners.
With their work for the week now done, Jerry Jones and Brian Schottenheimer surely have nothing better to do (kidding, of course) than to camp out at the Cotton Bowl and take in some of the action, even though the Texas-to-Cowboys pipeline hasn't exactly been flowing strong in recent years.
But the Longhorns actually have a handful of players who should be of serious interest to the front office come next spring, and even though all eyes are on the 2026 NFL season, it never hurts to get an early look at the 2027 NFL Draft class. These five, in particular, stick out as real targets.
Dallas Cowboys should monitor 5 Texas Longhorn performances closely in Red River Rivalry
1. Colin Simmons, DE
Simmons, when he isn't getting flagged for ridiculous and inappropriate celebrations, is a sight to see on the gridiron. The last time he set foot on a field, he compiled an unbelievable 5.5 sacks and 10 pressures against the Tennessee Volunteers. He also tacked on nine tackles and eight stops.
Simply put, Simmons is sensational, and the Cowboys could use an edge rusher of his caliber alongside the crew they currently have. He'll probably be off the board early, but if Dallas is low enough, or Jones gets aggressive enough, as he did this past April, Simmons would be a great add.
2. Rasheem Biles, LB
Biles is an aggressive and athletic weak-side linebacker who is great against the run and improving in coverage. He can shift down and play on the line of scrimmage or play traditionally in the box and sueceed at both. Biles has 29 tackles, a sack, two interceptions, 15 stops and six pressures in 2026.
With the future uncertain for DeMarvion Overshown (hey, another Texas 'backer!) and Dee Winters not impressing early in the year, Biles could be the long-term solution next to Jaishawn Barham in Christian Parker's defense. And Dallas could easily get him later in Round 1 or maybe even Round 2.
3. Hollywood Smothers, RB
Smothers missed last week with an injury, and his status is uncertain for Saturday's game. But if he plays, the Cowboys should keep a close eye on him as they continue to look for the Robin to Javonte Williams' Batman. Smothers could definitely fit the bill with his great speed and dual-threat ability.
His raw numbers won't jump off the page because Texas is a pass-heavy offense with Arch Manning at the helm, and whatever run plays are called are split between Smothers and Raleek Brown. But Smothers is dynamic, moves well in the open field, and has great vision and ability to bounce outside.
He could but what Jaydon Blue was supposed to be.
4. Melvin Siani, RT
Siani has experience playing both tackle spots, but he has really settled in on the right side this year. He's played a clean brand of football with no penalties through four games, and he's only given up one sack in true passing sets. To be fair, Manning does hold the ball and doesn't evade pressure well.
Now, Siani does need to grow a bit as a run blocker, and there's a chance that he stays in school. But if Terence Steele continues to be up and down for Dallas, and Broderick Jones doesn't stick around, the front office would have to look for an upgrade or competition. Siani could be just that.
5. Raleek Brown, RB
Brown is fast and has great vision. He plays the game in a very north-and-south way, which is what a lot of young running backs are missing. Brown isn't necessarily a big pass-catcher, and he's up and down as a pass protector, but he can run the crap out of the football.
While he may not be as reliable on a down-to-down basis as Smothers, he is a big play waiting to happen. And with Javonte Williams in tow, the Cowboys just need a change-of-pace back who can keep the defense on their toes, and Brown may fit that bill.
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