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Cowboys insider has surprising list of names to watch in NFL draft

Jane Slater has 3 names to watch as the Dallas Cowboys prepare for the NFL draft.

Randy Gurzi

Mississippi defensive lineman Walter Nolen during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center.
Mississippi defensive lineman Walter Nolen during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Jane Slater is as plugged in with the Dallas Cowboys as anyone.

That’s why it’s important to listen when she gives her take on the franchise. On Wednesday, Slater went on social media and gave her opinion on three names to keep an eye on as the NFL draft approaches.

MORE: Cowboys NFL Draft curveball could be coming on defense in Round 1

Surprisingly, she left Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan off the list. Instead, she said Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden, Tennessee defensivr end James Pearce Jr., and Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen could be in play.

Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen waits for the snap during the second half against Kentucky
Mississippi Rebels defensive linemen Walter Nolen waits for the snap during the second half against Kentucky / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Nolen is a name that makes the least sense, given that he’s the ideal size to play 3-tech, a spot held down by Osa Odighizuwa. Still, Nolen was a top-30 visit and could start next to Odighizuwa thanks to his talent as a run-defenser.

James Pearce, EDGE, Tennessee

Tennessee DE James Pearce Jr. sacks UTEP quarterback JP Pickles
Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. sacks UTEP quarterback JP Pickles / Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel /USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Defensive end might not feel like a major need after signing Dante Fowler Jr., but the Cowboys did lose DeMarcus Lawrence and Chauncey Golston in NFL free agency. Adding Pearce with a Round 1 pick would secure the edge for years to come, although it would force them to attempt to fill greater needs with later selections.

Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

Texas WR Matthew Golden catches a pass against Arizona State defensive back Xavion Alford
Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden catches a pass against Arizona State defensive back Xavion Alford / Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

One of the hottest names linked to Dallas has been Matthew Golden. The Texas product ran the 40-yard dash in 4.29-seconds, and would give their offense some much-needed explosion.

Golden has been on the radar as much as any prospect, and he too seems interested in Dallas — even stopping to take a photo with Jerry Jones during his visit to The Star.

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Randy Gurzi
RANDY GURZI

Randy Gurzi is a graduate of Arizona State and has focused on NFL coverage since 2014.

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