The NFL Scouting Combine is happening this week, offering teams a firsthand look at many of the top prospects who will be drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Surprisingly, the Dallas Cowboys have been active this week. While no moves have been finalized yet, Stephen Jones shared some of the team’s plans earlier this week.

These comments introduced a new theme for the offseason: “selectively aggressive.” This approach is a shift from the “all in” mentality of last year, and Dallas has partially followed through on it.

Our Mike Fisher reported for CowboysCountry.com this morning that the team is working toward re-signing Osa Odighizuwa, despite many expecting him to hit free agency in a few weeks.

Although these plans are not finalized, they signal a change in philosophy from the front office, which would be a welcome sign. This shift is not only due to the team’s struggles in the 2024 season but also makes sense for a coaching staff that’s adapting its approach.

Brian Schottenheimer and his staff have stressed the need for a more physical style of play heading into next season, and a good place to start is with the defensive line.

Re-signing Osa is a solid move, but even with him, there is still a lot of work to be done. Mazi Smith is the only other defensive tackle under contract for next season, and the team may not want to wait much longer to see their former first-round pick develop.

If the Cowboys focus on this area, Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen III could be an excellent choice, given his raw talent. Nolen excelled with the Rebels last season, earning first-team All-America and All-SEC honors.

He has outstanding athleticism that gives him a quick burst off the snap and a physical presence to move offensive linemen and impact the run game.

Nolen is still developing as a younger player, so some concerns remain as he refines his game.

Additionally, there are reports that some teams have removed Nolen from their draft boards due to “behavioral concerns” stemming from his high school days.

Is the criticism fair? Is the charge accurate?

That’s up to Dallas to investigate, weigh the potential risks, and determine whether it’s worth the gamble—which is a big reason why they’re meeting with him in Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting Combine.

With all this in mind, a recent mock draft had him going to Dallas at No. 12, but he’s currently projected as a late first-round pick, so that spot might be a stretch for the Cowboys.

However, if they trade back in the draft, they could select him later on Day 1 while also gaining more picks for this year’s draft.

The Cowboys have several options for their first pick in the draft. But if they can find a way to grab Nolen and pair him with Osa, Cowboys fans will likely be pleased with the team’s defensive front heading into the 2025 season.