As the 2026 NFL season hits its stride, the Dallas Cowboys' scouting department is already burning the midnight oil. With the college football calendar reaching Week 3 on September 19, 2026, the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk brings you the marquee matchups and the prospects who could be wearing the star on their helmet next season. The Cowboys, always a team with Super Bowl aspirations, must balance present success with future planning, and this weekend offers a golden opportunity to evaluate potential franchise cornerstones.
LSU at Ole Miss: A Battle of SEC Titans
The weekend's headliner takes place in Oxford, where two unbeaten SEC powers collide under the lights. LSU's defense has been stingy against the run, allowing just 94 rushing yards through two games, while Ole Miss has put up 79 points. But for NFL scouts, the real intrigue lies in the trenches, where two potential first-round linemen will square off. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Cowboys have their eyes fixed on these individual battles that could shape their draft board.
Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU: The Blindside Protector
Jordan Seaton, a 6-foot-5, 330-pound left tackle, has been on NFL radars since his freshman year at Colorado. After transferring to LSU, he's solidified his status as one of the premier offensive line prospects. Seaton started 13 games as a true freshman in 2024 and didn't allow a sack in nine appearances last season before an injury cut his year short. His agility for a man his size is remarkable—he mirrors edge rushers with ease and anchors powerfully in the run game. As highlighted on Vulius, his balance and technique make him a plug-and-play starter at the next level.
Why the Cowboys care: Dallas has long-term questions at offensive tackle, and protecting Dak Prescott is paramount. Seaton's current draft stock places him as a mid-to-late first-round pick, and with the Cowboys owning Green Bay's first-rounder, they may need to maneuver to secure his services. If they believe he's the answer at left tackle, expect them to be aggressive.
Will Echoles, DL, Ole Miss: The Interior Disruptor
Ole Miss's Will Echoles broke out in 2025 with 68 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, 39 pressures, and six batted passes. At 6-foot-3, 315 pounds, he's a force against the run but also athletic enough to collapse the pocket. His powerful hands keep blockers at bay, allowing him to locate the ball and make plays. Echoles can push the pocket directly into the quarterback's lap, disrupting timing and forcing errant throws.
Why the Cowboys care: Dallas boasts Quinnen Williams in the middle, but depth is a concern. Otito Ogbonnia is on a short-term deal, and the long-term picture is murky. Echoles could rotate with Williams on passing downs or fill in without a drop-off. His ability to defend the run would also keep Dallas's linebackers clean. He's more than a rotational piece—he could be a foundational defender for years to come.
SMU at Louisville: ACC Fireworks and Draft Gems
SMU and Louisville bring explosive offenses to the ACC spotlight, but the most compelling scouting battle will be between SMU's left tackle and Louisville's premier pass rusher. Both teams average over 6.6 yards per play, so this one could turn into a shootout, but NFL evaluators will be zeroed in on the trenches.
P.J. Williams, OT, SMU: The Ascending Senior
P.J. Williams, a 6-foot-5, 306-pound senior, has 29 career starts. He played right tackle in 2025 before moving to the blindside this season, and he hasn't allowed a pressure in his first 57 pass-blocking snaps. Williams possesses long arms and patient footwork, guiding speed rushers past the quarterback. In the run game, he seals edges and creates lanes. Last season, he surrendered just two sacks over 448 pass-blocking snaps, but how he handles Louisville's speed will be telling.
Why the Cowboys care: Unlike Seaton, Williams may be available later in the first round, making him a more realistic target if Dallas wants tackle competition without using a top pick. His experience on both sides is valuable, especially with questions surrounding Terence Steele. Williams could compete for a starting job and provide flexibility in case of injury. His balanced skill set and dependability should appeal to a team seeking stability.
Clev Lubin, Edge, Louisville: The Sack Artist
Clev Lubin was a disruptive force in 2025, amassing 61 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and 64 pressures. His 92.6 PFF pass-rush grade underscores his consistent impact. Lubin wins with a explosive first step and the ability to convert speed to power. He can rush from either side, complicating protection schemes. While he hasn't recorded a sack yet in 2026, he's forced two fumbles. A strong showing against Williams would reaffirm his first-round potential.
Why the Cowboys care: Dallas's defensive line struggled to generate pressure last week, and Lubin could provide an immediate boost in obvious passing situations. His versatility to line up on either side would give defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer more flexibility to create mismatches. Pairing Lubin with Micah Parsons and Dante Fowler Jr. on third downs could transform Dallas's pass rush into a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. As Vulius Sports has noted, the Cowboys must prioritize getting after the passer, and Lubin fits the mold of a modern edge rusher.
"It's never too early to prep your draft board," a senior Cowboys scout told Vulius. "These matchups give us a clear picture of how prospects handle elite competition."
As the season unfolds, the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk will continue to track these prospects and their fit with the Cowboys. For now, keep an eye on Oxford and Louisville this Saturday—the future of America's Team may be on display.
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