Dallas Cowboys host defensive end B.J. Thompson for top-30 visit ahead of 2023 NFL Draft

The Dallas Cowboys’ list of top-30 prospect visits continues growing this week. The latest addition is former Stephen F. Austin edge rusher B.J. Thompson, according to Dallas Morning News reporter Calvin Watkins. He had his visit on Wednesday after trips to see and workout for the Chiefs, Lions and Bengals.

Thompson, an Arkansas native, initially started his career at Baylor before transferring to SFA in 2020. He became an immediate impact player for the Lumberjacks. He posted 8.5 tackles for loss and six sacks in 2020, and 12.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in 2021. His stats are incomplete on ESPN but per Watkins, Thompson had 23 tackles, five sacks and two forced fumbles in 2022.

Previously listed as 210 pounds by SFA, Thompson is now 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds.

While at Baylor, he played in nine games as a freshman and made on start. In 2018, he had just two starts but played in 10 games. He finished second on the team with four sacks, adding 5.5 TFL and 15 total tackles.

The Dallas Cowboys’ list of visitors so far seems to suggest preferences for a wide receiver, offensive lineman, defensive lineman, cornerback and linebacker. They’ve also worked out several more wide receivers in private workouts and held meetings with a few quarterbacks as well. Dallas surprised by taking OL Tyler Smith in the first round last year, but the choice has panned out thus far.

The NFL’s top-30 visits are reserved for 30 prospects per team and do not involve on-field workouts. They serve as job interviews, on top of medical checkups and meetings with the coaching staff.

More on the 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft takes place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event location this year is the plaza just outside of Union Station.

Round 1 of the NFL Draft begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 27. Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 29. The draft broadcast runs throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.

Following two trades that cost them two fifth-round compensatory picks (No. 161, No. 169), these are the seven draft picks left on the Cowboys board for April.

• Round 1, No. 26
• Round 2, No. 58
• Round 3, No. 90
• Round 4, No. 128
• Round 5, No. 176*
• Round 6, No. 212*
• Round 7, No. 243

*denotes compensatory pick