Dallas Cowboys host Hawaii standout Ilm Manning on top-30 visit

The Dallas Cowboys reportedly hosted Hawaii offensive lineman Ilm Manning this week on a top-30 prospect visit, according to Dallas Morning News‘ Calvin Watkins.

With less than a month to go until the 2023 NFL Draft, Dallas is continuing the process of getting as familiar as possible with some top prospects. Manning is a versatile offensive lineman who played left tackle at Hawaii, but could play center in NFL.

The Glendale, Arizona native began starting for the Rainbow Warriors as a freshman in 2018. Thanks to COVID-19 waivers, Manning was able to play five, not four, seasons at Hawaii.

In an interview with Draft Network, Manning opened up about why he stuck at left tackle for Hawaii, despite a potential move inside as a pro.

“I played for three different head coaches…had to stay at left tackle,” Manning said. “Never played an interior position in a game because they felt they needed me to protect the blindside… they told me I was the best offensive lineman they had. I have heard from various scouts that I’ll be moving inside at the next level though.

“I think I’m more likely to end up a center than a guard because I’m not a 330-pound guard… I’m a solid 305, 310… move well for my size.”

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