Dallas Cowboys’ Will McClay talks philosophy for 2023 NFL Draft

The Dallas Cowboys have plenty draft capital this year to add to the talent and depth for the roster in 2023. Vice president of player personnel Will McClay spoke to reporters at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. and revealed his philosophy on making the right choices with their six picks.

Currently, the Cowboys have selections to make in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and seventh round. They traded a sixth-round pick away for veteran defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins in October.

“We want good football players. That’s always been the plan,” McClay told reporters last week. “You go through this process – the more good football players you have, the more depth you have on your team and the more competitive you can be in a 17-20 game season.”

Dallas had a relatively successful haul in the 2022 class, adding year-one contributors in Tyler Smith, DaRon Bland, Sam Williams, Jake Ferguson and Damone Clark. Six of their selections had performed well at the Senior Bowl before the draft.

“The (scouting) work that’s done – and now you get a chance to see it and get a chance to confirm it when you get to visit with them,” McClay said of the Senior Bowl scouting. “You really get a good feel for the players because now you get those exposures to them in the Senior Bowl conversations, Pro Day conversations, combine … stack all those together. The Senior Bowl gives you great exposure to them competing against the better players in the (nation).”

McClay excited about Dallas’ continuity with Dan Quinn

One of the Cowboys’ biggest offseason wins so far was locking down defensive coordinator Dan Quinn for at least another year. Quinn was a hot name on the candidate board for several open head coaching jobs but he chose to stay, saying he wants to win a Super Bowl with Dallas.

Quinn’s return is beneficial to McClay’s scouting team, who’ve become accustomed to the defensive scheme and the type of players they are looking for.

“It’s huge because we know what we’re trying to get,” McClay said. “The guys, college (scouts), go out (to scout) – and they know what we’re doing defensively, offensively – with an opportunity. And the way we communicate with the coaches, it’s a big part of it. I just think the continuity, the longer you’re together, the more you know each other, the more you should know what they’re looking for. The little variants and nuances that they’re looking for.”

Although Dallas offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is now with the Chargers, the Cowboys promoted Brian Schottenheimer to his role. Schottenheimer was on the staff last year, so he too is another piece of continuity for Mike McCarthy.