FRISCO, Texas – On Friday, the East-West Shrine Bowl will begin practices as over 130 prospects travel to the Star looking to boost their draft stock in front of NFL scouting and coaching staffs.
Now, they'll do so with a new defensive coordinator in Christian Parker, who was hired earlier in the day on Thursday. Just a few yards from his new office, the Cowboys will get to look at some of the defensive prospects up close in their own facility.
Here are some players to watch at practices this week that could be fits for Dallas, and ultimately in the game next Tuesday night:
Domani Jackson – CB, Alabama
A former five-star prospect coming out of high school, Jackson spent his first two collegiate seasons at USC before transferring to Alabama for his final two seasons with the Crimson Tide.
In those two seasons, Jackson had some of his better collegiate seasons, especially in 2024 when he set a career-high in tackles (51), pass breakups (7) and interceptions (2). This past season, Jackson tallied 38 tackles as a part of an Alabama secondary that reached the College Football Playoff.
From a measurables standpoint, Jackson checks the boxes of players that Dallas has liked at the position in the past at 6'1, 196 pounds who plays best in man-to-man coverage. There still is sharpening that needs to be done, but Dallas' new DC Christian Parker has a strong track record of getting the most out of his players at the position. – Tommy Yarrish
Dontay Corleone – IDL, Cincinnati
There is a unicorn citing in Frisco this week, and his name is Dontay Corleone from Cincinnati. He is one of the few prospects that stayed in one program all the way through his college career. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Corleone always dreamed of wearing the "C-claw" on his chest and took full advantage of his time with the Bearcats.
Despite not transferring or switching programs, he still endured plenty of change. From making the College Football Playoff as a first-year player in the American Conference, to leading his team through a transition to the Big 12 Conference. Corleone shined in multiple situations as a run-stuffer and occasional pass rusher in the Bearcats defense.
Should these NFL teams need some depth at the defensive tackle position, he could be the experienced and battle-tested interior lineman teams are looking for in the middle rounds. He'll have a chance to prove his battle-tested mentality in the one-on-one drills this week. – Kyle Youmans
Harold Perkins – LB, LSU
Perkins is an intriguing prospect in the upcoming cycle because of his utilization. In his freshman season at LSU in 2022, Perkins exploded onto the scene as one of the most explosive players in the SEC getting after the QB, putting up 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception. After that, the Tigers changed his role a bit, and while he still put up 5.5 sacks and three more forced fumbles, it was clear the impact was different.
The question that NFL teams will have to ask themselves is how Perkins would be utilized in their defense. When it comes to getting after the passer, he's very effective and can blitz from anywhere on the field. As a pure linebacker however, there's room to improve despite taking a step with a career-best three interceptions in 2025. At the Shrine Bowl, he'll have a great platform to display his abilities. With the Cowboys needing an improvement in their pass rush, Perkins could be a player that's specifically tasked with getting after the quarterback and can make splash plays doing so. – Tommy Yarrish
Karson Sharar – LB, Iowa
Iowa has put together a solid track record of linebacker talent at the NFL such as Jack Campbell (Lions) and Ben Niemann (Rams). Karson Sharar is hoping to become the next in line with some toughness and versatility at the second level. He played both weakside and middle linebacker during his time with the Hawkeyes, though he appears more comfortable on the weakside.
Sharar was named as an Honorable Mention linebacker All-Big Ten during his one season as a full-time starter on the Iowa defense. He led the Hawkeyes with 83 tackles along with 12 tackles for loss and four sacks this season. One of his sacks was against Heisman finalist Diego Pavia from Vanderbilt in the 34-27 ReliaQuest Bowl win.
His high football intelligence, versatility and quick recognition from the linebacker spot will be a welcome sight for multiple NFL teams. He could showcase that in the Shrine Bowl practices this week and add his name into the mix of a loaded linebacker draft class. – Kyle Youmans
Lander Barton – LB, Utah
At 6'5, 236 pounds, Barton is massive for the position and it translates in his play. In the last two seasons, he's tallied 127 total tackles, five pass breakups, 3.5 sacks and three interceptions. He's athletic for his size and has all the speed and explosiveness necessary, but will need some refinement in pursuit as he can over-pursue in some instances.
Regardless, with the Cowboys' need at the linebacker position, Barton has the skillset that could step in and help from the jump. He's an experienced player that's played a lot of snaps at a physical program in Utah. You certainly scout the player and not the helmet, but he comes from a great coaching background for defensive players. – Tommy Yarrish
