Blogging The Boys
With the Dallas Cowboys season coming to an end, this is a good time to look at the biggest needs for Dallas and who the key prospects are in the first round the Cowboys could take with either of their Day 1 picks. In this edition we look at the edge defenders.
Bain Jr. is Miami’s built-in chaos button off the edge, playing with low pads, heavy hands, and a first step that jolts tackles before they settle, with enough size to kick inside and handle guards on passing downs.
Strengths:
He wins with leverage, torque, and a relentless motor that turns pressures into drive-killers, and he sets a sturdy edge for a guy his size.
Weaknesses:
The issues are with his arm length and wingspan, meaning longer tackles can stall him if the counter doesn’t fire fast, and he’ll occasionally overrun contain.
Summary:
Clean up the rush technique and keep better lane integrity, and you’ve got a weekly problem who can rush from multiple spots and make an impact on third down.
(Top-5 prospect)
Where Bain has issues with wingspan, Faulk does not have that problem. At 6’6” and 285 pound with a jarring long-arm, sturdy run fits, and enough quickness to push the pocket or bat throws, Faulk is an absolute menace.
Strengths:
Faulk brings prototype length and trench power. He wins first contact with a heavy long-arm and sets a firm edge without giving ground. He stacks and sheds with leverage, closes lanes with a wide wingspan, and carries inside-out versatility to line up at 4i/5/7 and push guards on stunts.
Weaknesses:
Statistically, Faulk is a tough read and you have to squint when you read his 2025 line. He finished with just 29 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and just two sacks all season. The numbers don’t match the traits. If you ask why, consistency is the biggest issue.
Summary:
With a steady motor and disciplined run fits, you get a rugged everydown end who shrinks the pocket on every play and keeps early downs on schedule.
(Top-10 prospect)
Bailey is a transfer home run. A Stanford import who’s become the Red Raiders’ primary havoc source, piling up 13.5 sacks (most in the Big 12), 18 tackles for loss (most in the Big 12), three forced fumbles, and 43 tackles in 2025 while earning unanimous All-America and Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Week honors.
Strengths:
His game is built on snap timing and real speed-to-power. The results show up weekly, PFF graded him 93.2 overall on the season, which is highest among all edge defenders, and gave him a 93.9 pass rush grade which also ranks the best. He also finished the season with a national best of 77 total pressures, so the results are real. He’s a rusher with both pedigree and form.
Weaknesses:
When beat on the first move he needs better and quicker counters, and longer linemen...
