At the Senior Bowl, what do the Cowboys look for? This is what Will McClay said.

The Senior Bowl is one of the most anticipated events in the NFL draft process, where college football’s top prospects showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and front office personnel. For the Dallas Cowboys, the Senior Bowl is not just a week of evaluating talent; it is a critical part of their process for identifying potential future stars. Under the guidance of Will McClay, the Cowboys’ Vice President of Player Personnel, the team approaches the Senior Bowl with a distinct focus, carefully evaluating players who could fit into their system and help propel the team toward a championship.

Will McClay has earned a reputation for his sharp eye for talent, and under his leadership, the Cowboys have consistently been able to draft and develop high-impact players, even in the later rounds. McClay’s philosophy centers on the idea that the Senior Bowl provides an opportunity to identify “football players”—individuals who display the intangibles that make them stand out, such as work ethic, leadership, intelligence, and resilience.

In this article, we will explore the Cowboys’ approach to the Senior Bowl, including the traits they look for in prospects, how McClay and his scouting team evaluate players, and what this event means for the team’s broader strategy. We will also take a closer look at McClay’s thoughts on the draft process and how the Senior Bowl fits into the Cowboys’ philosophy as they prepare for the 2024 NFL Draft.

1. The Senior Bowl: A Crucial Stop for NFL Teams

For NFL teams, the Senior Bowl is an invaluable opportunity to evaluate college players in a controlled environment, watching them practice, compete in game situations, and interact with coaches and teammates. Unlike a typical college football game, the Senior Bowl allows NFL scouts to see how prospects adjust to a professional-style coaching environment, giving them a sense of how these players might adapt to the next level.

For the Dallas Cowboys, who have made significant strides in the draft under Will McClay’s leadership, the Senior Bowl is a crucial event in their draft preparation. The week provides a chance to observe players who might not have faced NFL-caliber competition during the regular season, allowing the Cowboys’ scouting team to assess raw potential and how players measure up to top competition.

In addition to physical talent, the Senior Bowl offers an opportunity to evaluate a player’s mental toughness and football IQ. Coaches and scouts are able to observe how players respond to coaching, how quickly they learn and adjust to new schemes, and how they handle the high-pressure environment of a nationally televised game.

McClay and his team view this event as a chance to dig deeper into a prospect’s character and mindset. They look for players who demonstrate leadership, work ethic, and coachable attitudes—attributes that are often just as important as physical traits when it comes to succeeding in the NFL.

2. What Will McClay Looks for at the Senior Bowl

Will McClay’s philosophy is grounded in the understanding that the NFL Draft is about more than just talent. While physical attributes are undoubtedly important, McClay prioritizes the intangibles that define great players. During the Senior Bowl, McClay focuses on several key aspects of each prospect’s profile. Below are some of the most important traits McClay looks for when evaluating players at the Senior Bowl:

Football IQ and Mental Toughness

McClay has often stated that one of the first things he looks for in a prospect is football intelligence. He believes that a player’s ability to understand the game, make adjustments, and grasp complex schemes is crucial to long-term success in the NFL. The Senior Bowl provides a perfect opportunity to observe how players think and process information in real-time.

One of the biggest tests of a player’s football IQ during the Senior Bowl is how quickly they can pick up the coaching staff’s scheme and implement it on the field. A player who can absorb new information and execute it effectively is a sign of a high football IQ, which McClay values immensely.

Similarly, mental toughness is something McClay looks for when evaluating players at the Senior Bowl. The intensity of the practices, combined with the national spotlight, can expose whether a player is able to handle adversity, deal with frustration, and continue to perform at a high level despite challenges.

Position-Specific Traits

Each position on the field has unique characteristics, and the Cowboys, under McClay’s leadership, are extremely focused on evaluating position-specific traits during the Senior Bowl. For example:

• Quarterbacks: McClay and his team are looking for quarterbacks who demonstrate leadership, poise, and the ability to read defenses and make quick decisions. For McClay, the mental aspect of playing quarterback is just as important as arm strength or mobility. During the Senior Bowl, McClay will be closely watching how quarterbacks handle pressure situations and their ability to execute at a high level.
• Offensive and Defensive Linemen: The trenches are where games are often won and lost, and McClay places significant emphasis on evaluating strength, hand technique, and football intelligence when it comes to offensive and defensive linemen. During the Senior Bowl, McClay pays particular attention to how linemen handle different pass rush moves, how they block in space, and how they anchor in the running game.
• Wide Receivers and Defensive Backs: McClay also keeps a close eye on the ability of wide receivers and defensive backs to create separation, react to changing situations, and maintain discipline in coverage. He looks for agility, route-running precision, and the ability to make adjustments on the fly. The Senior Bowl’s one-on-one drills give McClay a unique opportunity to evaluate these skills in an environment that mimics NFL-style competition.
• Linebackers: For linebackers, McClay is focused on how players read plays, react to the ball, and tackle in space. He values linebackers who have a strong understanding of their responsibilities and can execute in both the passing and running games.

Character and Leadership

Character is one of the most critical components McClay evaluates during the Senior Bowl process. He has stated that when evaluating players, he doesn’t just look at how they perform on the field, but also how they conduct themselves off the field. Leadership, work ethic, and integrity are essential qualities McClay values when deciding which players are a good fit for the Cowboys.

The Senior Bowl is an excellent opportunity for McClay and his team to assess a player’s character. The event’s environment allows scouts to observe how players interact with coaches and teammates, how they handle coaching critiques, and how they respond to adversity. McClay is especially attuned to how players carry themselves during tough moments, such as when things aren’t going well in practice or the team is behind in the game.

McClay has consistently emphasized the importance of selecting players who will fit into the Cowboys’ culture, which prioritizes team-first attitudes, accountability, and a high level of dedication to the game. These qualities are not just desirable but necessary for the success of any player on the Cowboys’ roster.

3. The Senior Bowl and the Cowboys’ Draft Strategy

For the Dallas Cowboys, the Senior Bowl is one of the first steps in the draft process. While McClay and his team spend months analyzing tape, attending pro days, and conducting interviews, the Senior Bowl provides an opportunity for hands-on evaluation of prospects who might not have faced top-tier competition throughout their college careers.

McClay is known for his ability to identify underrated talent and find hidden gems in the draft, particularly in later rounds. He views the Senior Bowl as a place to identify players who may not have been on the Cowboys’ radar but could fit into the team’s needs and culture.

In past years, the Cowboys have used the Senior Bowl as a springboard to draft players who have gone on to become major contributors. For example, McClay’s keen eye for talent helped the Cowboys select players like Trevon Diggs and Micah Parsons, both of whom were impactful players from day one.

In 2024, the Cowboys’ needs are varied, and the Senior Bowl could be the perfect place for McClay and his scouting team to identify players who fit those needs, whether that’s another pass rusher, a versatile offensive lineman, or a dynamic wide receiver. McClay is always looking for players who can come in and contribute immediately, but he’s also searching for players who can develop into future stars under the Cowboys’ coaching staff.

4. Will McClay’s Role and the Importance of the Senior Bowl for the Cowboys

Will McClay has built a reputation as one of the most respected evaluators of talent in the NFL. His ability to assess prospects and align them with the Cowboys’ system has played a significant role in the team’s sustained success in the draft. While head coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Jerry Jones provide oversight and direction, McClay’s role is critical in identifying the players who will shape the Cowboys’ future.

The Senior Bowl is one of the many events McClay uses to fine-tune his evaluations, and he places immense importance on it as part of the Cowboys’ draft preparation. The event allows McClay and his team to get an up-close look at how prospects perform under pressure, both physically and mentally. In an increasingly competitive NFL, it’s these kinds of evaluations that give teams like the Cowboys a competitive edge in building a championship-caliber roster.