Will McClay on improving Cowboys roster, evaluating speed and toughness

Following a recent five-year contract extension, Cowboys vice president of player personnel Will McClay is evaluating Dallas' draft picks during training camp in Oxnard, California. Despite concluding the draft process, McClay emphasized the ongoing work for the scouting department, particularly after last season's injury challenges that depleted positions like defensive end and cornerback. He described his current role as "very fluid" due to camp developments and potential injuries, stressing the need for constant roster preparedness.

The Cowboys maintain a 24/7 approach to player acquisition, as demonstrated by their interest in recently released Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. Wilkins, a 2019 first-round pick who signed a $110 million deal in March 2024, was waived due to injury recovery disagreements. McClay confirmed Dallas would explore signing him, noting defensive tackle remains a position of need.

On-field training camp intensity under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer aligns with McClay's roster philosophy. Schottenheimer's "fast and furious" approach has produced highly competitive practices, including skirmishes, which McClay endorsed as essential for conditioning and adapting to NFL speed. He stated this reflects the team's core mantra: "If you want to play fast... you have to practice that way."

McClay underscored speed as football's critical success factor, citing lessons from his father about leveraging angles for advantage. He differentiated between physical speed ("the faster you can get from point A to point B") and processing speed ("if you know what you're doing... you play fast"), asserting that sustained fast, physical play imposes will on opponents. McClay concluded: "Speed kills... if you play fast, people don't want to play fast."