Dallas, TX
High 5: Rising stocks from Senior Bowl & Shrine Bowl
(Editor’s Note: Who doesn’t love lists? Throughout the year, ‘High 5’ will provide a top five list for many of the critical topics surrounding the Dallas Cowboys 2025 offseason.)
When the college football season ends, the attention immediately turns to the NFL Draft and the prospects that are available. While the regular season tape will be the most impactful to their overall draft stock, events like the Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl give a final up-close look for NFL teams to evaluate future talent.
Senior Bowl week began on Monday as players arrived in Mobile, Alabama, then continued with three practices from Tuesday to Thursday before the American and National teams faced off Saturday.
Shrine Bowl week began much closer to home as the week of practice began last Saturday at the University of North Texas in Denton and ran through Tuesday with four practice sessions at the home of the Mean Green. Then, AT&T Stadium took center stage as the East and West teams battled in Arlington.
Let’s rank the top five players that improved their draft stock from a week full of football between the Shrine Bowl and Senior Bowl, starting with the Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Jack Bech – WR (TCU) – One of the great stories of the week, Bech stood out as soon as he took the field for National Team practice on Tuesday. Just one month after his brother passed away in the deadly New Orleans attack, he honored him by winning the overall MVP award and catching the game-winning touchdown.
It wasn’t just the story that stood out, his play spoke wonders too. His six catches for 68 yards in the game included a down-field strike from quarterback Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) for 39 yards. His performance capped a dominant week of practice where he was named the top wide receiver on the national roster by his peers.
Oluwafemi Oladejo – LB (UCLA) – Among possibly the strongest position group on Senior Bowl rosters, it was a surprise to see Oladejo jump off the defensive line tape like he did. A converted middle linebacker during his time at UCLA, made the move to full-time edge at the end of his career and showcased his pass rush ability at a high level throughout the week.
Friday’s practice was dominated by Oladejo as he set the tone for the entire defensive line unit and was named the defensive line’s practice player of the week. You can read about his practice performances in our Day 3 practice notebook. Then, he followed with two sacks in the Senior Bowl
Grey Zabel – OL (North Dakota State) – Just like the defensive line, it’s hard to stand out on the offensive front as well during events like this. However, Grey Zabel appeared to be a quick riser and earned the start at guard for the National team this week. North Dakota State consistently sends players to the Senior Bowl who continue to show their ability to compete with prospects from the biggest schools in the country. Add Zabel to the list.
He started the game with a couple of tough reps against LSU’s Sai’vion Jones, but settled in and helped pave the way on the ground for Woody Marks (USC) and Ollie Gordon II (Oklahoma State). He was voted the overall practice performer of the week after dominating individual drills and leading the charge across the practices as well.
Elijah Arroyo – TE (Miami) – Entering the week, Arroyo was projected day two tight end selection. However, the Frisco, Texas native played so well in practice he may have put himself in the first-round conversation. He outperformed nearly every player at a stacked tight end position and was able to see only limited action on Saturday.
Only a few snaps on Saturday and it was still enough to make an impact as he caught a two-point conversion after his team’s opening touchdown.
Keondre Jackson – DS (Illinois State) – Finally, it wouldn’t quite be the Senior Bowl without spotlighting a ‘small-school’ performer. Jackson was the best of the bunch with a nearly perfect week, if it wasn’t for a double-pass touchdown allowed in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game.
He was also given a practice award, as the top defensive back on the National squad after votes from his wide receiver and tight end teammates. Jackson finished his final season with Illinois State with nearly 100 tackles and three interceptions as a senior.
The American team defeated the National team, 22-19 in a thrilling finish at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of South Alabama. Now, let’s look at who put together a great week with the East-West Shrine Bowl.
Jordan Phillips – IDL (Maryland) – It could be argued that no one had a more complete week than Maryland defensive tackle Jordan Phillips. The 320-pounder showed his strength and quickness off the line of scrimmage is NFL ready, dominating in both the four practice sessions and the game as well.
Phillips finished his college career without a sack, but did tally 31 run stops and 26 pressures. That production, paired with his Big Ten tape, could present one of the great run-stoppers available in this year’s NFL Draft class.
Efton Chism – WR (Eastern Washington) – Multiple wide receivers put together solid weeks of practice, but never really made an impact in the game. Guys like La’Johntay Wester (Colorado), KeAndre Lambert-Smith (Auburn), and Konata Mumpfield (Pittsburgh). That allowed one receiving prospect to stand out from the rest. Efton Chism finished as the game’s leading receiver, 4 receptions for 43 yards on four targets, including an acrobatic hurdle over a safety for a first down.
He tallied an incredible 3,840 yards and 37 touchdowns during his time with the Eagles. His wins this week happened with a quick release at the line of scrimmage and great ball tracking skills. Watch his name sneak up draft boards.
Johnny Walker – Edge (Missouri) – There are times during these all-star events where certain players jump off the screen. Walker didn’t even need the screen, you could just see the box score from Thursday’s game and see he had a good week. The Mizzou Tiger finished with two sacks and a forced fumble, pressuring the West backfield nearly once a possession.
Paired with his consistent dominance in practice, Walker put together the best week for edge rushers in the event. One scout in attendance said he may have put himself into the day two conversation with his length (33-inch arms), and explosiveness of the line of scrimmage mentioned as a plus.
Nohl Williams – CB (California) – Williams didn’t take long to show off the highly praised ball skills that he entered the week with. In the first one-on-one session in Denton, he broke up a pass against UNLV wide receiver Ricky White but struggled to keep his footing on the later reps between the two. Instead of sulking in his early struggles, he showed up early to the Sunday practice and never looked back.
He was consistent in his footwork, stayed fluid in coverage, and provided a challenge to each receiver he was paired against. All capped off by a pass breakup that nearly saw Williams tip a pass to his safety help, and college teammate Marcus Harris, for an interception in the first quarter of the game.
Chandler Martin – LB (Memphis) – Throughout the season, the Memphis Tigers were more-so known for their offensive prowess, despite the incredible production from Martin at linebacker. He finished as a first-team All-American Athletic Conference selection and the defensive MVP of the 2025 Frisco Bowl.
He stepped into Shrine Bowl week and began with an interception in coverage against Miami receiver Sam Brown on the first day. A little undersized, he’s shown an ability to tackle consistently, cover consistently, and perform against a higher level of competition like Florida State, West Virginia, and the players in the East-West Shrine Bowl. That’s a pretty good trio.
The East roster dominated the 100th East-West Shrine Bowl, winning 25-0 in the first shutout that the all-star game has seen since 1969.
Dallas, TX
Hip-hop hitmaker Cardi B coming to AAC in Dallas
Cardi B, one of hip-hop’s most outsize personalities — and one of its most reliable hitmakers — is coming to Dallas.
The New York City-born rapper broke through in 2017 with the hit single “Bodak Yellow,” launching a chart-topping run that soon included “I Like It” and the blockbuster hit “WAP.” Her Grammy-winning debut album, Invasion of Privacy, cemented her as a defining voice in contemporary rap, blending brash humor, confessional storytelling and club-ready production.
The 33-year-old’s success helped boost the profile of women in a genre long dominated by men, encouraging record labels to sign more female rappers. She has frequently teamed up with rising female artists, including GloRilla, FendiDa Rappa and “WAP” collaborator Megan Thee Stallion.
Cardi’s stop at American Airlines Center is part of the arena run supporting her second studio album, 2025’s Am I the Drama? Recent shows in the “Little Miss Drama Tour” have leaned into spectacle, with elaborate staging, surprise guest appearances and a set list that spans her entire career.
Fans can expect a high-energy performance built around booming trap beats, pop hooks and Cardi’s signature unfiltered banter — the same mix that has helped her sell out dates across the tour and turn concerts into party-like events.
DETAILS: March 7 at 7:30 p.m. at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Tickets start at $334.10, but some verified resale tickets are cheaper. ticketmaster.com.
Pop legend Diana Ross performs March 7 at the WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma.
Sarah Hepola
OTHER CONCERTS
Bluesy psychedelic rock band All Them Witches performs March 7 at House of Blues Dallas.
Travis Pinson
ALL THEM WITCHES March 7 at 8 p.m. at House of Blues Dallas. ticketmaster.com.
DIANA ROSS March 7 at 8 p.m. at WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Okla. winstar.com.
RICH BRIAN March 7 at 8 p.m. at The Bomb Factory in Deep Ellum. axs.com.
TRACE ADKINS March 7 at 10 p.m. at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. billybobstexas.com.
AFROJACK March 8 at 3 p.m. at It’ll Do Club in Deep Ellum. eventbrite.com.
LITHE March 8 at 8 p.m. at House of Blues Dallas. ticketmaster.com.
CONAN GRAY March 10 at 8 p.m. at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. ticketmaster.com.
MATISYAHU March 10 at 8 p.m. at the Granada Theater in Dallas. prekindle.com.
OUR LADY PEACE, WITH THE VERVE PIPE March 12 at 8 p.m. at Tannahill’s Tavern and Music Hall in Fort Worth. ticketmaster.com.
PAUL WALL March 12 at 9 p.m. and March 13 at 10 p.m. at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. billybobstexas.com.
Dallas, TX
GOP candidates for Texas House face off in Collin County, Park Cities, North Dallas
The fiercest legislative primary fights Tuesday in North Texas were inside the GOP.
In Dallas County, two moderate GOP incumbent representatives faced challengers after being censured by their own county party.
In Collin County, several Republican state House members were fending off rivals running to their right.
The Dallas Morning News will provide live election results this evening when the polls close at 7 p.m. Results will be updated throughout the evening for statewide races and Dallas, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall and Tarrant counties.
Dallas County, House District 108
Republican Morgan Meyer, first elected in 2014, was challenged by attorney Sanjay Narayan in a district that includes the Park Cities, Oak Lawn and Preston Hollow.
Narayan criticized Meyer for backing renewable energy expansion and for being censured by the Dallas GOP last year.
Meyer was among House Republicans targeted after disputes over the House speaker vote and chamber rules. He and other lawmakers called the censure effort unconstitutional.
In the campaign, Meyer focused on property tax relief and emergency preparedness after the Camp Mystic tragedy.
Small business owner Allison Mitchell is unopposed in the Democratic primary.
Dallas County, House District 112
Republican Angie Chen Button, who has represented the district covering parts of Dallas, Richardson and Garland since 2009, drew three primary opponents.
Button has highlighted her support for small businesses and public schools and her bipartisan record. A senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, she would play a key role in the state’s property tax debate if reelected.
Dallas-area delegation in the Texas House of Representatives on Sunday, May 30, 2021, showing State Rep. Angie Chen Button, R-Garland, in the chamber.
Bob Daemmrich / Bob Daemmrich/CapitolPressPhoto
Opponents Chad Carnahan and Tina Price attacked Button for being censured by the Dallas GOP last year, a move she and other lawmakers have criticized as an internal party power struggle.
Carnahan, a businessman, said he wants to lower property taxes and prevent Shariah in Texas.
Price said she would improve public schools and spur the re-use of old buildings. Also in the GOP race: Perry E. Barker Sr.
Democrat Zach Herbert was unopposed.
Collin County, House District 61
Two Republicans are seeking to represent the district that covers most of McKinney and parts of Frisco and Celina.
Incumbent Keresa Richardson, who was elected in 2024, and former state Rep. Frederick Frazier both support eliminating property taxes.
Richardson, an entrepreneur, said she would expand the Texas voucher-like program for education.
Frazier, a former police officer and McKinney City Council member, was more cautious about expanding the program.

Frederick Frazier speaks as Rep. Keresa Richardson looks on during a candidate forum for Republicans in Collin County ahead of the March primary election at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Anja Schlein / Special Contributor
Two political newcomers, Jackie Bescherer and Brittany Black, are running in the Democratic primary. Both oppose Texas’ voucher program and vow to increase public education funding.
Collin County, House District 67
Republican Rep. Jeff Leach, first elected in 2012, faces Matt Thorsen in a district that includes parts of Plano, Allen, McKinney and Melissa.
Leach has highlighted his conservative record, including legislation barring Shariah in Texas courts. He also served as a House impeachment manager during Attorney General Ken Paxton’s 2023 trial, a role he has defended amid backlash from activists.
Thorsen, a small business owner and former youth pastor, helped lead the effort to censure Leach last year. He has criticized Leach’s impeachment role and accused him of siding with Democrats on House rules.
Both support eliminating property taxes, expanding education savings accounts and oppose the development formerly known as EPIC City. Two Democrats are also running, though the district has leaned Republican.
Collin County, House District 70
Three Republicans are competing for the nomination to run against incumbent Democrat Mihaela Plesa, who is running unopposed in her party’s primary.
Democrat Mihaela Plesa responds to questions during a District 70 Candidate Forum hosted by Raise Your Hand Texas at Plano ISD Academy High School in Plano on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022.
Liesbeth Powers / Staff Photographer
George Flint, a former district judge and Collin County Republican Party Chair, emphasized eliminating property taxes and securing the border in his campaign.
Jack Ryan Gallagher, an attorney, said he would attract companies to North Texas, improve public schools and partner with local law enforcement if elected.
Michael Hewitt, an attorney, said he would gradually lower property taxes and work to keep Texas a business-friendly state.
The district includes parts of Plano, Richardson and Far North Dallas.
Dallas, TX
Dallas Fed says ‘older, experienced workers’ likely have less cause for concern about AI job displacement
Artificial intelligence hasn’t yet triggered the broad job losses many feared — at least not for experienced workers.
That’s the takeaway from a new analysis by J. Scott Davis, an assistant vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, who examined employment and wage trends in industries most exposed to artificial intelligence.
Davis argues the data tell a more nuanced story — one that’s challenging the traditional career ladder, and helping older employees earn a bit more.
Since ChatGPT’s debut in late 2022, overall US employment has risen about 2.5%, according to Davis’ analysis, which uses an AI exposure index developed by researchers and published in the Strategic Management Journal. At the same time, employment in the sectors most exposed to AI has slipped by roughly 1%.
Wages tell a different story. The average weekly pay nationwide has climbed 7.5% since fall 2022. And across the most AI-exposed industries, wages have grown faster, up 8.5%.
If AI were simply replacing workers, both employment and wages would likely be falling, Davis wrote.
Instead, Davis points to a divide between “codified” knowledge — the kind learned from textbooks and in university courses — and “tacit” knowledge gained from hands-on work experience.
“Returns on job experience are increasing in AI-exposed occupations,” Davis wrote. “Young workers with primarily codifiable knowledge and limited experience will likely face challenging job markets.”
Using Bureau of Labor Statistics data, his analysis found that the occupations most exposed to AI tend to offer larger pay premiums for experienced workers.
In roles with less hands-on experience, AI exposure is associated with weaker wage growth, he wrote.
Workers under 25 in AI-exposed industries have also experienced employment declines, according to Davis’ analysis.
“There appears to be less cause for concern about widespread job displacement for older, experienced workers,” he wrote.
A less dire picture… so far
The findings offer a counterpoint to the more apocalyptic predictions about AI’s impact on the labor market.
Last week, Citrini Research published a memo, written from the hypothetical perspective in 2028, that theorized how AI could crush the US jobs market and trigger a broad-based market collapse.
“What if our AI bullishness continues to be right…and what if that’s actually bearish?” the memo asked.
Top executives inside the AI companies are worried about jobs, too.
Dario Amodei, the CEO of Anthropic, the company that runs Claude, warned that AI could eliminate 50% of entry-level office jobs. OpenAI’s head of product, Olivier Godement, said the life sciences, customer service, and computer engineering industries were all about to get automated. And Boris Cherny, the creator of Claude Code, said that he doesn’t believe the job title “software engineer” will exist next year.
For now, at least, the Dallas Fed paints a different picture of today’s jobs market. It points to less mass displacement and market ruptures — and more power for employees who already have their foot in the door.
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