Dallas, TX
Cowboys Visit Hints at Potential Unexpected Day 2 Target in 2026 Draft
We have heard a lot about the Dallas Cowboys meeting with edge rushers, linebackers and cornerbacks over the course of the pre-draft process, but offensive linemen meetings have been at a minimum.
In fact, according to our most recent Cowboys visits tracker, Dallas had only met with one offensive lineman, James Brockermeyer out of Miami, before Tuesday.
But we can now add another offensive lineman visit to the mix, as NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports that the Cowboys are one of about six teams to host Iowa guard Beau Stephens on a visit. He goes on to add that Beau could be a Day 2 pick.
“Iowa G Beau Stephens had visits with the Cowboys, Seahawks and Falcons, and among a tour of a half dozen teams ahead of next week’s NFL Draft. A potential Day 2 pick, Stephens was a first-team AP All-America selection this past season,” Garafolo reported on Tuesday.
An unexpected pick
This pick would be unexpected for a few reasons.
For starters, the Cowboys have a slew of needs on defense and very little Day 2 draft capital. In fact, the Cowboys have just one pick, which falls late in the third round.
Another reason this pick would be unexpected is because the Cowboys figure to have their guard situation locked in with Tyler Booker and Tyler Smith. Sure, it’s possible Smith moves to left tackle, but he made it quite clear he doesn’t want to.
“I mean, bro, like, I’m an All-Pro guard,” Smith said. “You feel me? That’s the simple truth, just looking at stuff purely off of facts. So we’ll see what happens. We’ll have those conversations and kind of see where everybody is at.”
If anything, the Cowboys should be exploring their options at left tackle, where Tyler Guyton has struggled over two seasons. That said, we’d expect Guyton to get another year to figure things out.
Now, if the Cowboys go against Smith’s wishes and put him on the left side, anyway, then exploring options at guard make more sense, as T.J. Bass would be in line to replace Smith.
Beau Stephens scouting report
Stephens graded out as an elite pass-blocking and run-blocking guard last season. According to Pro Football Focus, Stephens posted an 85.1 as a run-blocker and 92.5 in pass protection, ranking fifth and first in those categories, respectively.
The concerns over Stephens have to do with his short arms, which are lacking even for a guard, and his lack of athleticism. Next Gen Stats ranked him 19th in Athleticism Score among guards at the combine.
For Stephens, finding the right fit will be everything at the next level. When it comes to the Cowboys, he’s a good fit because Dallas utilizes inside/outside zone, where Stephens excels.
— Sign up for the Cowboys Daily Digest newsletter for more free coverage from Dallas Cowboys on SI —
Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow
Dallas, TX
Fatal crash on LBJ Freeway in Dallas leaves 1 dead, multiple people hospitalized, police say
One person has died and several others are injured after a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 635 in Dallas on Saturday.
Police were called to the 11100 block of westbound LBJ Freeway just before 6:30 p.m. for a major accident. Investigators discovered that a blue sedan heading west on I-635 moved to exit from the second from the left lane. It first hit the concrete barrier and traffic attenuator, or crash cushion. The sedan was then hit by a white pickup truck and a semi truck, police said. The sedan then caught on fire.
One passenger in the blue sedan died on the scene and another was ejected. The driver of the sedan and the ejected passenger were both taken to the hospital in critical condition.
The driver and two passengers in the pickup truck were also taken to the hospital. Their conditions are unknown.
Dallas police said the investigation is ongoing.
The family of 38‑year‑old Marisol Perez and her 18‑month‑old son, Erik Jr., is sharing their grief after the two were killed in Thursday’s apartment explosion and fire in Dallas’ Oak Cliff.
The blast at the Clyde Apartments also claimed the life of community activist and Democratic Party precinct chair Sylvia Collins. Five others were injured.
Marisol’s sisters describe her as a devoted mother and a deeply loving person.
“She was a dedicated mom and a good person… she had a good heart and wonderful intentions,” said Maria Lopez, Marisol’s sister.
Family members rushed to the scene after receiving a call from police, hoping Marisol and her children had made it out safely.
“They told me they couldn’t find my sister and her baby. It was devastating,” Lopez said.
Daughter rescued from rubble
Marisol’s 9‑year‑old daughter, Vanessa, was pulled from the rubble by a good Samaritan moments after the explosion. She turns 10 on Monday.
“We don’t have any words to thank him. We are so grateful,” Lopez said.
“He risked his life. Anything could have happened when he ran across the street to get her,” said sister Nora Carmona.
A close-knit family grieving
Marisol was one of four sisters, all of whom said they shared a tight bond.
“We called her Mari… or güera,” Lopez said.
“Every special occasion, she wanted me to do her makeup and hair. We’d laugh and bond. I miss it so much,” said sister Rosalinda Martinez.
The family says they are now focused on supporting Marisol’s husband, who was at work when the explosion happened.
“He wants justice. He knows this was not just a tragic accident. There have to be answers,” Carmona said.
Vigil planned for Sunday
The family is inviting the public to a vigil in honor of Marisol and Erik Jr. The event is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Sunday.
A GoFundMe has also been created to help with funeral expenses.
H-E-B is one step closer to opening its first location in the city of Dallas.
The grocery chain filed a construction permit for the store at 635 and Hillcrest Road on Wednesday.
According to the permit, construction is set to begin in March 2027. The store is projected to open in September 2028.
When plans for the location were first announced last year, some neighbors raised concerns about the development. Those concerns included increased traffic, noise pollution and crime.
A primary concern is congestion in an already high-traffic area. H-E-B says it plans to add turn lanes and make other upgrades to ease congestion, but neighbors still have concerns.
When the zoning request was still being considered in December 2025, some drew comparisons between the abundance of grocery stores in northern Dallas to the long fight to bring more grocers to food deserts in southern Dallas. The rezoning request passed 14-1.
In a statement, H-E-B wrote: “We appreciate the thoughtful consideration from city officials, staff, and community members throughout this process. We are committed to serving Texans and look forward to bringing our first H-E-B store to the city of Dallas.”
Benjamin Scott, Group Vice President of Real Estate and Shopping Center Development for H-E-B said the new store will bring 800 new jobs and an estimated $24 million in tax revenue to Dallas over the next five years.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.
-
Washington2 minutes agoSelesnick, Azorius Momo, Wins Washington DC Regional Championship
-
Wisconsin7 minutes agoTwo critically injured in motorcycle crash near Illinois-Wisconsin state line: officials
-
West Virginia14 minutes agoWest Virginia Rallies in the Ninth to Upend Kentucky
-
Wyoming17 minutes agoYour Wyoming Sunrise: Monday, June 1, 2026
-
Crypto22 minutes agoFed Gov. Waller Champions Stablecoins and Dismisses CBDCs | PYMNTS.com
-
Finance29 minutes agoCrypto’s 24/7 Derivatives Era Is Forcing Traditional Finance To Adapt
-
Fitness32 minutes agoHybrid training: is this the secret to getting fitter and stronger?
-
Movie Reviews44 minutes agoMovie Review: Beware the “Backrooms” of Your Worst Nightmares
