Cowboys Draft: Hernandez not visiting, but still an option
By Reid Hanson
To the heartbreak of many in Cowboys Nation, Will Hernandez is not going to be one of Dallas’ official visitors. Here’s why that’s no big deal.
Before selecting a player in the first round of the NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys make it a point to invite them down to Dallas first, to get to know them. The last time Dallas didn’t do that was in 2012, when the Cowboys selected Morris Claiborne sixth overall. Judging by how that selection worked out, it’s safe to say the Cowboys have no intention of making the same mistake anytime soon.
When news broke that UTEP guard, Will Hernandez, will not be on the official 30-player visit list, hearts broke and fans erupted.
Told UTEP G Will Hernandez is not among the Cowboys' pre-draft visitors. Things may change as they leave a few spots open but Hernandez not on the list.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) April 3, 2018
Will Hernandez, 6’3” 330lbs, has become a fan favorite this offseason. The mauler from UTEP is expected to be a plug-and-play option in the NFL. He’d be an instant upgrade and immediate success on a Dallas Cowboys offensive line that surprisingly struggled last season.
So when news broke he wouldn’t be one of Dallas’ 30 official visitors, many concluded he would no longer be considered as a realistic option.
The good news is Will Hernandez may be the exception to that rule.
The Dallas Cowboys and Will Hernandez do not have your average NCAA player/NFL team relationship. They know each other on a personal level. Not only have Dallas Cowboys scouts and coaches worked with him at the Senior Bowl, but players like La’el Collins and Tyron Smith have hung out with him in their free time.
Huge blessing being surrounded by players like this 👊🏽👊🏽 pic.twitter.com/LlSJ07Pwqt
— Will Hernandez (@willhernandez76) March 13, 2018
He’s spoken to and worked out with everyone who matters in Dallas so it’s likely Dallas knows all there is to know.
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Keep in mind, when players are invited to The Star as an official visitor, it means the Dallas Cowboys already like their film and consider them a worthy pick.
What they are trying to figure out is how smart they are and what they’re like on a personal level.
The Dallas Cowboys have seen the film. They’ve worked him out. And they’ve spoken to him personally.
Making him one of their 30 visitors would probably be a waste of a visit. They know enough to check all of the boxes already.
All historical evidence says Dallas will not be drafting a player in the first round who they haven’t had in for a visit in advance.
But all of the things that are accomplished in an official visit have already been accomplished over the past few months.
Next: Why drafting O-line makes perfect sense for the Cowboys
That’s why Will Hernandez is still an option for the Cowboys in round one and why none of us should read into this breaking news any more than we must.