Inside The War Room With Executive VP Of Player Personnel Will McClay | Doin’ Alright

Episode 206: In a rare, wide-ranging interview on the Doin’ Alright podcast, Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Will McClay steps out from behind the scenes to break down how the franchise builds and sustains its roster. McClay offers an insider's view into the team's scouting philosophy, explaining why he consistently bets on a prospect's ceiling over their floor and how the front office adapts when new coaches—like Defensive Coordinator Christian Parker—bring fresh scheme demands to the table. From navigating high-stakes contract dynamics and evaluating past draft misses to acting as the "grocer buying ingredients for the chefs," McClay sheds light on the delicate balance of communication, trust, and business strategy required in an NFL war room. Beyond front-office mechanics, McClay tackles pressing roster topics, including the evolution of the running back room, position shifts like DeMarvion Overshown’s move at linebacker, and the rising league-wide value of interior linemen. He candidly addresses the challenges of scouting small-school talent, the role of modern data in spotting evaluation blind spots, and the pressure of drafting in today's rapid-fire league. Capping off the discussion with deep praise for Dak Prescott, McClay highlights the unique mental toughness required to be the face of the Cowboys franchise, delivering an insightful masterclass in modern football operations and team building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.