The NFL Draft, AI, and the Dallas Cowboys: How AI is Used and Why Data Wins episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 25, 2026 · 15 MIN

The NFL Draft, AI, and the Dallas Cowboys: How AI is Used and Why Data Wins

from IntoTexas AI Podcast · host Shannon Belew

As the 2026 NFL Draft wraps, there’s a new voice shaping decisions inside team picks —not a scout, coach, or GM… but artificial intelligence.In this bonus episode of the IntoTexas AI podcast, Shannon Belew breaks down how the National Football League is using AI to evaluate players, simulate draft scenarios, and gain a competitive edge—and why that’s only part of the story.Because while headlines focus on AI models, the Dallas Cowboys are taking a different approach.Led by CIO Matt Messick, the organization is investing in something far less flashy—but far more important:Breaking down data silosModernizing hardware for real scouting workloadsBuilding a unified data platform to power AI at scaleThe result? A foundation that turns AI from a tool into a true decision-making advantage.This episode explores:How AI is already being used across the NFL draft processWhat experts—and team executives—are saying about its impactWhy most teams may be focusing on the wrong part of AIAnd what business leaders can learn from the Cowboys’ infrastructure-first strategyBecause in the NFL—and beyond—the future of AI isn’t about who has the best model.It’s about who builds the best foundation.

As the 2026 NFL Draft wraps, there’s a new voice shaping decisions inside team picks —not a scout, coach, or GM… but artificial intelligence.In this bonus episode of the IntoTexas AI podcast, Shannon Belew breaks down how the National Football League is using AI to evaluate players, simulate draft scenarios, and gain a competitive edge—and why that’s only part of the story.Because while headlines focus on AI models, the Dallas Cowboys are taking a different approach.Led by CIO Matt Messick, the organization is investing in something far less flashy—but far more important:Breaking down data silosModernizing hardware for real scouting workloadsBuilding a unified data platform to power AI at scaleThe result? A foundation that turns AI from a tool into a true decision-making advantage.This episode explores:How AI is already being used across the NFL draft processWhat experts—and team executives—are saying about its impactWhy most teams may be focusing on the wrong part of AIAnd what business leaders can learn from the Cowboys’ infrastructure-first strategyBecause in the NFL—and beyond—the future of AI isn’t about who has the best model.It’s about who builds the best foundation.

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The NFL Draft, AI, and the Dallas Cowboys: How AI is Used and Why Data Wins

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This episode was published on April 25, 2026.

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As the 2026 NFL Draft wraps, there’s a new voice shaping decisions inside team picks —not a scout, coach, or GM… but artificial intelligence.In this bonus episode of the IntoTexas AI podcast, Shannon Belew breaks down how the National Football...

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