Cowboys draft: 3 late-round DB options the Cowboys could target if they are looking to add depth
It is not out of the question to think that the Cowboys could look to add CB depth in the draft.
The cornerback room for the Dallas Cowboys is one of the more solidified groups for the 2024 season. Two All-Pro corners in Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland on the outsides are joined by an eight-year veteran, Jourdan Lewis, in the slot to make up a very talented starting group. Behind them on the depth chart are Nahshon Wright, Israel Mukuamu, Eric Scott Jr., and Josh Butler.
The Cowboys have not yet scheduled any 30 visits with a CB, and since they have many pressing needs all over the rest of the roster, one may not expect that they would use their draft picks to add another CB. However, there are still some signs that may suggest they decide to add depth to that room on day three of the draft. As each day passes, it looks less and less likely that Stephon Gilmore will have the star on his helmet in 2024 and Diggs is returning from an injury that can take a while to bounce back from. Lewis, Wright and Mukuamu are all playing on the last year of their contracts, and the Cowboys may not want to wait until 2024 to find more options. The new DC in Dallas, Mike Zimmer, also has a rich background coaching CB’s and there may be a player in the later rounds that he would be interested in working with.
If the Cowboys decide to do something a little unexpected and allocate one of their draft picks for a CB to compete for a spot on the final roster for 2024, here are a few names that could be options for them in the later rounds of the draft.
Caelen Carson, Wake Forest
Caelen Carson was one of four CB’s to have a formal interview with the Cowboys at this year’s combine. Although he battled through a few injuries during his four seasons at Wake Forest, he totaled 120 total tackles (92 solo), 29 passed deflected and three INT’s. At 6’0” and 199 lbs, Carson is a versatile player that can play both man and zone coverage, on the outside or in the slot, and isn’t afraid to be physical and make his presence known against the run. He also has the ability to play a contributing role on special teams. With some room to improve his tackling and positioning, he has the potential to earn his chair in the CB room for the Cowboys.
Andru “Dru” Phillips, Kentucky
Andru Phillips is a 5’11”, 180 lb DB that played four years at Kentucky and in 38 games played, he had 82 total tackles (55 solo) and 10 passes deflected. As a player that is projected to get picked in the sixth or seventh round of the draft, Phillips is another versatile option with the ability to play outside or in the slot. While the Cowboys did not have a formal interview with Phillips at the combine, he did meet with the team for an informal interview. If the Cowboys do decide to draft him, look for him to make the majority of his contributions on special teams while providing depth to the CB room.
Elijah Jones, Boston College
Elijah Jones is a six-year senior coming out of Boston College and stands at 6’1 1/2” and weighs in at 185 lbs. During his time in college, he logged 156 total tackles (133 solo), one sack, two forced fumbles and seven INT’s (five of which came just last year). Jones excels in press-man coverage and has the ability to fight receivers for the ball. He was a highlight at the combine with a 4.44 40-yard dash, 42.5” vertical jump and 10’11” broad jump and Jones was another player that the Cowboys had an informal interview with. His stand out 2023 season paired with his excellent performance at the combine have many believing that he is more likely to be taken on day two of the draft. With his talents fitting Mike Zimmer’s scheme, he might be a player that they believe is worth the day two pick. Otherwise, if he is still available on day three, that would be incredible value added to the Cowboys’ secondary.
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