Cowboys should target this splash-making cornerback
The Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a bind as they attempt to restock a cornerback room that has been through some stuff. With the recent departures of Trevon Diggs and Jourdan Lewis, the secondary has been without the tenacity and ball-hawking ability that was so fun to watch not so long ago.
While the team hoped that younger talents like Shavon Revel Jr. and Caelen Carson would have offered some perimeter prowess by now, the results have yet to show up, so the team must look toward the draft for a fresh face who can play with some serious attitude. Luckily, there is a certain defensive back out of the Sunshine State who might be the perfect spark plug for this transition.
CB, Keionte Scott, Miami
Height: 5’11” | Weight: 193 pounds | Speed: 4.44 forty time
Background
His path to the big stage was not exactly a straight line, but it was certainly an impressive one. He started his journey at Snow College in Utah, where he dominated the junior college ranks so thoroughly that the major programs could no longer look away. He eventually took his talents to the SEC to play for Auburn, where he became a household name for his grit and return ability. For his final act, he moved to Miami and became a centerpiece of a championship-caliber defense. The absolute crown jewel of his collegiate career came in the Cotton Bowl against Ohio State, where he sniffed out a bubble screen and housed a 72-yard interception.
Strengths
The first thing anyone notices about his game is his aggressive, fly-at-you nature that makes life miserable for everyone. He’s a super-instinctive player who is always lurking in the shadows. Whether it’s sitting back on routes or attacking at the line of scrimmage, he is a hunter. He anticipates, and then he flies. His elite closing speed enables him to chase down ball carriers across the field or jump routes. Scott is a splash play waiting to happen.
Beyond his coverage skills, his sheer versatility makes him a defensive coordinator’s favorite toy. He is equally comfortable locking down the slot as he is playing on the outside, and he is never afraid to stick his nose into the run game to deliver a hit. This physical toughness is a hallmark of his play style, as he often plays much larger than his actual frame would suggest. Whether he is blitzing off the edge or tracking a deep ball, he brings a level of intensity that is infectious for the rest of the secondary.
Weaknesses
Being in the middle of the madness comes with a few trade-offs. His size is a bit on the leaner side, which could lead to some struggles when he is matched up against the bigger NFL receivers. There are also times when his aggressive nature backfires, leading to some poor tackling technique where he tries to go for the gusto rather than safely wrapping up. Additionally, since he took the long road through the junior college system, he will be entering the league as a 25-year-old rookie. Some teams might wonder if he has already reached his peak, though his recent production suggests there is still plenty of gas left in the tank.
The Fit
In terms of how he slots into the current Cowboys plan, he fits very well with what Christian Parker wants to accomplish. Parker prioritizes defensive backs who can disguise their intentions and play with a high level of football intelligence, and this prospect has those traits in spades. His ability to play multiple roles in the secondary gives the coaching staff the freedom to get creative with their sub packages. His knack for creating turnovers would be a welcome sight for a defense that has fallen off the rails of the takeaway train.
The Final Word
Currently projected to come off the board on Day 2, he would only be a serious option if the Cowboys traded back in the draft. He would be an immediate contributor in the nickel or as a primary depth piece on the boundary, providing the team with some flexibility to maneuver other guys around. He offers the competitive fire and playmaking instincts that the defense has been lacking. If the Cowboys are looking for a battle-tested defender who can provide an instant boost to the turnover margin while playing with a massive chip on his shoulder, then he is the easy choice.
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