Dallas Cowboys Training Camp: Standouts and Roster Spots
By Reid Hanson
Oct 26, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Corey White (24) celebrates after an interception against the Green Bay Packers during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated Packers 44-23. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Cornerback (6)
Byron Jones
Morris Claiborne
Corey White
The top six CBs are unlikely to change between now and week 1 of the regular season. Brandon Carr, despite his injury, seems determined to bounce back after a truly terrible 2014 season. He’s been a strong competitor in training camp and may be able to bounce back if he can get that pass-rush he’s longed for. There’s nowhere to go but up for Brandon Carr.
Speaking of “nowhere to go but up”, but Morris Claiborne is trending up as well. Mo, the former #6 overall draft pick, is finally healthy, and more importantly – finally practicing. If Claiborne can stay healthy, he could actually develop some confidence in his game. Something he has severely lacked his entire pro career.
Orlando Scandrick is top returning CB and expects to start alongside Carr in the base 43. Scandy has started out camp a little slow and disinterested, but many are expecting him to turn up the intensity when the regular season gets closer.
When the Cowboys go to the nickel defense, Scandy will move into the middle to cover the slot, and either Claiborne or rookie Byron Jones will man the RCB spot. Even Tyler Patmon has made a case for claim to the #3 CB spot so this battle could run all the way into the regular season.
The Cowboys will be willing to go deep at CB since both Corey White and the Byron Jones will be playing some free safety in select packages. Both players are highly versatile and both players are instantly better coverage safeties (both man and zone) than J.J. Wilcox and Barry Church.
Early on, Corey White is not only playing CB and FS, but also some nickel LB. On top of that, he’s one of the best coverage players on special teams. Corey White’s signing is starting to look like a brilliant move by the Dallas Cowboys.
Next: Safeties and Special Teams