Sport DFW
FanSided

Dallas Cowboys: Top-5 Free Agent Cornerbacks to Target

By Reid Hanson

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 20: Trae Waynes #26 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates his fourth quarter interception with Mackensie Alexander #20 while playing the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 20, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Minnesota won the game 42-30. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 20: Trae Waynes #26 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates his fourth quarter interception with Mackensie Alexander #20 while playing the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 20, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Minnesota won the game 42-30. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
dallas cowboys
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 24: Brian Poole #34 of the New York Jets intercepts the ball and scores a third quarter touchdown as Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Oakland Raiders cannot make the tackle during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

The Dallas Cowboys pass defense didn’t make the leap many expected them to make in 2019 and are now positioned for a makeover. Here are the top fits in free agency…

It was a disappointing season all around for the Dallas Cowboys and the defensive secondary was certainly no exception. Once again, interceptions were an issue for the ball-adverse defensive backs. Dallas finished tied for last in the NFL with just 7 interceptions (updated) and may be looking for personnel capable of improving that paltry total.

With two of their top-3 cornerbacks free agents, Dallas may opt to hit free agency to reshuffle their deck. So today we look at the top-5 free agent cornerbacks for them to target in free agency.

Note: For the purposes of this exercise, we exclude Byron Jones and Anthony Brown.

Brian Poole

Age: 27

PFF Rank: 9

The most interesting man on the market this offseason is defensive back, Brian Poole. Since entering the league in 2016, Poole has spent time playing cornerback, safety, and even a little linebacker. The 5-foot-10 213 lbs DB from New York has been a chess piece of sorts and has thrived in the various roles he’s filled.

Last season, playing slot cornerback, Poole only allowed a 62.5% completion percentage when targeted (for a 6.7 yards/target). He has four interceptions and 11 pass deflections over the past two seasons and has thrived as a surprise blitzer off the edge. In 2018 and 2019, Poole blitzed a combined 54 times. He had three hurries, seven knockdowns, 13 pressures and three sacks.

Brian Poole is Pro Football Focus’ second rated slot cornerback. Grading his coverage alone, he’s the 11th rated CB overall. It’s  rare for a slot CB to score that high in coverage because slot is just inherently harder to play (There’s a reason top rated CBs like Richard Sherman refuse to ever move inside – it will make them look bad).

Brian Poole isn’t a traditional free agent option but he gives the Dallas Cowboys more versatility to play with (ala Jourdan Lewis) and won’t break the bank to sign.

Home/Dallas Cowboys