Dallas Cowboys Draft: Five Second Round Options at Cornerback

We’ve spoken incessantly about the Dallas Cowboys drafting a cornerback in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. First, we debated Caleb Farley vs Patrick Surtain II. Then we debated trading down a bit and picking from guys like Greg Newsome, Eric Stokes, and Jaycee Horn. Then we readjusted after the Pro Days and started looking at Horn and Surtain at 10.

It’s been a wild ride that shows no sign of slowing down because today the Kyle Pitts train threatens to derail the entire debate. If the Dallas Cowboys grab an offensive skill player at10, can they kick the can on their CB needs into the second round?

Today we look at what kind of cornerback options will be available to the Dallas Cowboys in Round 2.

Say the Dallas Cowboys draft something other than cornerback in Round 1. That can be offensive tackle, pass-catcher, or even, God-forbid, linebacker (I just threw up in my mouth). Then what?

With a massive vacancy at CB2, the Dallas Cowboys have to find a suitable player early in the draft. They need someone who can step into the starting role on Day 1 and be relied on. Unless you want to move Anthony Brown or Jourdan Lewis outside permanently, there are just no other suitable options available on the roster.

So we look to Round 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft. Who can the Dallas Cowboys expect to have in the mix at Pick 44? Between Dane Brugler’s report and the Draft Network’s we can get a pretty good idea. But first, let’s look at players who should be gone.

CBs sure to be gone before 44: Patrick Surtain, Jaycee Horn, Greg Newsome

CBs probably gone before 44: Caleb Farley, Eric Stokes

Dallas Cowboys CB possibility No. 1

Kelvin Joseph

Kentucky

Kelvin Joseph isn’t just one of the best CBs in this draft, but he’s a top-2 cornerback on some draft boards. The 5-foot-11 outside cornerback from Kentucky is 197lbs with 32-inch arms. He’s long and physical and able to match-up with a variety of receivers all over the field.

His 4.34 speed is elite and he shows the ability to recover and track the ball in the air. His four interceptions in nine games this season is proof of his ball skills. He’s a good tackler who can be left alone on his side of the field in both coverage and in run-support.  True CB1 traits.

Like Jaycee Horn, he’s physical to the point he’s going to draw flags. He’s not always sound in technique and can get grabby if he finds himself out of position. Part of this is fixable in practice but a lot is just discipline and maintaining concentration.

There are also some character red flags Dane Brugler mentioned.  Former coaches have said some unflattering things about him and he’s been suspended for violating team rules. He also has second career as a music artist which divides his time and attention (not always a bad thing but worth mentioning).

Skill alone makes him a great bargain in the second round but he comes with some risk and that’s why we think he could be here at 44.  Personally, I like the kid and think he’d be a great pick but it’s going to come down to his personality and how it potentially matches with the coaching staff.