6 Cowboys Already on Thin Ice in Training Camp

3. Nahshon Wright, Cornerback

The Cowboys have been good for the most part in the NFL Draft but when they reach for a player, they really reach.

That was the case in 2017 when they took Taco Charlton in the first round despite T.J. Watt being on the board. Former defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli was adamant Charlton was the better fit in their scheme — although he should have known a scheme that couldn't find a spot for a gifted pass rusher is a problem.

They again reached in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft for Trysten Hill thanks to Marinelli.

We can't blame all the reaches on Marinelli, however, since it still happened after his departure. Take 2021 for instance when Dallas used the 99th overall selection on Oregon State's Nahshon Wright. Thankfully it wasn't a Day 1 selection but they still used a top-100 pick on a guy who was projected in the fifth round — or later.

Wright had a strong believer in Dan Quinn, who was enamored with his 6-foot-4 frame. Unfortunately, the cornerback never truly developed and saw his usage in the base defense drop to just seven percent in 2023. After the first couple of practices this year, he's in danger of not making the team.

The fourth-year defensive back was struggling in coverage throughout the first couple of practices, and it wasn't a household name beating him either.

Tyron Billy-Johnson had his way with Wright on an out pattern at one point and a crossing route later.

He even beat Wright on a deep pass from Dak Prescott. All of these plays were huge for Billy-Johnson but could be detrimental for Wright.