FRISCO, TEXAS — One of the flashiest and most important positions in football, the Dallas Cowboys can enjoy fireworks at cornerback for the first time in a while. That doesn't mean they aren't thinking about it when fully considering the position in Dallas as the 2024 NFL Draft approaches.
In fact, Trevon Diggs' return from injury is cause for celebration, but it's unclear how long it will take for him to return to form. Free agency has drained talent from North Texas, and Stephon Gilmore remains unsigned, leaving a hole unfilled unless Dallas does so.
With the retention of big defender Jordan Lewis and the rise of Daron Brand, attention has shifted to the young players behind the top three, and this is where real consolidation is needed going forward.
In our new series, “High Low,” we'll be digging deeper into this, with each edition focusing on a different position group heading into draft week.
Odds: low
Trevon Diggs: Every time a team brings a first-team All-Pro cornerback back from injury, it's kind of a big deal. Thankfully for the Cowboys, Brand and Gilmore were able to help Dallas weather the storm of losing Diggs on the perimeter, while Jordan Lewis returned from a serious injury to serve as the cook. Diggs is looking to reach his best form as soon as possible, and the record-setting interception machine has been working hard on his recovery to accomplish that mission — since signing a multi-year contract extension. Year.
Daron Brand: As we all know, unless you live under a rock with no Wi-Fi, brands are their own recorders. In 2023, the former fifth-round pick will set a new NFL record for pick-sixes in a single season (5) and lead the league in interceptions (9), as Diggs previously accomplished. By taking the top spot, he attracted attention in just his second year. Just imagine how the Cowboys went from not having a closing boundary corner (for years) to not having a closing boundary corner either. two, heading towards 2024 is completely unrealistic. This is a testament to how good the scouting department is.
jordan lewisAlthough it's been quiet, re-signing Lewis to a new contract is one of the most important deals the Cowboys made this offseason. As previously mentioned, the veteran playmaker suffered a serious foot injury. It nearly ended his NFL career and threatened his mental health., but it was clear that he was back on the field and back to his usual dynamic ways, which included running the ball (even if it was as a running back carrying the ball). The trio of Diggs, Brand, and Lewis could be devastatingly good for the Cowboys.
Eric Scott: It's not dissimilar to the defensive end position, but it feels like Dallas is pretty much at the top of the cornerback depth chart (Stephon Gilmore's departure is still up in the air). However, depth is a serious concern due to the lack of proven talent at cornerback. Turn the fourth seat face down. This is where Scott has a great chance to emerge as the player the Cowboys traded up for on Day 3 for 2023. He's spent his first season in the league honing his skills, and he'll likely be asked to put them to full use in his next game. He will continue to play an active role as a rotational impact player behind Lewis even after this year's training camp.
Nation Wright, Josh Butler, CJ Goodwin: Despite being mostly relegated to special teams duties and despite big wins and injuries, Wright is in a contract year that puts a lot of pressure on him to make waves on this depth chart. He is certainly a quality reserve player, but now he must try to thwart Scott and earn him as much time on the field as possible to increase his value. But Butler is also on the list of guys who want to challenge right field for snaps, and while Goodwin is the resident ace on special teams, he's also returning from a torn pectoral muscle that ended the 2023 season. However, he is also known to be lurking quietly in the dark. Background as insurance for the corner back room.
So, if the Cowboys were to draft a cornerback this April, when would it be? Realistically speaking, at best he feels like he'll be moving into day 3 (if that's even the case). Failing to keep Lewis around with Gilmore's uncertain future would put them in a worse situation, which would make them a higher priority.
But they don't, so they can get a feel for things and see who fits in for them later in the draft before reacting.
