Dallas Cowboys 2017 NFL Draft: Adding Cornerback Depth

The Dallas Cowboys will need to add some depth at the cornerback position during the upcoming NFL Draft. Here are some possibilities.

The Dallas Cowboys are currently sorting out their roster as free agency has definitely shaken up this franchise. The loss of starting safety and defensive captain, Barry Church looms large over the secondary. That along with the expected departure of both starting cornerbacks Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne makes the Cowboys defensive secondary a primary need in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Although Dallas did sign veteran cornerback Nolan Carroll in free agency recently, the Cowboys should be looking to add some depth to their defensive backfield during the draft as well. And the good news is this class is seemingly loaded with talented cornerbacks.

The player that instantly jumps out is Connecticut’s Obi Melifonwu. He is a safety with stand out combine stats and ties to a safety already on the Cowboys roster, Dallas’ first round pick in 2015 Byron Jones. While Melifonwu would be an incredible addition to this secondary, he is likely to be selected towards the end of the first round/beginning of the second.

With Dallas holding the 28th overall pick, the team will likely focus on grabbing the last impact pass rusher available. That is unless there is a defensive back that they love still on the board. That is why it will be interesting to see what they will do if Washington’s Sidney Jones is still on the board during their second round selection.

More from The Landry Hat

Jones suffered a torn Achilles during Washington’s pro day. His draft stock should take a major hit but he is still widely regarded as the best overall cornerback in the 2017 draft class. Jones could be available while the Cowboys are on the clock and the team could spring to add him just as they have with linebacker Jaylon Smith.

Dallas could take a flier on a smaller school player in the third or fourth round. Minnesota cornerback Jalen Myrick had an excellent showing at the combine, he recorded a 4.28 forty yard dash time and at 5’10, 200 pounds, he is a solid option as a reliable outside cornerback late in the draft.

Another player that fits this mold is UCF’s Shaquill Griffin who is another big bodied cornerback who ran an impressive 4.38 forty. He also recorded a 38.5 inch vertical and is the type of physical corner Dallas could use. Griffin currently is projected to go in the fifth round so if the Cowboys could land him he should be able to contribute right away.

The last two corners that are within the Cowboys range are Florida’s Teez Tabor and Clemson’s Cordrea Tankersley. Both of these players are either 6’0 or taller and are projected to be selected towards the end of the first round/second round.

Both players would make excellent replacements for the departing Brandon Carr. Tabor is the more physical of the two however he struggles defending against players with immense speed. Tankersley is rough around the edges but could become an elite player if given the time.

Next: Ranking every top-10 pick in Dallas Cowboys’ history

The Dallas Cowboys choice may be made for them as the team will see how the draft falls and look to select the best player available.

Home/Cowboys Draft