Dallas Cowboys Draft: Three Rounds of Defensive Back Targets
By Carl Daley
The Dallas Cowboys will be looking to add some defensive secondary help during next week’s draft. Here are some prospects they could target.
After losing three starters in their defensive secondary via free agency this offseason, the Dallas Cowboys will be looking for defensive backs during next week’s NFL Draft.
Below are some of my top picks at both the cornerback and safety positions that could potentially fall to Dallas in each of the first three rounds.
First Round Targets: Defensive Backs
Marlon Humphrey (Alabama)
If Humphrey falls to Dallas that could be huge for the Cowboys. He is one of the better cornerbacks in this draft and has the height and length to really help out the Cowboys secondary.
Humphrey struggles with route fakes and footwork but those aspects could be polished during the offseason. If the Cowboys want an elite corner this could be their best opportunity. Plenty of mock drafts have Humphrey falling into the 20’s, while I think this is unlikely if he does reach the Cowboys the team should select him.
Jabrill Peppers (Michigan)
Peppers is the splash pick of this bunch as the team currently needs a safety, badly. With Byron Jones expected to be the teams starting free safety, Peppers could make for a terrific compliment.
He hits hard but can struggle in coverage. Peppers is extremely versatile so even if he did not work out at safety he could try running back, linebacker, or kick returner. He is one of the more intriguing players later on in the first round.
Obi Melifonwu (Connecticut)
This is the safe pick among defensive backs. Melifonwu is the last safety before we see a significant drop off in talent and his combine stats are terrific. He also has chemistry with the Cowboys current safety in Jones and could immediately make a big impact thanks to their history together.
It would be somewhat disappointing when you consider the possibilities at 28 and trading back could net you the same result but I would not hate the selection. He is a talented player in coverage and could develop some lethal hands when it comes to piling up the takeaways.