Dallas Cowboys: Proof of Anthony Brown’s development
Analytics show just how much rookie cornerback Anthony Brown developed during his first season with the Dallas Cowboys.
When talking about the Dallas Cowboys 2016 draft class, the first name you are likely to hear is fourth round steal, quarterback Dak Prescott. And for obvious reasons. Or maybe it will be top selection running back Ezekiel Elliott that gets first billing.
On defense, names like linebacker Jaylon Smith, defensive tackle Maliek Collins and defensive end Charles Tapper would likely be thrown out there during a 2016 draft class conversation. But as far as defensive impact is concerned, I believe it could be the play of a sixth round selection that has changed this Dallas team more than any other individual player this offseason.
The Cowboys found themselves an absolute gem in Purdue cornerback Anthony Brown with the 189th overall pick in 2016. The 5-foot-11, 196 pound former Boilermaker stepped up last season after starting cornerback Morris Claiborne went down with injury.
The then 22-year old rookie started nine games for the Cowboys including the final five contests of the regular season. Brown recorded 55 total tackles, eight pass defends and had one interception in 2016.
Now famed analytic website Pro Football Focus has provided us with even more proof of Brown’s development during those final five games of the season. According to PFF, the Cowboys’ sixth rounder allowed the fewest yards (0.21) per coverage snap of any NFL cornerback in that five-game span!
Over the last five weeks of his rookie season, Cowboys CB Anthony Brown allowed the fewest yards per coverage snap of any NFL cornerback. pic.twitter.com/W9W0AjK88o
— PFF (@PFF) May 31, 2017
Brown’s excellent play at the end of last year allowed the Cowboys to let veteran starting cornerbacks Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne leave in free agency this offseason.
With the second-year corner likely cemented as a starter in the secondary, Dallas felt comfortable enough to overhaul the position this year. The Cowboys drafted a whopping four defensive backs in the 2017 NFL Draft.
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Although players like Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott get all the press, it’s likely the play of Anthony Brown that has allowed the most change to take place within America’s Team this offseason.