The Dallas Cowboys tried everything in their power to make former Oregon State cornerback Nahshon Wright a player who could occupy a starting role on their defense, but they eventually gave up on their developmental plan and traded him to the Minnesota Vikings.
After a disappointing season with Minnesota, Wright was cut. It seems like it took the Vikings one year to find out the same thing Dallas did in three. For all of Wright's physical talent, he seems to be missing one factor that can help set him apart when compared to the rest of the league.
Wright was somehow thrown a lifeline by yet another NFC team, as the Chicago Bears signed him immediately after the Vikings cut him loose. When looking at the Bears' new defensive coaching staff, their interest in Wright suddenly makes a ton of sense.
Al Harris, who was one of Dallas' top defensive assistants under Mike McCarthy over the last few years, latched on with the Bears as defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator under Ben Johnson. Harris is seemingly taking on Wright as a personal reclamation project.
Former Cowboys CB Nahshon Wright signs on with Al Harris, Bears
Wright was an unusual NFL Draft prospect, as his 6-4 body was counteracted by a skinny frame at under 200 pounds. Despite being picked earlier than most expected, it became clear early on that Wright didn't have the skills needed to evolve into a solid starting cornerback.
In three seasons with Dallas, Wright would start just three games, break up just five passes, and haul in just one interception. His Pro Football Focus grade was never above 60.1 in his three seasons with the Cowboys, which is a sign he never managed to put it all together.
The Cowboys and Vikings agreed to trade underperforming young cornerbacks last offseason, with Wright heading up north and Andrew Booth Jr. coming to Dallas. While Booth is still technically on the Cowboys, he hasn't put together many great plays on the field that fans will be excited about.
Harris is taking a bit of a risk here, as Wright never managed to take that step forward despite three years of tutoring from the former Pro Bowl corner in Dallas. If Wright doesn't last in Chicago, it might be tough for him to find another team that is going to be willing to take a chance on him.
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