The Dallas Cowboys have turned over a new leaf by hiring Philadelphia Eagles defensive backs coach Christian Parker as their defensive coordinator.
Just 34 years old, Parker has enjoyed a meteoric rise since breaking into the NFL in 2019, and he'll now be tasked with fixing a Cowboys defense that allowed points at a historic rate this season.
By hiring Parker, the Cowboys didn't just add a respected young coach who excels in the instructing aspect of the job and commanding buy-in from players. They are embracing a complete philosophical deviation from past defensive play-callers.
Now the question becomes how Parker builds his scheme around Dallas’ foundational pieces. The NFL Draft should provide a clear answer, and while Parker doesn’t have a drafting history to draw from, the early blueprint feels like a no-brainer.
Cowboys could draft two DBs in first round of NFL Draft after Christian Parker hire
While pass rusher might be the Cowboys' biggest need on defense, it's not out of the realm of possibility that they double-dip at secondary in round one.
The dream is Ohio State's do-it-all safety Caleb Downs falling to No. 12 overall. Downs can play all over the secondary, and he's arguably the best player in the class regardless of position. The Cowboys should run the pick to the podium if he falls to them.
If they can get Downs at 12 and grab the best pass rusher available at No. 20, Cowboys fans wouldn't be able to contain their excitement.
However, the Eagles drafted cornerbacks with their first two picks in 2024 with Parker. They snagged Toledo star Quinyon Mitchell at pick No. 22 before trading up for Iowa's Cooper DeJean at the top of the second round. Mitchell and DeJean were first-team All-Pros this season.
READ MORE: Cooper DeJean's gut-punch reaction to Cowboys' Christian Parker hire says it all
Would it be that surprising if the Cowboys did the same with their first two picks now that Parker is in charge? Maybe not.
If Dallas decides to double dip at cornerback (assuming Downs isn't available), they could take Tennessee's Jermod McCoy or LSU's Mansoor Delane at No. 12, and corral Clemson standout Avieon Terrell at No. 20.
A Downs-Delane pairing would get the juices flowing, but what would it mean for the pass rush? What about linebacker? It all depends on what the front office accomplishes in free agency.
The Cowboys will return two potential starting CBs in DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel. Taking two corners in Round 1 might not be the best use of resources, but the defensive backfield feels like a safe bet to be emphasized with the No. 12 pick.