Cowboys rookie is putting himself on the map (and it’s not who you think)

Even though Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland are two of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, Dallas Cowboys fans have expressed concern about the position all offseason. Most of the apprehension stemmed from Diggs returning from a torn ACL and a lack of proven depth options behind Diggs, Bland and the criminally underrated Jourdan Lewis.

The Cowboys traded away 2021 second-round pick Kelvin Joseph last August, and 2021 third-round pick Nahshon Wright has been virtually non-existent during training camp. 2023 fourth-round selection Eric Scott Jr. hasn't exactly asserted himself in Oxnard, either.

While Dallas' starting CB trio is as good as any in the league, one injury could be seriously consequential to Mike Zimmer's secondary. Or will it?

What if we told you that 2024 fifth-round pick Caelen Carson is quelling fans' concerns with each passing practice? Carson has been one of the Cowboys' standout performers since camp started. He deserves mention alongside Micah Parsons, DaRon Bland and Jalen Tolbert.

Cowboys rookie CB Caelen Carson is putting himself on the map in training camp

Carson has hauled in two interceptions and broken up another handful of passes. The rookie has displayed outstanding timing and IQ at the catch point to deflect passes. He's been particularly impressive getting his hand between a WR's grasp. That is the textbook technique to break up passes.

Clips from camp have showed Carson running receiver's routes for them. Even on plays where he looked beat, the Wake Forest product has displayed great closing speed and technique to put himself in a position to make a play on the ball as the throw arrives.

Carson's adeptness at the catch point has turned heads, but where he's also impressed is in the physicality department. Receivers love to overwhelm first-year CBs at the break point. Not only has Carson not backed down, but he's matched their physicality without drawing flags.

It's early, but the 22-year-old has checked every box thus far. Reporters on the scene have noticed some struggles from Carson in off-zone coverage. However, that is to be expected and it takes nothing away from his excellent camp.

With Wright and Scott struggling to assert themselves, Carson has a great chance of ending preseason as CB4 behind Diggs, Bland and Lewis.

Seemingly the entire Cowboys' 2024 draft class has exceeded expectations in Oxnard, but Carson has been the best of the bunch. It was only three years ago that Dallas struck gold on a fifth-round cornerback in DaRon Bland. It appears they may have found another round five gem in Carson.

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