The Dallas Cowboys made it a mission to invest in the defensive side of the ball in the 2021 NFL Draft. After snagging All-Pro Micah Parsons, the Cowboys took cornerback Kelvin Joseph in the second round. 

Joseph was seen as the future CB2 opposite Trevon Diggs in Dallas. Unfortunately, off-the-field issues and the lack of elevating his game have reduced Joseph to more of special teams player than a cornerback during his time in Dallas (logged 459 special teams snaps, 330 on defense).

So, that makes the 2023 season the most crucial of Joseph's career so far, and from what Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said earlier this week, he's flourished, but from a different spot than normal. 

“I think this is the best stretch for Kelvin that he's had since he’s been here," McCarthy said. "I think it's the opportunity at nickel. You can see his heighten awareness. I think where he's at in his development- there's nothing he can't do physically.

"But now, having an understanding of going in and playing nickel, what I like about it I think it's clear it made him better outside. He's seeing how it fits together, it helps with the instincts and the concept understanding. You can see his instincts in the vision defense. I think he's having a really good offseason."

With a cornerback room that already has All-Pro Trevon Diggs, five-time Pro Bowler Stephon Gilmore, a rising star in DaRon Bland, and Jourdan Lewis, getting Joseph to reach another level gives the Cowboys depth and versatility at the position.

Lewis is in the last year of his contract and Gilmore will be an unrestricted free agent in 2024 himself. So, with Joseph taking strides, the Cowboys will still have three cornerbacks that are capable of getting the job done if they don't return, that is if he continues his ascension of course.

Joseph mentioned recently that he hasn't played nickel corner since his high school days. However, his gratitude for getting a chance to show what he can do there is clear to see.

“Having this opportunity to play nickel, it means a lot to me,” said Joseph last month, via the Dallas Morning News. “It’s a big chance for me and an advantage because of my capabilities and what I’m able to do. I’m just going to show the coach that I’m available, and he can rely on me to play the position whenever he needs me to. … I’m going to take the position that I’m in and make the best of it.”

Joseph hasn't just stopped at nickel corner, though. He's also worked with the safety group during OTAs.

Kelvin Joseph spent much of practice working with the safety group. pic.twitter.com/QW7bpvmP92

— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) May 25, 2023

From the people in the building to the fan base, everyone hopes Joseph can start reaching the big ceiling he had when he first came to the Cowboys. 

Feature image via Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio / USA TODAY NETWORK