The Dallas Cowboys aren’t being shy about one of the biggest needs on the roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season: Nickel cornerback.

And while they would be smart to address the issue in free agency, we know the front office loves to build through the Draft. With Dallas holding two first-round draft picks, I set out to learn more about potential Day 1 picks that would fill the role nicely.

But before we get into the insight brought by our own A to Z Sports’ Draft expert Rob Gregson—who pointed to a Cooper DeJean-esque prospect who is a very realistic target for Dallas—here’s what the Cowboys are saying about the position.

Cowboys see nickel as a crucial spot

Once an overlooked position, nickels are becoming one of the most important players around the league as passing schemes target the middle of the field more often. A nickel cornerback is involved in run fits, pass coverage, and often blitzes as well.

The Cowboys found out the hard way in 2025.

Earlier in the year, owner Jerry Jones admitted that losing Jourdan Lewis to the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency hurt them more than they expected.

“The nickel was a serious loss for us,” Jones said. “(Lewis) made a big difference not having him out there, so we’ve got to get better there.”

Recently, newly hired defensive coordinator Christian Parker described nickel as one of the most important roles on a defense. The Cowboys have some in-house candidates, including All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland (who recently underwent a second foot surgery in two years), who could fill the role.

However, based on their comments, Dallas may be seeking an upgrade this offseason. So I reached out to Rob Gregson for his thoughts on finding a nickelback in the first round of the NFL Draft.

NFL Draft expert’s insight on nickel targets

1. Who are two first-round prospects that you can envision playing high-end football at nickel in Day 1?

Gregson: The true first-round nickel prospects are few and far between in the 2026 class. The best option is Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State). I would be shocked if he was still on the board when Dallas makes its pick, but they would have to draft him in a New York minute.

He’s a physical presence who can run the alley and strike downhill on intermediate routes. Avieon Terrell (CB, Clemson) is an entirely different animal, however. You can tell he comes from an NFL family (younger brother of Falcons All-Pro A.J. Terrell) with his textbook footwork and smooth transitions. You can stick him on an island and watch him go to work from the slot.

2. With the rise of players like Seattle’s Nick Emmanwori, do you agree or disagree safety Caleb Downs is better suited for a nickel role in the NFL?

Gregson: Emmanwori was and is an athletic phenom. I’m not sure that Downs will be as impressive at the NFL Combine, but I know he’s the most instinctual player. He was the traffic cop for the Ohio State Buckeyes, leading that defense as a safety.

The only concern with Downs as a full-time nickel is his ability to cover slot receivers in man-to-man. However, if you can mitigate those looks and play him as more of an apex player, as the Seahawks did with Emmanwori, he will thrive.

3. Does Avieon Terrell’s size keep him from playing a similar role or is his physicality enough to make up for it?

Gregson: I actually think that because of Terrell’s size limitations, he would be better suited to play inside. You watch him come downhill on return routes or even against ball carriers, and you don’t see 5-11, 180 pounds. He has five forced fumbles in 2025 for a reason: he’s physical.

I see a lot of Avonte Maddox in his game, and I think he’s so polished that you can run Cover-1 and Cover-0 and feel good about his ability to cover the man in front of him.

4. New Cowboys DC Christian Parker coached Cooper DeJean to an All-Pro season in 2025. Is there a prospect you would comp to DeJean in any point of this draft?

Gregson: “There is honestly a lot of DeJean in Terrell’s game. He was almost my comp, but DeJean is an inch taller and probably 15-20 pounds heavier.

However, if we are talking true playstyle, I see a lot of similarities. DeJean’s ability to man pass catchers from the slot is why he’s arguably the best nickel in the NFL. He can also roam and float as a run game defender, which is a must to be a full-time nickel. Terrell needs to work on the latter portion, but his coverage skills, instincts, and technique mirror DeJean’s tools.”

Dallas Cowboys News

The Dallas Cowboys defensive coaching staff is complete, and here’s the best thing about it

The Dallas Cowboys announced their finalized coaching staff for the 2026 NFL season. Here are the main takeaways.

Mauricio Rodriguez