Cowboys: CB Eric Scott Jr. is showing he fits the Dan Quinn mold
The Dallas Cowboys have mastered one thing over the last decade, finding talent throughout the NFL Draft. That's thanks to the genius of Vice President of Player Personnel Will McClay, and also the trust in defensive coordinator Dan Quinn who has completely turned the Cowboys' defense around the last two seasons. Even still, when the […]
The Dallas Cowboys have mastered one thing over the last decade, finding talent throughout the NFL Draft.
That's thanks to the genius of Vice President of Player Personnel Will McClay, and also the trust in defensive coordinator Dan Quinn who has completely turned the Cowboys' defense around the last two seasons.
Even still, when the Cowboys selected cornerback Eric Scott Jr. in the sixth round out of Southern Miss, there wasn't a lot of excitement about the selection. However, Scott has proven over the last few months that it doesn't matter where you're drafted but what you do when opportunities present themselves.
The rookie sixth-round pick worked some with the first-team defense during the offseason with Trevon Diggs in and out of workouts and Nahshon Wright dealing with a minor knee issue. Scott impressed defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
"When you see a guy wanting the moment to go compete, like, you know, I'm balling my fists up and saying, 'I ain't leaving here,' that's what I'm looking for specifically for the rookies," Quinn said. "That kind of mindset and attitude is really what it takes for a young player to assert themselves into these moments because that responsibility is really to say, 'Hey, man, can we count on you when it's there?' Them learning to do that early on, that's a big deal, knowing that like the amount of work that goes into to say, 'I'm down for this challenge.' I've seen that from Eric so far." — Todd Archer, ESPN
Scott doesn't just fit the mold of what Quinn wants as far as his mentality. He's a Quinn special to the tee with his size at 6'1" and 204 pounds and his measurables with an 80-inch wingspan and a 39-inch vertical jump.
One of the big question marks was Scott's speed which was recorded at 4.71 in the 40-yard dash. However, he tweaked his quad when he ran it and he was clocked as fast as 4.42 around the time he was drafted.
Dallas has an abundance of talent at cornerback with All-Pro Trevon Diggs, five-time Pro Bowler Stephon Gilmore, DaRon Bland, Jourdan Lewis, and even Irsael Mukuamu who also plays at safety. But with Gilmore possibly being a one-year rental, and Lewis being an unrestricted free agent in 2024, the Cowboys needed another body in the room to develop and they have a moldable piece of clay in Scott.
During his time at Southern Miss, Scott registered 78 tackles, five interceptions, 12 pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, and two defensive touchdowns.
With training camping a month away, Scott will need to continue showing he's a valuable asset so that he can secure a roster spot.
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Feature image via Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
