Dallas Cowboys: 2021 Prospects to Watch
After 4 weeks of the Dallas Cowboys 2020 season, we are able to diagnose the team’s biggest flaws pretty easily. This is an early look at some prospects that could fill those needs. Caleb Farley, Cornerback, Virginia Tech The Dallas Cowboys are in dire need of a #1 Cornerback on their depth chart, and Farley […]
After 4 weeks of the Dallas Cowboys 2020 season, we are able to diagnose the team’s biggest flaws pretty easily. This is an early look at some prospects that could fill those needs.
Caleb Farley, Cornerback, Virginia Tech
The Dallas Cowboys are in dire need of a #1 Cornerback on their depth chart, and Farley (6’2”, 200 lbs) would be that.
Jourdan Lewis has improved during his time with the team, but he has no business being the top CB on a team that wants to contend now. Trevon Diggs has progressed well so far through training camp and the regular season but fits more of a CB2 role. Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, a 2nd round 2017 draft selection, will most likely be a free agent following the 2020 season.
Farley is different. Farley has all the physical tools to be a dominant outside cornerback at the next level. He was a high school quarterback, so he’s very knowledgeable on route concepts and baiting throws. The VA Tech product excels in both man and zone coverage and shows elite mirroring and tracking skills throughout his game. He is also a stud in press man coverage when he can use his physical traits to help him succeed.
With talents like Michael Thomas, Davante Adams, DeAndre Hopkins, among others all in the NFC, this is an upgrade that must happen.
Carlos Basham Jr., Defensive End, Wake Forest
As for defensive end, this position selection may surprise some people. There are some reasons it shouldn’t, though.
Firstly, Everson Griffen has not had the impact that fans and the team had hoped when they signed him this offseason. He is a free agent after this season, but even if the team brings him back, it doesn’t completely fill the hole on the depth chart.
2020 5th round pick Bradlee Anae has been solid in his limited time with Dallas. Alas, he should still be looked at as more of a rotational DL piece.
The team desperately needs another impact rusher opposite of Demarcus Lawrence, and Basham Jr. could be exactly that. Nicknamed “Boogie Basham”, Basham seems to always be creating havoc for his opponents offensive line. Boogie has had 29 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, and 14.5 sacks in his past two seasons at Wake Forest. Another plus for Basham is his impressive run defense to balance out his skillset.
Overall, Basham Jr.’s impressive ability to create consistent pressure should be on the Cowboys’ radar in April.
Carlos “Boogie” Basham eating the left tackle alive with a club-swim for a strip sack. pic.twitter.com/XW0vX1Yw0o
— Bobby Football (@RobPaulNFL)
Andre Cisco, Safety, Syracuse
You know those turnovers the Cowboys haven’t been getting in 2020?
Andre Cisco could change that in 2021 and beyond in a dime.
Cisco’s ball production is special, very special, as he always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Dallas could use that as soon as possible.
A safety room of Darian Thompson, Xavier Woods, Reggie Robinson II, and Donovan Wilson certainly doesn’t “wow” anyone. Not to mention, Woods, arguably their best safety, will be a free agent after this season. This means the depth is thin, and the talent is thinner.
Cisco would most likely step into a day one starting job. After most likely three consistently producing years at a national level at Syracuse, why not? Andre has tallied 12 interceptions between 2018 and 2019, most in the FBS. Additionally, his ball skills are something to marvel at, and he always keeps his feet moving. Both of which are signs of a technical and talented safety.
The Cowboys should target the Syracuse product in the second or third round of the draft.
As for 2020, the Cowboys must figure out the defense or Mike Nolan and some of the personnel may be the scapegoats. In the 2021 NFL Draft, Dallas must attack their biggest needs early and get some much needed help for one of the best offenses in the league.
Image via USA Today Sports
