ESPN thinks the Cowboys can fill a huge draft need with either of these two prospects
The Dallas Cowboys have a true no.1 cornerback in Trevon. Behind him is a rising star in DaRon Bland who led the Cowboys in interceptions in 2022, Izzy Mukuamu who stepped up amid injuries, and veteran Jourdan Lewis. Dallas has a solid cornerback room. But with Kelvin Joseph and Nahshon Wright still trying to burst […]
The Dallas Cowboys have a true no.1 cornerback in Trevon. Behind him is a rising star in DaRon Bland who led the Cowboys in interceptions in 2022, Izzy Mukuamu who stepped up amid injuries, and veteran Jourdan Lewis.
Dallas has a solid cornerback room. But with Kelvin Joseph and Nahshon Wright still trying to burst through to development wall, and Anthony Brown coming off of an Achilles tear plus being an unrestricted free agent, the Cowboys needs more at the cornerback position.
America's Team is lucky because the 2023 NFL draft is loaded with cornerback talent. In a recent piece from ESPN, two prospects were mentioned as potential draftees for the Cowboys.
"Defensive tackle, cornerback and safety are the thin points of the Cowboys' defense, and Dallas could also look at the offensive line on draft weekend. Corners Devon Witherspoon (Illinois) and Emmanuel Forbes (Mississippi State) are early-round prospects who fit the Cowboys' mold."
Witherspoon scouting report via Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network
"Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon is an aggressive, physical cornerback with man coverage skills and ball production, making him a mighty fine NFL draft prospect who can serve in a high-impact role. Witherspoon is very combative at the catch point and is eager to transition into a tackler’s role, offering an NFL team a viable inside or outside option at the next level."
Witherspoon was lights out in 2022. His 41 tackles were the second-most of his collegiate career and the three interceptions and 14 pass breakups logged were his best. Witherspoon was a consensus All-American, first-team All-Big Ten, a Jim Thorpe Award finalist, and the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year.
Witherspoon will likely be a top-10 pick, making him a long shot to land with the Cowboys, but stranger things have happened.
Forbes scouting report via Damian Parson of The Draft Network
"Emmanuel Forbes, a former 4-star recruit, is one of 10 children, so competition comes naturally to him. Forbes was a three-sport athlete in high school, playing baseball, basketball, and football. His ability to catch the football is impressive for a defensive back. His confidence is a result of him playing wide receiver in high school. Forbes has been a starter for the Bulldogs’ defense since his freshman season and he has developed into one of the best intercepting cornerbacks in college football."
Forbes was ultra-productive in 2022 as well. His six interceptions were tied for the second-most in the nation and were the most in man coverage. Forbes had a nose for the end zone as well, running three of them back for touchdowns. When he wasn't getting turnovers he was still effective logging 10 pass breakups.
This is a more realistic option for the Cowboys in such a deep cornerback class so Forbes should be in play when they pick at 26.
Feature image via James D. Smith via USA TODAY Sports
