With just over a week to go before training camp begins in Oxnard, there’s a lot of talk about the Cowboys’ defensive backs. After all, there are some elements that are standing out, but there are others that certainly haven’t been able to step up. Now, things get more interesting when a rookie could have greater relevance for what will be the 2023 campaign.
When we refer to this topic, we must directly mention Kelvin Joseph and Nahshon Wright. Both elements would be second and third round picks respectively for the 2021 Draft. And now that they are going to start their third season as professionals, there has not been a great impact on the part of both to stay with a fixed position in terms of cornerbacks it means. In fact, last season DaRon Bland (who was a rookie at the time) left a better impression than Joseph and Wright.
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¡Daron Bland! ????#NFLxFOX pic.twitter.com/b76uuztEG4
— FOX Impacto NFL (@FOXImpactoNFL) October 2, 2022
What’s more, Israel Mukuamu himself left better impressions in 2022 despite being from the same group as Kelvin and Nahshon. On an interesting note, Israel is a sixth-round pick and would come into the organization as a safety. Now he sees himself in the role that could be more relevant as CB in 2023.
As if that were not enough, we must also talk about the arrival of Stephon Gilmore and the return of Jourdan Lewis. And last but not least, the fact that Trevon Diggs is a starter and will be in the contract year. All these details suggest that the cornerback corps is full and we are not only talking about the defensive aspect. Likewise, we must reserve a place for CJ Goodwin and keep his work on special teams.
In addition, when it comes to the rookie who could surpass Joseph and Wright, it’s Eric Scott Jr. Who has left quite an impression in OAs and minicamp. Even doing repetitions with the first team, which has caught the attention of the cowboy coaching staff.
In the production aspect they have to lose, especially Kelvin Joseph. Following Anthony Brown’s injury in week 13 of 2022 against the Colts, Kelvin started. Two weeks later against the Jaguars, Joseph was a total disappointment. He allowing two touchdowns on coverage failures to Zay Jones. Where quarterback Trevor Lawrence did what he wanted and would eventually turn the score around. Before the game ended, Joseph ended up on the bench and the rest had to do his job. Among them Nahshon Wright himself, Israel Mukuamu and DaRon Bland.
.@TrevorLawrencee 59-yard TOUCHDOWN strike to @ZayJones11
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????: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/rZZZ8aG10V pic.twitter.com/DAb2IoHs0O— NFL (@NFL) December 18, 2022
Without a doubt, both Kelvin and Wright are depending on themselves to stay with the organization. Since here we are not only talking about performance, but also about the economic aspect. Both cornerbacks would be receiving 3.4 million dollars for this season. While it’s not a huge number, the franchise could save a bit and still contribute to its salary cap by releasing both players.
Of course, this conversation would not take place without other elements above them. Bland has already proven his worth, Mukuamu has versatility, and Scott Jr. is turning heads. Likewise, we have the almost certain extension to Trevon Diggs. Which is going to be a big expense for the lone star team. And waiting for what the latter can demonstrate with Stephon Gilmore in the regular season.
As you can see, there are a lot of reasons involved to come to this conclusion. In Dallas there are a total of ten cornerbacks in the locker room. And we must add Israel Mukuamu who appears on the list as deep. Therefore, the competition will be tough and there are plenty of permanent positions.
Either way, hopefully Joseph and Wright can at least show off their skills in camp and preseason. In the event of being left out of the final roster, there could be the possibility of having them on the practice squad. However, given his status in the Draft, it’s almost certain that other organizations in the NFL would seek his services. It may be the last months of both in the franchise. But already in this case, we must wait for the final decision of the coaching staff.
2023-07-18 23:14:53
#Kelvin #Joseph #Nahshon #Wright #bested
