Despite the signing of free agent Brandon Carr earlier this offseason, the Dallas Cowboys are from from complete in the defensive backfield. The cornerback position truly only goes three deep at the current juncture, and none of the safeties on the roster are considered adept at guarding receivers in one-on-one situations. There is no doubt that even though the free agent moves the team has made this offseason have afforded them some flexibility; the franchise will have to select at least one corner sometime in the draft.
It doesn't have to come early, necessarily. If it does, the team would likely target Dre Kirkpatrick of Alabama or Stephon Gilmore of South Carolina (who excelled at the metrics below) with the 14th pick. There are other potential fits that fall a bit later in the draft that at least have the measurables to make a significant rookie contribution as a dime defender or injury fill in.
The Blogging The Boys community goes much further than just the front page writers. In this instance, one of our community members did great work comapring the metrics from the Scouting Combine against top corner Darrell Revis; setting benchmarks in key categories to evaluate whether the prospects hold elite athleticism. In Cornerback Help Round By Round, Specific gave us a three names to watch for based on excellence in 40 yard dash time, vertical jump, broad jump, 3 cone drill and 20 yard short shuttle.
Josh Robinson, Central Florida
Rated as a late 2nd, early 3rd round prospect, Robinson bested Darrell Revis in all five categories. Obviously this doesn't evaluate on-field performance, but he has all the physical tools you look for in a corner.
Jamell Fleming, Oklahoma
A 2nd-3rd round prospect, Fleming has decent speed and vertical, but excelled in the other three drills; besting Revis in the short shuttle. Fleming visited with Dallas for Dallas Day.
Coty Sensabaugh, Clemson
Rated as a 5th round prospect, the cousin of Dallas S Gerald was in close proximity of Revis' scores in all five categories, surpassing him in the 3 cone drill.
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