While it’s typical to see any Cowboys-related mock drafts selecting either Offensive Line or Wide Receiver for the 24th pick, ESPN Reporter Mike Tannenbaum surprised fans on Wednesday when he selected LSU Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. at Pick 24 in his latest Mock Draft.
According to Tannenbaum, Stingley Jr., a projected Top 10-15 player, slid to the Cowboys in this mock because of his injury history and inconsistent play but said the franchise could get a steal if he can play anywhere near his ceiling.
Now before fans go into a frenzy because of Tannenbaum’s pick, if the Cowboys were to land Stingley Jr., he could help solve their cornerback woes and elevate their DB Room significantly.
Why Cowboys should pull the trigger on Stingley Jr.
In Tannenbaum’s scenario, I feel like it makes sense for the Cowboys to pull the trigger on this pick because you’re taking a chance on a player who has shown shades to be an elite, lock-down corner.
If you’re able to pair Stingley Jr. with Trevon Diggs, it would give the franchise a dynamic Cornerback duo that could lock down the backend for years, but also be one of the most athletically gifted in the league.
I understand fans that feel the Cowboy’s defensive back room isn’t a need to address early in the draft, but I feel like it would be too hard to pass up the potential of snagging a cornerback who has drawn comparisons of Stephon Gilmore and Marshon Lattimore.
With that in mind, Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones has already alluded that the franchise is likely selecting an offensive line prospect early but added that if a Lamb or Parsons is there, you could see them going after the best player available.
The Cowboys have shown to take risks on players who have had red flags around them in the past, so I wouldn’t knock them if they wanted to make a splash with the selection of Stingley Jr.
Yes, the franchise may have drafted Cornerbacks Kelvin Joseph and Nahshon Wright last year, but you can never have too many talented defensive backs on your roster. He will only push those guys ahead of him to elevate their game and based on his potential, he could come in and take starting Cornerback Anthony Brown’s job away from him.
For those who don’t remember, Brown was a rumored cap causality during this offseason, so the selection of Stingley Jr. could make things easier for the franchise to move on from him.
