Countless times over the years, NFL coaches have taken players out of their normal positions on the field.
More often than not, this strategy is used as a last resort before deciding to move on from the player due to poor performance at their original position.
The Dallas Cowboys have shown to be successful in this practice a handful of times over recent years.
Players like CB/S Byron Jones and DL Tyrone Crawford immediately come to mind.
Early reports at OTA's (Offseason Team Activities) indicate they are about to try again, and with more than one player.
Kelvin Joseph
As reported by Cowboys' beat writer Michael Gehlken, Kelvin Joseph spent some time in OTAs as the fifth defensive back in the Big Nickel package that is considered the base of Dan Quinn's defense.
In a Nickel package, the defense deploys five defensive backs into the formation, and is usually comprised of three cornerbacks and two safeties.
In DQ's Big Nickel, that formation is inverted. It instead features a third safety as the fifth defensive back, as opposed to a third cornerback.
2022 Impact
Entering his third season out of the University of Kentucky, it appears that Joseph's progress at the cornerback position has not been what was desired after he was taken with the 44th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
His lack of playing time on defense as a rookie is understandable. In 2022, however, he saw his defensive snap percentage drop from 24% to 15%.
Joseph's role shifted instead to special teams, where he played 70% of the snaps at a high level. He and CJ Goodwin were considered one of the best special teams tandems in all of football.
The only real defensive exposure Joseph received was when he was forced into action in a game versus Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars in Jacksonville.
In a complete defensive breakdown, the Cowboys surrendered a 27-10 third quarter lead, eventually losing in overtime 40-34.
Football is a team effort, but Kelvin Joseph deservedly garnered much of the blame for that second half breakdown. Forced into action due to injury, Joseph entered midway through the third quarter in place of Anthony Brown at left outside cornerback.
It wasn't pretty, and Dan Quinn immediately regretted his decision. Trevor Lawrence identified the weak link in the secondary, and the air raid was on.
Joseph was targeted three times, and gave up two completions for 69 yards. Both completions went for touchdowns on consecutive drives by the Jaguars to bring the game within three points.
Possible 2023 Impact
Bringing it into 2023, the move to safety is likely to be able to get him to contribute on defense in some capacity.
Trevon Diggs is locked in as the Cowboys' #1 cornerback. The addition of Stephon Gilmore, along with the emergence of DaRon Bland and the return of Jourdan Lewis from injury doesn't leave much room for Joseph to get in on defense as a cornerback.
The safety room features a big three of Jayron Kearse, Donovan Wilson, and Malik Hooker. Beyond that, there are no players of note.
Joseph, who was a 4-star recruit at safety coming of out high school, is no stranger to the position. He has the skill to step in for Malik Hooker in a single high safety look, or can drop down into the box to cover tight ends.
It's still early in the offseason, but Joseph can carve out a role in the defense at safety if given the opportunity.
Terence Steele
Terence Steele has been the poster child for starting from the bottom and making something of himself in the NFL.
As an undrafted free agent in 2020, Steele earned a starting role at right tackle in his rookie season. He hasn't looked back, starting 40 games at tackle in his first three seasons.
2022 Impact
Steele was playing the best he ever has in 2022 before a torn ACL in Week 13 derailed what could have been a Pro-Bowl season at right tackle.
His loss was immediately felt. Especially in the rushing attack. Stepping in for Steele was perennial All-Pro Tyron Smith, but not even he could fill his role.
The fact that future Hall of Fame LT Tyron Smith couldn't measure up to how well Steele was playing goes to show just how big of an impact he has on the offense.
Possible 2023 Impact
Despite how well Steele has played over the past three seasons at right tackle, reports show Cowboys' coaches seem to be toying with the idea of him returning to play left guard in 2023.
The idea behind this possible move has to be driven by the “best five” mantra. It essentially means the Cowboys are trying to field the best five offensive linemen on the field, even if it means playing a couple of players out of position.
There are only two players across the line who look cemented into the position they are currently playing: C Tyler Biadasz and RG Zack Martin. The rest seem to be a toss up.
If the Cowboys decide to leave second year man Tyler Smith at left tackle, it creates an AT&T Stadium size hole between Smith and Biadasz after the free agent departure of Connor McGovern.
The leading men to take that role are the recently signed Chuma Edoga and interior swing lineman Matt Farniok. The Cowboys chose to throw Steele into that mix as well.
I don't doubt Steele's ability to adjust to whatever the team needs him to do, but if left up to me, I would insert him back at right tackle where he has played so well.
It's still very early in the offseason. This could all be just an initial experiment to test the waters, with both players returning to their original spots. Only time will tell.
