The Dallas Cowboys have added secondary support with Wake Forest CB Caelen Carson.
He was my personal best player available at 61st on my board and my 8th overall cornerback in the draft.
For the Cowboys, this is another big value pick as they had with EDGE Marshawn Kneeland and OL Cooper Beebe.
With this pick, Dallas has now picked two offensive players and three defensive players.
Some might be surprised that the Cowboys lost so much on offense during this off-season and they are still prioritizing defense, not running back or wide receiver.
There is no question on whose influence brought this pick to fruition, however.
That would be Cowboys coach, Al Harris.
Carson is a perfect fit in his defense and brings all the traits that Harris loves in cornerbacks.
In 2023, Carson led the Demon Deacons’ defense with 8 pass breakups and 42 tackles, and if you know anything about the Cowboys’ secondary, they prioritize ball skills and physicality.
Caelen Carson’s a baller. Led Wake with 8 PBUs last season: Can really cover https://t.co/bEgFEC2WUR pic.twitter.com/SyNWVEIbPV
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 27, 2024
He is a fantastic tackler, which could earn him early playing time both on defense and on special teams.
The reason I had Carson so high on my draft board was because of this physicality.
Scrappy cornerbacks succeed in the NFL when they have a coach in the building who can mold the rest of their game.
Carson has that with Harris and the new Defensive Coordinator, Mike Zimmer.
What About Running Back?
“Why are they not drafting a running back” will be the main question from fans after this pick.
I’m right there with you in terms of needing a young, explosive running back.
However, running back could not be the pick here because of how the board fell for Dallas after they refused to trade up.
All of the top running backs for the 4th and 5th rounds were gone before this pick, leaving them with a choice.
Take the best player available, or reach far down the board for a running back.
Carson was their choice, and he was the best player available.
As we look into the future, the Cowboys could absolutely still take a running back, but it will probably be in the later rounds or in the UDFA period.
Dallas is expected to bring back veteran, Ezekiel Elliott, which will also give them a boost.
Cowboys have yet to draft a running back. Team owner Jerry Jones on free agent Ezekiel Elliott, who the team looks to sign after the draft: “He’s good enough to be a starter.”
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) April 27, 2024
In terms of this pick, we can’t let the need for a back overshadow the talent they have in Carson with this pick.
He is a great value pick, fits a depth need, and could really blossom into a starter in Dallas.
I’m with you on the value being there. This CB class is very deep, and this guy bring a lot to the table. Good size, pretty good speed, elite foot work, instincts, etc. Was looking for a RB as IMO more of a need, but good pick outside of that.
I guess they will go to “3rd tier” RB. But still some good prospects available. Maybe they can snag a Kendall Milton, who would be a good value this late, or a Dillon Johnson. Two hammers who could wear down and close out opponents late in games.
Carson is a Mike Zimmer type CB in that he isn’t afraid to stick his nose in there and tackle. If Zim lasts into 2025, Carson will likely replace Jourdan Lewis as the slot CB and the most likely to have to take on RB’s close to the LOS. That is, unless Eric Scott suddenly comes to life in year two.