Cowboys Draft Target: TCU CB Jeff Gladney

In the coming weeks and months I will be breaking down potential prospects for the Dallas Cowboys to determine their strengths, weaknesses, and potential fit with the organization. Today, I want to take a look at a local prospect out of TCU who could be in play for the Cowboys in the first-round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

NAME: Jeff Gladney

POSITION: Cornerback

SCHOOL: TCU

CONFERENCE: Big 12

CLASS: RS Senior

JERSEY: No. 12

RECRUITMENT RATING: 3-star

HT: 6’0″

WT: 183

DOB: —

Highlights:

Pros:

Jeff Gladney reminds me of Green Bay Packers CB Jaire Alexander because of their similar size, speed/quickness, and skill set. And like Alexander, he has all the traits needed to become a No. 1 corner in the NFL.

Has lightning quick feet and loose hips. Has tremendous balance and body control when flipping his hips. Good click and close ability. Explosive when he plants and drives on the ball in both coverage and as a tackler. Ability to play aggressively due to his outstanding recovery speed. Love his competitiveness and football IQ

Physical player. Doesn’t get bullied by bigger bodied WRs. Has good ball skills and is aggressive at the catch point. Shows good route anticipation on film. Equally comfortable playing in zone or man coverage. Willing and able to mix it up in run support. Reliable tackler with solid hitting power for his size, but more of a wrap up tackler. Versatility to play outside or in the slot and on special teams as a gunner.

Cons:

Jeff Gladney is one of the more complete CBs in this year’s draft class and as such doesn’t have many weaknesses. It’s a little nitpicky, but he only has good not great length. Has good ball skills, but would like to see him turn more of his pass breakups (PBU’s) into interceptions. Could stand to get a little stronger because it would help him reroute WRs better. Panics at times with the ball in the air and can get a little grabby down the field.

Cowboys Fit:

With both Byron Jones and Anthony Brown potentially leaving via free agency and Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis entering the final year of the rookie contracts, Jeff Gladney’s fit with the Dallas Cowboys is pretty clear. He would immediately step in and quite possibly start from Day 1 if Byron Jones isn’t re-signed. At worst, he would provide much-needed depth and quite possibly challenge Awuzie for starting job.

Gladney’s ability to play inside and out could prove to be invaluable for the Dallas Cowboys defense. His special teams value as a potential gunner is an added bonus. There’s a lot to like about his game and what he can do for the Cowboys. Being a local prospect only helps his chances of wearing a star in his helmet in 2020 and for the foreseeable future. I’d have no problems if they drafted him with the 17th overall pick, although I’m sure others will disagree.

Pro Comparison: Desmond Trufant