When the Dallas Cowboys lost Byron Jones to free agency, cornerback became a huge priority in the NFL Draft. After stealing CeeDee Lamb with the 17th pick in the first round to fill their need at slot receiver, the Cowboys got another gift from the heaven’s at 51 when they selected Trevon Diggs, a long and physical corner that some had projected to the Cowboys in the first round. The next day in the fourth round, the Cowboys would double-dip at corner and select Reggie Robinson, who adds the same size and length as the aforementioned Diggs and infuses new life into the Cowboys secondary.
Diggs has the ideal height, size, and length you want in a corner at 6’1 205 pounds to match up with bigger receivers. Uses his length to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage in press-man coverage. He has great discipline when it comes to reading the quarterback’s eyes and jumping routes. As a former wide receiver, he uses his ball skills to play routes like a receiver instead of a corner. He also returned kicks with decent success at Alabama. Look for Diggs to compete for a starting role in 2020.
Robinson displayed his athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine by recording a 36-inch vertical jump, an 11-foot broad jump, and running a 4.44 in the 40-yard dash, which allows him to keep up with quicker receivers. Much like Diggs, at 6’1 205 pounds, Robinson is big enough to handle big receivers. He has the versatility to play both press-man and zone coverage. Also, Robinson blocked four kicks during his days at Tulsa which give him value on special teams.
A big reason it was vital to get both of these young studs in the draft is the contract situation with a few of the current corners on the roster. Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis are both entering contract seasons and will be unrestricted free agents in 2021. Both men will be a part of the Cowboys rotation in the secondary in 2020, but with the additions of Diggs and Robinson, the Cowboys have set themselves up nicely in the event these two seek employment elsewhere.
Diggs and Robinson were both steals in the draft considering where they were drafted. Now, the Cowboys could very well have found their starting duo at corner for the foreseeable future.
