It's felt like an offseason of one step forward and two steps back for the Dallas Cowboys.
So much time has been spent talking about whether or not Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb will sign extensions past the 2024 season, and the same can be said about future extensions for Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.
Not only that, but the Cowboys lost defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to the rival Washington Commanders, and multiple players followed Quinn to Washington.
Now, star cornerback DaRon Bland will mis an extensive amount of time due to a stress fracture in his foot. However, the Cowboys have in-house help ready to step in.
Rookie cornerback Caelen Carson was drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Wake Forest and has been impressive throughout training camp and the preseason. He allowed just 6.4 yards per reception in Dallas' three preseason games, posted six tackles and a 71 coverage grade, per PFF.
The rookie also doesn't lack confidence. Speaking with him ahead of the draft, Carson pointed out he didn't have a truly bad game in college.
"I mean this in the most humble of ways, so I don’t wan anyone to take this wrong,” Carson said. “Dontayvion Wicks was the toughest matchup I had, and that was my sophomore year. He probably got the best of me in the first half, and in the second half I bounced back. I don’t have a game where I struggled from start to finish, and I don’t think many cornerbacks can say that.”
Carson added that you can't find a piece of tape that shows him getting beat over the top.
"If you go look at the tape, try to find a catch on a fade or a vertical that I gave up," Carson said. "I can’t name one. And when you watch the tape, take away the different factors like height and build- who’s been consistent? That’s what the name of the game is. And I’m not speaking on anyone, but it’s easy to pop off and have a good year. It’s about consistency.”
While no one expects Carson to step in and immediately become DaRon Bland, the rookie is incredibly confident in his abilities and is ready for the moment and the opportunity before him.
