Who is Dallas Cowboy draft pick Caelen Carson, comparisons, college records

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The Dallas Cowboys rounded up round five of their NFL Draft when they selected Caelen Carson to supplement their defense.

Mike Zimmer has a new tool to integrate into his unit, read all about the rookie’s profile right here.

Position

Jerry Jones finally targeted their secondary and added cornerback Caelen Carson to the roster.

Uncertainty surrounds the future for veteran Stephon Gilmore in free agency and Trevon Diggs is rehabilitating from a terrible ACL tear in 2023.

Therefore, Carson’s addition at cornerback provides depth to the defensive back room in 2024.

Draft pick number

The Cowboys chose the rookie out of Wake Forest with their compensatory round-five pick at #174 overall.

Combine results

Overall, the NFL ranked Carson as the 9^th best cornerback in his class with a collective Combine score of 74.

His production overshadowed his athleticism, scoring 73 and 71 respectively.

Furthermore, Carson produced a 4.53 40-yard dash time with a 1.54 10-yard split.

Comparisons

The Cowboys’ new defensive back was compared to Kristian Fulton by Lance Zierlein in his scouting profile.

Fulton started his career drafted by the Tennessee Titans and suffered a spell riddled with nagging injuries, especially the hamstring.

After his rookie contract expired this offseason, Fulton signed with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Overall, the 25-year-old has NFL career statistics registering 150 tackles, 1.0 sacks, one forced fumble and recovery, and 25 pass deflections alongside four interceptions.

Strengths

Carson has a good size and frame standing at six-foot which is perfect for playing in the slot and on the line.

He gets physical from the line of scrimmage which helps him control the wide receiver, aiding his man coverage.

On tape, he demonstrated an aggressive playing personality with a careful balance of violence and physicality, in coverage and the run game.

Moreover, he boats quick feet which is important in mirroring his opponent to stay close and not allow gaps to appear.

College record

Carson has shown consistency throughout his college career, with obvious improvement every year.

In his freshman season at Wake Forest, he recorded 25 tackles, 1 interception, 4 PBUs, and a blocked kick on special teams.

Then in 2021, he played in nine games totaling eight starts but missed the remainder of the season with an injury. Nonetheless, he notched up 31 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 7 PBUs.

Another season ended in injury struggles the following year, managing 22 tackles, 7 PBUs, and a TFL off eight starts.

Carson saved his best season to last in 2023 and led the team in 8 PBUs. He started 11 games but missed the season finale due to another injury.

In his final college year, he hit a career-high 42 tackles, another TFL, and forced a fumble.

Prospects/predictions

Carson’s injury record is far from the prettiest, getting injured all seasons bar his freshman year, but the Cowboys will have known this and can protect him.

There remains one spot open at CB with Diggs starting and Bland getting the nod at nickel back.

Jourdan Lewis could move to cornerback, or Eric Scott Jr. and Carson may battle out in training camp for the spot.

Carson’s reps will be monitored carefully and he will have a part to play on special teams.