FanPost

Training Camp Battles: Cornerbacks

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Less than 72 hours away from yet another Training Camp in Oxnard which means it is time to dive into yet another position battle. I started with the left guard battle but cornerback is just as wide open. The Cowboys need their cornerbacks to step up in 2014 especially with the amount of money they have invested in them. Between the top six corners currently on the roster the Cowboys have $21,936,342. That total is the highest in all of the NFL. They can ill-afford to have another season like 2013.

Brandon Carr

Carr is the one corner that is guaranteed a starting spot with this group. Jerry Jones didn’t pay him$50 million to play as the slot corner. Carr is the most seasoned of the group but he will need to step up his game in 2014. Hopefully this group will get some assistance from a completely revamped defensive line. According to Pro Football Focus Carr didn’t grade out so well. His worst grade of the season came against the Detroit Lions, which isn’t too surprising considering he was going up against Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford. The Lions love to sling the pigskin around. Carr’s score came in at an abysmal -5.4. His best game came against the Redskins just two weeks prior (+5). Overall he scored -0.3. His numbers were basically even in terms of pass coverage and run defense.

Orlando Scandrick

Scandrick would be my starter at the other available starter spot based on last season. When Mo Claiborne missed time with injury, Scandrick stepped in and didn’t look back. Scandrick will me making $3.6 million in 2014 which is a raise from last season. Scandrick has proved that he can be counted upon in pass coverage. According to PFF’s grades he was the best in terms of this group of cornerbacks with a score of 8.5. His run defense leaves something to be desired with a grade of -4.9. Overall he graded out at 3.4. His best game was against the Vikings (3.3) and his worst was against the Bears (-4.2).

Morris Claiborne

Claiborne has been a very frustrating player for most Cowboys fans. Jerry Jones jumped up in the 2012 NFL Draft to grab him at number six overall. He has been oft-injured and has underperformed for his first two seasons in the NFL. What is even more frustrating is the amount of money he commands. He signed a four year $16 million deal after being drafted and will make a total of $4.4 million this year. Claiborne only played in 10 games last season and received an overall grade of -5.9. That grade is by far the worst of the group. His pass coverage grade was -5.9 and -0.6 in run defense. His best game came against the Broncos (2.9) and his worst was against the Chargers (-3.8). The third year is hopefully the charge for the cornerback from Louisiana State.

B.W. Webb

Webb is heading into his second season out of William & Mary. As the fourth corner Webb wasn’t called on often. As far as a draft grade he wasn’t very highly regarded in my book but the Cowboys felt strongly enough about him that they drafted him in the 5th round. Webb graded in -1.0 in pass coverage and -0.9 in run defense. Webb’s best game was against the Vikings (0.3) and his worst against the Saints (-1.4). As indicated in my way too early 53 man roster predictions, I don’t see Webb making the squad in 2014.

Sterling Moore

Moore is among the fan favorites it would seem, well according to twitter anyway. With present company included, I really like the fact of having him aboard. Moore provides this position group with good depth. The local product was signed with the struggles of Webb and the injury to Claiborne. While Moore only played in three games in 2013 but it was mainly positive. His overall grade came in at 3.3 with his pass coverage graded at 2.7 and run defense at 0.6. Moore’s best game was against the Packers (3.1) and his worst came against the hated Redskins (-0.4). One should fully expect Moore to be tough to unseat as the team’s fourth corner.

The other corners competing for spots are rookies Terrance Mitchell (Oregon), Tyler Patmon (Oklahoma State) and Deshaun Phillips (Tarleton State). Since I personally didn’t scout any of the three here is what the NFL’s website had to say about them.

Mitchell

Wiry, smoother-than-sudden, off-man/cover-3 corner who upped his visibility as a junior by showing improved playmaking ability, which prompted a premature leap to the NFL. Could compete for a job as a No. 4, but lack of ideal explosiveness, top-end speed and bump-and-run ability limits his ceiling.

-Nolan Nawrocki

Patmon

Patmon is a cornerback who's flown under the radar in the scouting community but offers possibilities as a dime back at the next level if he plays well on special teams.

-draftinsider.net

Phillips

Raw, lean man cover corner with the quickness and explosive burst to warrant a look as a No. 4 or No. 5 cornerback. Was regularly assigned to the opponent's top receiver and did not have as many opportunities the last two seasons, when his interception production diminished.

-Nolan Nawrocki

At this point I will go with Carr, Scandrick, Claiborne, Moore and Mitchell as the five to make the team in 2014.

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