Cowboys may not dedicate roster spot to position they complain about
The combination of Jalen Thompson and Caleb Downs may make the slot CB spot on the Cowboys an unnecessary roster hole to fill
From the moment the Dallas Cowboys selected Caleb Downs No. 11 overall, the world knew the Ohio State safety would split time as the nickel cornerback. Downs thrived in this role in college, doing some his best work in the box as a do-it-all defensive back.
Downs is the early favorite to play slot cornerback on the nickel defense. As Dallas doesn’t have a true specialist at that inside position, they can easily move Downs into the spot on Day 1. But every team needs back-up options, and the Cowboys seem reluctant to use All-Pro outside cornerback DaRon Bland inside.
Shavon Revel, Cobie Durant and Devin Moore all profile better on the boundary. It's not until getting to Reddy Steward, five of six spots down the depth chart, does one find a capable slot cornerback on the roster. Steward, 5-foot-11, and 183 pounds, took 384 snaps in the slot for Dallas last season.
He showed resiliency and a wiliness to tackle in that role, but despite his best efforts, he yielded 352 yards receiving and graded out No. 99 in the NFL per PFF grades. Additionally, Steward’s presence on the roster could spell the end for players like Caelen Carson, Trikweze Bridges, or Corey Balletine, if for no other reason Steward can play the slot.