The Dallas Cowboys found a diamond in the rough at safety in Donovan Wilson who shined last season after an ankle injury derailed his rookie campaign in 2019. However, with Xavier Woods set to be an unrestricted free agent, and doubtful to return, the Cowboys once again need safety help.
Players such as TCU’s Trevon Moehrig and UCF’s Richie Grant have been mentioned as possible safety targets for America’s Team in April. However, Cowboys Vice President of Player Personnel Will McClay, College Scouting Coordinator Chris Hall, and Pro Scout Sam Garza were all in attendance at Texas’s Pro Day to evaluate another safety prospect, Caden Sterns.
Sterns draft profile via Longhorns Wire
With the absence of the NFL Combine due to the coronavirus pandemic, college pro days have taken on more importance, and Sterns had a very good showing at his. He ran a blazing 4.40 in the 40-yard dash, recorded an impressive 42-inch vertical, and measured 10’8″ in the broad jump.
Sterns had an amazing start to his collegiate career in 2018. He recorded 62 tackles, four interceptions, four pass breakups, and a sack while garnering Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-Big 12 honors. Unfortunately, he suffered a knee injury in the Big 12 Championship Game against Oklahoma that ended his season and forced him to miss the Longhorns win in the Sugar Bowl over Georgia.
His sophomore campaign saw him miss four games with ankle and knee injuries but still had a solid showing with 59 tackles and a sack. In 2020, Sterns decided to opt-out after seven games to prepare for the NFL draft. However, he registered 52 tackles, three pass breakups, and an interception.
#7 S Caden Sterns is a fun prospect. He’s impressive physically & he’s proven to be versatile in his coverage & run def.
• 6’1” 210lb
• ball skills evident in ‘18
• trusts his keys when coming downhill
• instincts are there, needs to trust them more
• aggressive in coverage pic.twitter.com/mzAN0JwyIS— Connor Livesay (@ConnorNFLDraft) January 15, 2021
Although injuries and a slight regression in play may have hurt his draft stock after a stellar freshman season, Sterns doesn’t lack confidence in his ability on the next level, as he expressed to reporters at his pro day.
“I prose you, I’ll be the steal of the NFL Draft,” Sterns said.
Texas Pro Day DB Drills 🤘@CSterns_7 @CBXV_ pic.twitter.com/CESfGoTgaQ
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) March 12, 2021
Stern’s ball skills and instincts are very good. Also, his ability to play in the slot, as well as deep zone as a free safety, could be a fit in Dan Quinn’s Cover1/Cover 3 defensive scheme.
