The biggest question mark when it came to the Dallas Cowboys 2021 draft class was the selection of Cornerback Nahshon Wright with the 99th pick in the third round. Most evaluators had him as an undrafted free agent, but as we’ve seen many times in the past, players prove experts wrong every season.
Wright didn’t waste any time turning heads as he hit the ground running in OTAs and minicamp by breaking up passes and snagging interceptions. However, training camp, especially for rookies trying to earn significant snaps, is the time to make the biggest impression on the coaching staff. The former Oregon State Beaver did just that on the first day of training camp practice.
Two plays, in particular, stood out for the third-rounder on Thursday. The first came against undrafted free-agent wide receiver Brennan Eagles. Wright does a great job in press coverage staying with Eagles stride for stride, recognizes the comeback route, and nearly makes an interception.
View from the sideline:Rookie cornerback Nahshon Wright with a nice pass breakup during his first @dallascowboys Training Camp practice. He and -Trevon Diggs have looked good today. #CowboysNation pic.twitter.com/HTwGohPE12
— KristiCowboySideline (@KristiCowboy) July 22, 2021
The next play shows exactly why Wright’s height at 6’4 and length caught the eye of the Cowboys during the draft process. He makes a great break on a zone read look and high points a pass intended for Malik Turner by Dak Prescott, showing good closing speed on the play.
Rookie CB Nahshon Wright with the pass breakup pic.twitter.com/kl0BogdXI4
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 22, 2021
Although it was just the first day of training camp practice, Wright has continued his momentum from the offseason program as he looks to challenge for the starting spot opposite Trevon Diggs. Last month, ESPN’s Todd Archer labeled Wright as the Cowboy’s biggest surprise during minicamp.
“Wright was something of a surprise pick in the third round, but his size (6-foot-4, 183 pounds) made him a perfect match for what coordinator Dan Quinn wants in a cornerback. Through the rookie minicamp and into the organized team activities and mandatory minicamp, Wright has been around the ball a ton. He had multiple interceptions and a handful of pass breakups. It hasn’t always been clean and he has a long way to go, but the Cowboys might have hit on a less-than-known pick”
Wright made headlines immediately following hearing his name called on draft day by proclaiming himself to be a more athletic, agile Richard Sherman. While he has a long way to go to elevate his game to that level, it can’t be denied how fluid and rangy he looks early.
Just two days after signing his rookie deal, Wright keeps putting his name at the forefront of the competition for CB2 duties.
