After night one of the 2021 NFL Draft, Cowboys Nation seemed split on the results.
Dallas took Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons 12th overall, and while Parsons is a good prospect with excellent upside, fans were hoping the team could upgrade their depleted secondary in the first round.
But that’s why there’s more than one round.
With their second pick, the Cowboys selected Kentucky cornerback Kelvin Joseph, the player I’m most excited about seeing in the the Star this season. Formerly the second rated recruit out of Louisiana, Joseph only played a combined 20 games during his collegiate career. Joseph sat out the 2019 season as he transferred from LSU to Kentucky, but put together some impressive tape when on the field in 2020.
Joseph finished the 2020 season with five pass deflections and four interceptions, both leading his team. Joseph ultimately opted out of ahead of the regular season finale, and his head coach Mark Stoops had some choice words for him, saying he can’t have Joseph out there “just standing around.”
Cowboys 2nd RD pick Kelvin Joseph 😤
2nd most INTs in the SEC last season
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 30, 2021
“Maturity concerns” are constantly brought up during Joseph’s evaluation. And while there may be truth there, I have no insight into his personality. I’ll defer to the teams there, but I do think they played a part in him being a second round prospect.
On the field, Kelvin Joseph is an incredible talent. A first round talent if it weren’t for those off the field question marks. Joseph ran a 4.34 40 yard dash at his Pro Day, and is fluid in his movements on the field. Joseph has good hips, feet, and incredible ball skills. He’s aggressive when the balls in the air, something which has been lacking in Dallas for a long time.
Kelvin Joseph lacks experience, and will need to prove himself in an NFL locker room. But as a cornerback, he’s exactly what the Cowboys need on the boundary. Kelvin Joseph has a chance to be an awesome corner for the Cowboys, filling a desperate need.
