There are a number of Dallas Cowboys players who are prime breakout candidates for 2021. Yet, there are undoubtedly a handful of players who are flying under the radar now, but who could potentially put everyone on notice this fall. Here are my top candidates for under the radar Dallas Cowboys players, who have a chance to breakout this season.
REGGIE ROBINSON II, CB
Last year’s 4th round pick at cornerback out of Tulsa was forced to switch positions to safety and barely saw the field in 2020. This year, he has made the switch back to cornerback and has an opportunity at a fresh new start with Dan Quinn’s defensive coaching staff. Robinson excelled on special teams in college and that gives him an added advantage to make the Cowboys 53 man roster despite a ton of competition at cornerback. While special teams gives Robinson the best opportunity to make the team and succeed, if he does make the roster he has a chance to compete among a group of mostly young and inexperienced cornerbacks. A strong showing in camp or some injuries at cornerback could thrust Robinson into a significant role where he has an opportunity to shine.
TARREL BASHAM, EDGE
Tarrel Basham is another example of a bargain bin, reclamation project that has been the prototypical free agent signing by the Cowboys front office in recent years. Basham is 27 years old and coming off of 2 seasons as a solid contributor with the Jets. Basham was a player the Cowboys liked a lot in the 2017 draft and they hope that he can finally deliver on the lofty expectations from being a top 100 pick in that draft. Basham possesses the length that Dan Quinn covets in a defender and he promises to be a valuable addition purely due to his ability as a run defender. If Basham can also capture some of the pass rushing magic that earned him Mid-American Conference player of the year in his senior season at Ohio, than this under the radar offseason acquisition could prove to be a true break out player.
NAHSHON WRIGHT, CB
The Dallas Cowboys cornerback position is loaded with young, unproven players with opportunities to make a name for themselves. Second year sensation Trevon Diggs is a player that many fans expect will improve upon a rookie season that showed a ton of promise. Second round pick Kelvin Joseph out of Kentucky is another player that fans were really excited about following the 2021 NFL draft. One player that the majority of Cowboys fans were not excited about was third round pick Nahshon Wright from Oregon State. Wright was widely considered a reach at the end of round 3. What was even more frustrating for Cowboys fans was that highly touted defensive backs Elijah Molden and Ifeatu Melifonwu were drafted immediately after the Cowboys picked Wright. Despite perceptions, the unusually tall and slender Wright began to change a few minds after a strong showing in OTA’s while the 2nd round pick Joseph has struggled thus far. It would truly be a pleasant surprise for Cowboys fans if a guy who is considered a developmental player, flies under the radar, makes the roster, and contributes right away.
JOURDAN LEWIS, CB
I have planted my flag here and I may die alone on this hill, but enough with the metaphor’s, the “Ball Gawd” is my top candidate for the rare 5th year breakout. I was a big fan of Jourdan Lewis in college and I have always loved the attitude and swagger with which he plays. Unfortunately, as a slot corner in the NFL, he has struggled in coverage and has had a difficult time getting on the field. I do believe there is an opportunity for Lewis in Dan Quinn’s defense, and perhaps a move to free safety is in order for Lewis. I feel as though the Cowboys decided to extend Lewis for a reason and have a plan for him that is greater than just competing against Anthony Brown to earn the starting slot corner position. I could be dead wrong about Lewis…again, but he has flashed enough big plays over the past few years to keep me intrigued. Last season was a write off for Lewis coming off an injury and playing on a terrible defense. This year, 2021, is the year of the “Ball Gawd” and no one will see it coming but me.
*Photo by Joe Glorioso https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode
